No One Wants to be an Outcast
“All people will hate you because you follow Me, but those people who keep their faith until the end will be saved.”- Matthew 10:22
Being an outcast is not fun and can make someone feel rejected and unloved. As Christians, being an outcast in the world is a good thing because it shows we are true followers of Jesus. Jesus even warned us that people will mistreat and hate us if we are really following Him (Matthew 5:11-12). It will happen because God’s enemy, known as Satan, will do anything to hurt God’s people, even using the people we love and care about against us. Satan is now roaming the earth looking for people to hurt and to discourage (1 Peter 5:8).
Jesus is the one who truly loves outcasts of the world. He came to save outcasts who the world hates. He showed kindness, love and compassion to so many who were broken and slaves to sin (Matthew 9:35-36). Jesus was unlike the leading priests at that time who looked down on people who sinned and were unlike them. Jesus recognized this and humbled himself and ate with people like tax collectors who others looked down on (Mark 2:15-17). He cared about them by having compassion on them and healing them.
As Jesus as our example, we should do the same by showing love and compassion to everyone we meet because when we do, it can change a person’s heart and life. 1 Peter 4:8 says that “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Prayer of the day:
Dear heavenly Father,
You are the one who sent Jesus into the world to love people who others despise. When we feel rejected by people, You love us. That is a reason to turn to You most. You loved us when we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Without the love of Jesus, we will be alone and left to our sinful desires. It is only by Your grace that we are made right by You and can be part of Your family in heaven. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!
