Embrace the Hate with Grace: Turning Haters into Believers
The most rewarding compliment I've ever received came from one of my biggest haters. Let's call him Earl. Earl approached me and apologized, explaining that he had thought I was fake. He shared that he'd been following me on social media for a few years and just knew that who I presented myself to be online wasn't who I really was.
Earl explained how watching my social media feeds became a daily routine for him as he eagerly waited for the "real" me to show up. After running into me at basketball games and watching a few of my training sessions, Earl conceded that who I was on social media was indeed who I was in real life. He admitted that while he only engaged with me to prove I was fake, he ended up being impacted by me and my passionate relationship with God.
After apologizing, Earl shook my hand and expressed his respect for the man I was and the life I was living. I want to be clear: I am not a perfect man, but I am an authentic man striving to honor God with my life, which is why Earl's compliment was the most rewarding I had ever received!
After reconciling this moment with God, He revealed to me that sometimes, the only way a hater will see who God is, is through the intensity with which they observe those they hate on. This is explained in 1 Peter 2:12: "Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives."
Since that's the case, I'm challenging us all to embrace the hate while remaining unbothered by it, knowing it's an opportunity to be used by God to win them over for Him. What an honor!
1 peter 2:12 Live an exemplary life in your neighborhood so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.
1 Peter 2:12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.
Prayer for Dealing with Your Haters
Lord, I am honored to be used by You! Winning for You is the most important win I could ever be a part of, and if I have to be hated on for someone to be won over to Your side, sign me up! I know that You have provided me the strength to not only endure the hate but also be unbothered by it as well. Allow me to see past the hate of others and see them as Your child, Your wonderful and one-of-a-kind masterpiece. I will not allow their hate to disrupt my peace as I know that I am covered with Your peace, protection, and favor. Amen.