Hate

Jesus has just spoken of the importance of love. Followers of Jesus will love because they are loved. Now he speaks of the reality of hate. So often, we in the church try to find ways to make Christ and Christianity acceptable to the world. But Jesus is clear. When people are confronted with the true Christ and true Gospel they will either see the beauty of Christ or they will hate Christ. And, if they hate Christ, they will also hate His representatives. So, Jesus also warns us that discipleship will be costly. To abide in the vine means that the world will hate our values, views, and message. Persecution will be a reality; but, we will never face opposition alone.