Well, the simple answer is 9,243 that I am aware of. I know I am just being silly as it is probably more! As I was reflecting on today’s scripture readings, the Lord told Jeremiah to prophesy the exact words He would tell him so that the people may turn back to Him. Instead, the people hated what Jeremiah was saying and wanted to put him to death.
How many people hate me? Hate is a very strong word. I believe there are many people on social media sites that do not like or hate that I post a scripture reflection each day. Do they hate me because they knew me before my conversion and see me as a hypocrite? Do they disagree with what I have to say? Do they not believe in God and consider me a fool? Do they hate me because I am Catholic and part of a church they consider evil with all the sinful people and priests? There could be many reasons but as I ponder this, Jesus told us that it would be like this and that we are blessed if we are hated because of Him.
A part of Psalm 69 stood out for me today … Those outnumber the hairs of my head who hate me without cause. Too many for my strength are they who wrongfully are my enemies. Must I restore what I did not steal? Since for your sake I bear insult, and shame covers my face. I have become an outcast to my brothers, a stranger to my mother’s sons, Because zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who blaspheme you fall upon me.
Growing up as a people pleaser, it was not easy for me to not be liked. As I grow more in my faith in desiring to be holy and follow Jesus, it opens me to judgment especially when I might fail to witness the light of Jesus in my words or actions. Holiness is not being perfect but striving to do the will of God. Sometimes I think people just hate me because someone may like me. Go figure. Well, tonight I end by telling all the people in the world who hate me, that I am going to give you another reason to hate me even more. I AM PRAYING FOR YOU whether you like it or not because Jesus loves you and He expects that from me.
Seeking To Reflect Jesus 
Isn’t it amazing that some of the people who don’t like us don’t even really know us. Interesting post, Mike.
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It surprises me how the Spirit moves me. I have been thinking a lot about a work situation involving another person that is bordering on hate and it has been bothering me. I read this and all these thoughts come to mind so I just write them down. Hope you are doing well and adjusted back at work.
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Work is going well, Mike. Only 4 hours a day, but that is just enough time. Bumping up to 6 hours in September. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Means a lot.
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I smile sometimes when hated because it only confirms what the Lord said would happen…”if the world hates you, remember, they hated me first.” Christians don’t get special treatment as cultural religions do. We can be called anything at all without the thought of a hate crime having been committed against us. Just Jesus and us trying to help and love a world which tries hard to dismiss us as “such a bother!”
“Blessed are the ones who are persecuted because of righteousness…” (Matt. 5:10)
Steve
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Thanks Steve for sharing your wisdom.
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You are welcome, Mike.
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I don’t hate you! 🙂
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Thank you Gloria!!!
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