…and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Surprisingly Love!
The story of Romeo and Juliet is surprising because their families had taught them to hate, but they chose love. The annoying story of that cat and dog who traveled together across America, even though dogs and cats are absolutely known to hate each other is surprising. A tale I recently read about German POW’s in Central Kansas who ended up marrying All-American loyal Americans is surprising.
Jesus declares that when we become different, as His followers, we will be hated. But do not despair. He encourages we hated folk to endure till the end, promising us His salvation.
That ‘endure’ word, though is tricky. By ‘endure’ Jesus does not mean, sullenly hunker down in your hate bunker. He does not mean swim in the pool of self-pity. He does not mean plan your revenge on the haters.
Jesus means, ‘keep on loving.’
His commandment to His people is ALWAYS to keep on loving. He summarizes the ten commandments with the word, “love.” He repeats His instructions repeatedly. He displays love throughout His live, death, and life… so that we will imitate Him.
And this love that He asks of us is surprising. Our world urges getting even. Our world urges protecting ourselves. Our world urges imitating hate, repeating hate, embracing hate. Since we were hated first.
But we were also loved, first.
And His love is greater than hate.
Fear not, then surprisingly love.