Hatred

‘The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man who could consult the Lord for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah…’ 1 kings 22:8.

The third reason for persecution is hatred. Why did the king hate Micaiah son of Imlah? It was because he chose to only say what God tells him to say which of course translated to trouble for the king. But guess what, even the people who hate you know your name and your father’s name. And they are keeping tabs on your progress. The reason why he hated prophet Micaiah was because he was always speaking the mind of God. Being a man of God can be a very unpopular job because you must be committed to speaking only the mind of God. And as you speak only the mind of God, people are going to hate you. I have experienced raw hatred from people just for nothing. Some people think that no one can hate them. Guess what, just keep living and people will detest you for no reason. Sometimes it is because you remind them of the truth of God’s Word. Yet God has called us all into our families and communities to be His hands, legs and His voice. Yet as much as you speak the mind of God, some people are just going to hate you. It becomes a case of truth versus peace. My advice to you is do not sacrifice truth on the altar of peace. If it means not having peace as long as the truth prevails then take it as the persecution you have to go through. There are some husbands that are putting their wives through hell today just because she is telling him the truth. Women are anointed to point out the truth to their husbands. I agree that she might not always point it out in the way you want her to but you cannot continue to hate your wife because she is telling you the truth. Wives do not stop saying the truth regardless of the cost. In some certain cases, it is the husbands that are facing persecution because they are telling their wives the truth. Regardless of whether it is the husband or wife don’t stop saying the truth. A prophet that is consistently popular with corrupt leaders, business leaders, and political leaders is suspect. Something is wrong with that picture because you cannot marry the two. The king of Israel hated Micaiah because he consistently spoke the truth no matter the cost.

Prayer: Father, I ask for the grace to be faithful to You regardless of the position You place me in. May I never sacrifice truth on the altar of peace, in Jesus Name.