I was shocked in 2022 when USA Today awarded “Woman of the Year” to Richard Levine, aka Rachel. Why were the feminists so silent about a man stealing a woman’s award? It makes no sense. It’s like the emperor has no clothes, but no one will tell him.
Equally startling was when the self-appointed morality police, the Southern Poverty Law Center labeled Focus on the Family a “hate group.” Point out the absurdity of it all and you too will be labeled a hater.
It shouldn’t be surprising when those of us who won’t deny reality are branded “haters.” God said to expect it. What He cares most about is how we respond to their criticism.
Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” Matthew 5:44. I can hear Him also saying, “Love the deceived and pray for those those who have lost touch with reality.”
I can’t hate those who say that evil is good. My heart breaks for them. I see the emptiness and sadness in their eyes. Richard Levine is fearfully and wonderfully made. I pray one day he wakes up to reality and sees the truth that God didn’t make a mistake by making him a man. I pray he comes to know the grace of Jesus, and the love of the Father. I pray he will receive the Holy Spirt, and be filled with His life-changing power and joy.
Scripture explains why those who deny reality struggle so much with depression:
“What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil” Isaiah 5:20.
Good news! The reverse is true as well. What joy for those who say that evil is evil and good is good. When we agree with God’s definition of good and evil, not the world’s—joy is the result. The Psalmist concurs:
“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.” Psalm 1:1
Some might disagree with that verse by saying, “Jesus hung out with sinners.” Yes, He did—but not to approve of their sin, nor to endorse their delusions. Jesus ate with them to call them to a holy life—to deny self and live for Him. He loved them so much He didn’t want them to stay slaves to sin. He cared so much that He told them the truth, knowing the truth would set them free.
I’m thankful Jesus warned us that we would be hated for not conforming to this crazy world. He also said there would be a reward for doing what pleases Him:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing what God approves of. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” Matthew 5:10
What a promise! I’ll gladly take the kingdom of heaven over the approval of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
One of them will remain forever, while the other will soon be forgotten.
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!” Psalms 32:1-2
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