“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16)
There are times when we must be willing to be deemed an enemy to one we love. Speaking the truth to someone who doesn’t want to hear it will not endear you to them. But if you truly love them you’ll tell them what they need to hear, like it or not.
None of God’s messengers ever won popularity contests. They were all despised and rejected of men. Their light exposed darkness, and where men love darkness they hate the light. Jesus knew why He was hated, and told His disciples that they also would be hated if they followed Him.
No disciple of Christ is above his Master. We must settle it once and for all – those inside and outside the church, who stubbornly cling to their sin, will hate us if we reprove them in any way. We will become enemy #1 in their sight.
Don’t be afraid of any man’s face or harsh words against you. Don’t be afraid of what they say behind your back. Regardless of the reaction you get, don’t be ashamed of the truth you speak. It is a badge of honor to be hated for Christ’s sake. If you are deemed a friend by the world you are of the world. (John 15:18-20)