Galatians 4:16 (NKJV)

‘Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?’

If you always want to be loved, you will never be a true follower of Christ; neither will you be His faithful servant. Those who always seek the approval and acceptance of men, will be unable to speak truth. Truth has a bell attached to it and it’s the bell of persecution. When you speak the truth, even those who used to be close to you will begin to despise and hate you. Your friends and family may actually begin to persecute you when you speak truth. Your church may disown you. Expect it.

For these reasons, many people fail as servants of Christ. If Christ be our example, then we must walk in His steps. He was hated and crucified not because He was an evil doer but because He spoke truth, and men don’t like the truth. The very people who had loved Paul so passionately and received him as an angel, were now seeing him as their enemy because he was confronting their new found love in the laws of men rather than the promises of freedom in Christ. But Paul kept preaching. And it cost him his life eventually. If heaven has opened your eyes to see truth, speak up and don’t be afraid. Speak with honesty. Speak with humility. Speak in love. Speak respectfully. But speak and don’t be silent and don’t be afraid of what they will think of you.

‘Lord, you said our enemies will be those from our households, those closest to us. I know the deepest hurt come from those who are supposed to be on your side. I know this Lord. Prepare my heart for the pain of rejection and persecution from my loved ones, when I must speak truth. Strengthen my heart never to shy away from speaking your truth. This I pray in Jesus name. Amen.’