One of the saddest things Jesus ever said was when he told his disciples that the world could not hate them. How ironic that later they made decisions and took stands which brought about their martyrdom. I wonder if I would do that.
I know I’ve been despised and disdained for something I have said or done because of Jesus and the gospel, but I’ve never been hated by anyone that I know personally. That is too bad, and is an indictment against the way I live for Christ.
The American christians I know are not hated either. They are nice and tolerant and friendly with the world. They are harmless. Jesus said that if the disciples went up to the feast it would not make any difference. In other words, they would not stir up a crowd, make anyone mad, get in anyone’s face, offend anyone, call anyone names like “sinner” or tell someone their lifestyle was “evil.”
If there is one command we all tend to obey is when Jesus told his disciples to be as harmless as doves. No one wants to kill a dove (unless it drops a missile on your head, I guess).
Something happened to the disciples between the time he said, “The world cannot hate you,” and the upside down crucifixion of Peter and the boiling oil John endured. What was it?
Maybe it was when the disciples discovered something to really live for that they were willing to lay down their lives. Do I want anyone to hate me? Even dislike me? Fail to notice how kind I am?
The world cannot hate us until we speak up and show people how far short they are falling of God’s glory and righteousness.
We show the world a sweet, cooing Jesus. Like a dove. But no one would kill a dove.
Lamar Howell's Weblog 
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