Word-Filled Wednesday ~#117~ Feeling Hated?

Today, I'm sharing today's Facebook post from my DD#2. I couldn't have said it better myself . . . 

I thought while I have spare time [I would] share something other than a photo today. In your walk with Christ, have you noticed how your "friends" or family members don't talk to you as much as they used to? Especially when they see that you're taking your walk with Christ seriously. Yes, I am talking to you. I want to encourage my brothers and sisters that are starting to struggle with the realization that they are not popular anymore. At least, not with the old crowd that they used to hang out with. I used make myself feel guilty when "friends" would make me feel like a goody goody, Jesus freak, etc. I have even been told I read my own Bible too much. You are not alone when you choose to pick up your cross and follow Jesus. The world wants you to think you are. That's why we are persecuted and told to shut our mouths. But how do we differ and stand out for Christ if we blend in?! If we act like the world but profess to be Christians; we are not walking like Jesus if we live that life, ya'll. Jesus calls us to be outcasts; to love the ones the world just loves to hate. Why are you scared when the world hates you? Honestly, do want to be like it? I don't. Do not be afraid to stand out; have confidence and stand boldly! I am praying for you, whoever is reading this. Shine bright even when it's raining! I want to close this with John 15:18-27 and just let this sink in when you read it. God bless your day, ya'll.

18 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this, the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have known sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have known sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. 25 But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

26 “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me, 27 and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning."

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I hope you were as encouraged by that as I am.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><