Yellow: Direct Response
Light Yellow: Additional Response
Celeste: Additional Points
“Blessed are you when [...] people hate you” (LUKE 6:22).
1. What surprising words did Jesus say?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “Blessed are you when people hate you” (Luke 6:22). Those who heard him must have been amazed. After all, nobody likes being hated. So why did Jesus say those words? The answer to this question is of interest to all Christians, since many people hate us. In this article, we'll explore why people hate us and why we can be happy despite it.
WHY DO PEOPLE HATE US?
2, 3. (a) What is one reason why true Christians are persecuted? (John 16:2, 3) (b) What effect does knowing this have on how we view our opposers?
2 People hate us because we worship Jehovah. Speaking of those who would persecute and even kill some of his followers, Jesus said: “They have not come to know either the Father or me” (read John 16:2, 3). Who is behind all the hatred toward God’s people? Satan, “the god of this system” (2 Cor. 4:3, 4). He blinds people’s minds so they cannot learn the truth about Jehovah and influences them to turn against those who know and love God. (John 8:42-44). What effect does knowing this have on how we view our opponents? Understanding that they have been deceived by Satan helps us not to hate them.
3 Consider the example of Pavel, who lives in a country where our work is banned. Because he continued to faithfully worship Jehovah, he was arrested, brutally beaten, and placed in solitary confinement for months. Now he explains: “I am very clear that the ones responsible for the persecution are Satan and his demons, who never rest in their fight against pure worship. From what I have seen, most of the people who work in the prisons have nothing against the Witnesses; they are simply doing their job.” And a brother in Croatia who suffered fierce opposition from his parents says: “I have realized that my real enemy is Satan, not my parents.” (Eph. 6:12)
4. What do the examples of Jesus and Stephen teach us? (See also the image).
4 We Christians do not hate those who persecute us. In fact, we pray for them. (Matt. 5:44) Let us consider the examples of Jesus and the disciple Stephen. After the Roman soldiers nailed Jesus to the stake, he prayed: “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). He was asking Jehovah to forgive those soldiers, who were carrying out the order to execute him. He was probably also thinking of the crowd that, influenced by his religious enemies, had been clamoring for his death.He understood that those people didn't really know what they were doing. Similarly, Stephen asked God to forgive those who were stoning him. (Acts 7:58-60). Did Jehovah answer the prayers of Jesus and Stephen? Yes. Many of those who participated in the trial and execution of Jesus later repented, put their faith in him, and were baptized. (Hebrews 2:36-41). And at least one of the people who supported Stephen's execution—Saul of Tarsus—became a Christian and deeply regretted the terrible things he had done because of his ignorance. (1 Tim. 1:13).
ILLUSTRATION
A brother with bruises on his face prays in his prison cell while a guard watches over him.
Just as Jesus and the disciple Stephen did, we can pray for those who persecute us. (See paragraph 4.)
5. What do you learn from Cesar's experience?
5 Today, Jehovah also answers us when we pray to him for those who persecute us. Let's consider the experience of César, who lives in Venezuela. His father was very opposed to the truth. César relates: “My mother did her best to be a good wife and mother. Although she always put the Kingdom first, she never neglected my father. She taught my siblings and me to respect and obey him unless he asked us to do something that went against Jehovah’s will.” Over the years, his father changed. César says: “One day I offered a heartfelt prayer to Jehovah, and afterward I asked Dad if he wanted to study the Bible with me. I can't express how happy I was when he said yes.” Eventually, his father got baptized. Of course, not everyone who opposes the truth makes those changes, but some do soften their attitude thanks to our good behavior and our respectful way of speaking. And how happy that makes us! We pray that Jehovah, the merciful “Judge of all the earth,” will help you to draw close to him (Gen. 18:25).
6. According to Mark 13:13, what is another reason why people hate us?
6 People hate us because we support Jesus. On one occasion, Jesus told his disciples: “All people will hate you because of my name” (read Mark 13:13). What does the “name” of Jesus represent? His reputation and authority as King of the Kingdom of God. True Christians suffer the hatred of those who trust in human leaders and not in the ruler chosen by Jehovah. Jesus Christ began to reign in 1914, and he will soon eliminate all rulers who have rejected his authority.
7, 8. Why are some of Jehovah’s servants ridiculed? (John 15:18-20; see also the pictures.)
7 People hate us because we reject Satan's world. Jesus explained that people would hate his followers because they are “no part of the world.” (it’s John 15:18-20). Like the Christians of the first century, we reject the way of thinking, acting, and speaking of this world. For this reason, many of our brothers and sisters are ridiculed at work or at school. (1 Pet. 4:3, 4). Now, some people eventually change their attitude and come to respect us, and that makes us very happy.
8 Let's look at what happened to a brother from Central America named Ignacio. One of his school teachers mocked him for years because of his high moral standards. However, before he graduated, his teacher asked him how he managed to live according to Bible principles when so many people ridiculed him. Ignatius replied that for him, God's standards were a protection, and he invited the teacher to a meeting. To his surprise, the teacher went to the Kingdom Hall. He was so impressed by the congregation's affection that he continued attending. In time, he began to study the Bible and also faced opposition. But he continued to progress and was baptized.
ILLUSTRATION
Ignacio's school scene: 1. Ignacio sits, looking respectfully and calmly at his teacher, while the teacher mocks him in front of the other students. 2. Then, the teacher listens attentively to what Ignacio says.
Regardless of our age, we can all be courageous and stand up for our faith. (See paragraph 8).
9, 10. a) For what other reason are we different from Satan's world? b) What do we learn from the example of the apostle Paul?
9 Another reason why we differ from Satan's world is that we are neutral in everything related to politics and wars. (John 18:36). In accordance with the command at Romans 13:1, we obey the laws of the land. However, since we are neutral in political matters, we do not run for political office or vote for anyone. We are loyal to Jehovah and his Kingdom, ruled by Christ. Many Witnesses have been imprisoned for their faith, yet they continue preaching. They imitate the example of the apostle Paul, who continued preaching during his years under house arrest and in prison. (Neh. 24:27; 28:16, 30). He shared the good news with anyone who would listen, including prison guards, court employees, governors, kings, and perhaps even officials of the Roman Emperor Nero. (Neh. 9:15).
10 Likewise, our imprisoned brothers preach to all who will listen, including judges, government officials, and guards. A brother who spent more than six years in prison for his neutrality said he did not consider that time a punishment, but an opportunity given to him by Jehovah to find kind-hearted people. If Jehovah uses us to share the good news with those people, we can feel very happy. (Col. 4:3). Now, that's not the only reason we have to feel happy even though people hate us for serving God. Let's look at some more.
WHY WE CAN BE HAPPY WHEN THEY HATE US
11. Why is our faith strengthened by suffering persecution? Give an example.
11 We see that what the Bible foretold is being fulfilled. In the first prophecy we find in the Bible, Jehovah foretold that Satan and his symbolic offspring—that is, those who support him—would hate those who love and serve Jehovah. (Gen. 3:15). Furthermore, Jesus spoke on many occasions about the hatred that God's servants would suffer, as seen in the four Gospels (Matt. 10:22; Mark 13:9-12; Luke 6:22, 23; John 15:20). And other biblical writers also addressed this same theme (2 Tim. 3:12; James 1:2; 1 Pet. 4:12-14; Jude 3, 17-19). So it's no surprise that we're being persecuted. On the contrary, we rejoice to see the Bible's prophecy fulfilled, for it confirms that we serve the true God. A sister living in a country where our work is restricted explains: “When I dedicated myself to Jehovah, I knew that sooner or later I would face persecution. That is why trials do not frighten or surprise me.” One of the many people who turned against her was her husband, who mistreated her and burned her Bible and other publications. But she did not back down; instead, her faith grew stronger (Heb. 10:39). She says: “The persecution was foretold, so I knew it would come. Experiencing it firsthand convinced me that this is the true religion.”
12. What helped a brother endure persecution?
12 Although we know we will be persecuted, it may not be easy for us to endure. Speaking of his time in prison, a brother wrote: “Sometimes I felt very down and distressed, and all I did was cry.” What helped him endure? He said: “I prayed all the time. The first thing I did every morning was pray. During the day, whenever a difficulty arose, I would talk to Jehovah. And when I became indignant about the injustices I suffered, I would lock myself in the bathroom and pray.” Our brother also meditated on examples of Jehovah’s servants, both past and present, who remained loyal. This helped him to endure persecution and to experience the peace that Jesus promised his disciples. (Juan 14:27; 16:33).
13. What will help us overcome hatred?
13 Our love is stronger than hate. Until his last breath, Jesus loved his Father with all his heart. And he also loved his friends (John 13:1; 15:13). If we develop that kind of love, both for Jehovah and for our brothers, we too will be able to overcome hatred. Let's analyze this idea in detail with the example of the apostle Paul.
14. What helped Paul to be loyal when facing death?
14 Shortly before his execution, Paul wrote to his dear friend Timothy: “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7). What did he mean? Because of the deep love a Christian feels for Jehovah, he is willing to endure very difficult trials. (2 Tim. 1:8). Undoubtedly, Paul's love for Jehovah helped him to be courageous and loyal when facing death. (Neh. 20:22-24).
15. How are our brothers demonstrating that they feel a deep love for one another? (See also the picture.)
15 We have immense love for the brothers who remain loyal in the face of persecution. Many Christians willingly take risks for their brothers and sisters, just as Aquila and Priscilla risked their lives for Paul. (Rom. 16:3, 4). For example, in Russia many people go to the courts to encourage those who have been arrested. When a sister who had been arrested saw a large group of brothers in court, she became so emotional that for a long time she could not speak; she was literally speechless. The deep love of her spiritual family strengthened her just when she needed it most. Our love is stronger than hate, and that makes us very happy.
ILLUSTRATION
Two female police officers escort a sister towards a patrol car while a group of brothers applaud her.
Even where our work is prohibited or restricted, our brothers are demonstrating that they feel a deep love for one another. (See paragraph 15.)
16. Why did the apostle Peter say that those who suffer opposition for serving God can be happy? (1 Peter 4:14).
16 If we endure despite the hatred, we gain God's approval (Read 1 Peter 4:14). The apostle Peter said that if we suffer opposition for serving God, we can be happy. Why? Because that opposition proves that God's spirit rests upon us. Peter knew from his own experience what it is like to have Jehovah's approval and to endure persecution. Shortly after Pentecost in 33 AD, the temple police went to arrest Peter and other apostles because they were preaching. But Peter courageously defended his faith (Acts 5:24-29). Even though they were beaten afterward, he and the other apostles did not stop preaching. Rather, they rejoiced because “God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. ”We too can feel happy when we go through trials (Acts 5:40-42).
17. What did Jesus say to his disciples the night before his death?
17 The night before his death, Jesus told his disciples: “Whoever loves me, my Father will love, and I will love him.” (John 14:21). We long for the day when love will finally reign and no one will hate us for serving Jehovah (2 Thess. 1:6-8). In the meantime, let us remember the many reasons we have to be happy despite the hatred, and that will comfort us and give us strength.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why do people hate followers of Jesus?
People hate followers of Jesus because we worship Jehovah. Furthermore, Satan, “the god of this system,” blinds people’s minds so they cannot learn the truth about Jehovah and influences them to turn against those who do know and love God. Understanding that they have been deceived by Satan helps us not to hate them, but to feel compassion for them.
In what sense is our love stronger than hate?
Our love is stronger than hate in the sense that if we develop the same kind of love that Jesus expressed for both his Father and his friends, and we show that love for Jehovah and for our brothers, we too will be able to overcome hate.
Why can we be happy when we are hated?
We can be happy when we are hated because, in that way, we see the fulfillment of what the Bible foretold: that Satan and his symbolic offspring—that is, those who support him—would hate those who love and serve Jehovah. Therefore, we are not surprised that we are persecuted. On the contrary, we rejoice to see the fulfillment of what the Bible prophesied, for this confirms that we serve the true God.
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