Read John 15:17-20
This is the 4th time in John that Jesus is commanding us to love one another. Have you ever met people that were so mean and hard that it made you wonder how even God could love them? I did until I read "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. That book helped me to see the sinners point of view. There is always a reason why a person is hard and hurts other: they have been abused and hurt and it is the only defense they know. But we carry the love of Jesus that can love them and break down the defenses and walls they have built around their heart. Underneath we will find that they are beautiful, and that's redemption!
Jesus goes on to tell us that the world is not going to like us because they didn't like him. In other words, you can't be a people pleaser and look like Jesus. It won't happen. Jesus chose us out of the world to be set apart for his glory. So since we are not greater than Jesus we will be persecuted just as he was. On the other hand, those that followed Jesus will follow us if we are leaders of righteousness.
Lord, help us to love as you love and go beyond ourselves. Help us to be leaders of righteousness.
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