John 15:21-27
"They are going to do all these things to you because of the way they treated me, because they don't know the One who sent me. If I hadn't come and told them all this in plain language, it wouldn't be so bad. As it is, they have no excuse. Hate me, hate my Father—it's all the same. If I hadn't done what I have done among them, works no one has ever done, they wouldn't be to blame. But they saw the God-signs and hated anyway, both me and my Father. Interesting—they have verified the truth of their own Scriptures where it is written, 'They hated me for no good reason.'
"When the Friend I plan to send you from the Father comes—the Spirit of Truth issuing from the Father—he will confirm everything about me. You, too, from your side must give your confirming evidence, since you are in this with me from the start."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Everyone makes an occasional honest mistake. The facts are not clear, and misunderstandings occur… and all involved are able to recover and move forward. You think you recognize someone in the store, only to say “Hello” and realize this is not who you thought it was. Or you hear that someone is ill or injured… then learn that you were misinformed when you express concern or get-well wishes to that person. A temporary, slight embarrassment may occur, but no lasting harm is incurred.
On the other hand, when you run a red light, you know you shouldn’t. Before you get a driver’s license, you learn about traffic lights… you are told that “red means STOP!” So when you choose to move forward on a red light, you have no excuse for the violation… or any collision that may result.
Maya Angelou has a saying… “When you know better, you do better.” Unfortunately, we fail to do better quite often. We know that God has called us to love one another. We read in this passage that to hate or mistreat others is to hate or mistreat God. Yet we gossip, discriminate, inflict pain and abuse, and show disrespect… and we do it often.
The worst part is… we often do this and claim the name of Jesus in the process. Think political and social issues in which many claim to act out of their “Christian faith” – but in the most un-Christian manner. These include such behaviors as ugly protests and hurtful words, open disdain for people who do not meet their personal standards, public taunting – and yes, acts of hatred. We know better… but we certainly don’t do better!
From time to time, we all need to be reminded that what we do to others is a direct reflection of how we are treating God. The next time you start to lash out at someone or something… when you open your mouth to share a tidbit of “juicy” gossip…when you feel the urge to give in to temptation… think of your Heavenly Father. Picture yourself doing these things to Him. Envision Him standing alongside you and see if you can still bring yourself to participate. “Hate me, hate my Father—it's all the same.” Hate or hurt your brother…hate or hurt God - this is all the same, as well.
We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us with these challenges. All we have to do is call on Him to fill our heart and help us discern the truth. He will help us to not only know better… but do better. Ask Him to guide your thoughts and actions. Enlist His help in behaving in a manner that glorifies God and honors His presence in your life. Operate in God’s truth and love… and confirm His promises to all who cross your path.
©2012 Debbie Robus
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