22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’ (John 15:22-25 ESV)
These words from Jesus are very poignant because they cut through the heart. Guilt comes as a result of knowing and acting intentionally in direct rebellion of that knowledge (verse 22). Jesus is asking the people who he came for, the chosen nation of Israel, how easily they reject their God despite having knowledge of God and witnessing God work in their very lives. Read what Jesus is implicitly saying to people who should know better and yet decide to live guilty:
How can we see what Jesus does in people’s lives and not love him?
How can we hear his words of love and hate him?
How can we see God through him and continue to live in enmity with him and our creator, our Father in heaven?
Today, reflect on these questions that Jesus raises for each of us:
Are we acting in love for Jesus as we live out our faith?
Are we hearing his words and resenting his words of life for us?
Are seeing God’s holiness and still sinning against him?
If there are actions we need to confess and repent of, do so in prayer today and then go and make amends for those actions.
If there is resentment, hatred, and defiance in our hearts and minds, then pray your hearts would be softened and your minds renewed so you can understand the words, actions, and calling Jesus has for you.
The consequences of not doing so leads directly to rejecting God’s love for you and guilt.
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