ODJ: hate to love

June 13, 2013 

READ: Deuteronomy 4:15-40 

The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other (v.39).

She hated anyone who believed in God. A self- proclaimed atheist, the young woman dideverything she could to destroy the faith of believers in Jesus. She would even write vulgar things on the pages of their Bibles. But then, as the Holy Spirit worked in her life and Christians continued to reach out lovingly to her, her hard heart began to melt. Soon she considered herself an “agnostic”. Then came the day she fell to her knees and tearfully received Jesus as her Saviour. Recently I was privileged to have a part in her baptism. Faith had replaced disbelief. Love had conquered hate.

The people of ancient Israel struggled with their view of God, much like my young friend did for many years. Moses called them to turn from idolatry and to seek God with all their heart and soul (Deuteronomy 4:11-19,29). By doing so they would “find Him”. They were also instructed to “keep [this] firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other” (v.39). This is a truth that my young friend finally acknowledged.

Moses didn’t give up on the people he was striving to lead to the one true God (v.35), and neither should we. God’s love and blessing (v.37) may not be apparent to those you know—people who don’t acknowledge Him and perhaps act hatefully towards you. But don’t give up. God’s mercy can reach even the hardest of hearts (v.31).

Whether you’re reaching out to atheists, agnostics or even backslidden believers in Jesus, be encouraged. The young woman I mentioned above is a living example of a person who has turned from hate and embraced the love of God. Keep pointing the people in your life to the loving God whom they might one day “find” (v.29).—Tom Felten

MORE
Read Galatians 6:9 and note what Paul said about persevering in doing good things for Jesus—including reaching out to unbelievers. 
NEXT
What encourages you to share God’s love with people you know who are far from Him? Why do you think some people hate God and His children so much? 
1 reply
  1. Xiwen
    Xiwen says:

    I was once an agnostic that I believe in God, just that I don’t know who that God was. When I was 18, I met my boyfriend and it was because of him I know about Jesus Christ and feel the love from Him. I truly appreciate that God reaches out to us so that we are cleansed from sins. Thank you God for being there for us.

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