© 14 Colin Melbourne
For the sake of Christ
Q: How do I cope with being called names for being a Christian?
A: Treat them as medals and badges of honour that mark you out as a real believer.
If a Christian is not being abused, and called unpleasant names, by the world because of her stand for Christ, then she isn’t doing her duty.
The time to be worried is when the world loves and praises you as a Christian.
Why does the world hate Jesus?
Realise that the world hates Jesus and all His followers.
Christ explained to His (then still unsaved) disciples in Jn. 7:7 KJV;
The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
He said that sinners refuse to come to Him because they don’t want to be exposed as evil, Jn 3:20 KJV;
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
He later added that it is because we are different, like Him, Jn. 15:18-19 KJV;
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Par for the Course
Understand that it is perfectly normal for unrepentant sinners to abuse Christians, falsely accuse, and call them names.
It’s the sinner’s default setting, and we are perfectly prepared for it, and rejoice to receive it, Lk. 6:22-23 KJV;
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
So when you are insulted, and called an intolerant bigot for denouncing; sin, Catholicism, religion, and hypocrisy, it is because you are walking in the Light.
Stand firm, never compromise, and rejoice that great is your reward in Heaven.
But if you want the world to compliment, and applaud you, look out because you make yourself an enemy of Almighty God in doing so.
Full of God
Father wants you to be full of Himself, full of His Spirit, doing what Jesus did.
When you are Full of God, the world will hate you because they are full of the antiChrist spirit.
Accept that Bible fact, and enjoy the experience of representing God to a fallen world until He comes.
Remember, this is the last chance they get to repent.
Your lips the last to give them the Good News.
So let fiery-darts bounce off your shield; the insults are not aimed at you personally, but at the Spirit of God by whom you speak.
Leave room for God’s wrath, be redemptive, gracious and kind to mockers.
Father will deal with them for you. Be content that He will have the Final Word.
Testimonies of priests and nuns who renounced Catholicism to become real Christians. Compiled by Irish former Priest, Richard Bennett: 50 Testimonies of ex-Catholic priests
© 14 Colin Melbourne