August 30, 2024

Passage Read: John 7-8
Meditation Verse: 7:7

Thought

The world doesn't hate those who fit in with them, who follow in its ways. It hates those who call out its sins. The world didn't hate Jesus's brothers because they didn't point out the sins of those around them; instead, they were one with the world, doing what everyone else did and believing what everyone else thought was right and wrong. But Jesus pointed out the sins of the people, and called them to repent, so the world hated Him. The same is true for us: The world cannot hate those who follow in its ways, who don't rock the boat. But it will hate those who testify that the deeds the world does are evil.

Application

This happens again and again: When someone comes along and testifies about another person's deeds, that their deeds are evil, that person will more often than not be offended and hate the one who calls out their deeds. It is natural for all of us to hate it when someone points out our sin. But those whom God has called, those who listen to the Lord, they may smart at the rebuke, but they will accept it. Unbelievers will simply grow in hatred for the one who calls them to repentance. This is why it is hard to call out anyone's sin, because we know it makes enemies. So we believe the lie that we should just turn a blind eye to sin and hope God deals with the person. We protect ourselves and leave others without a testimony. I need more courage to speak up when sin is apparent, to testify against it as graciously as possible, but accept that in so doing I reveal the heart of the one called out, whether they are from God or not. And if not, to accept the wrath I incur.