By David Ettinger
As Christians, the world will call us “haters,” “bigots,” “intolerable,” and mock our “cave-man” mentality. It will hurt. It will challenge our faith.
The culture will shun, ridicule, and vilify us, but we must stand fast knowing “there is laid up for [us] a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8). In other words, there is an eternity with Christ awaiting us, making the trials of this world – our “light affliction” – as seeming “for but a moment” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Hebrews 12:3 reminds us that Jesus experienced what we did – and far worse, hence another reason to carry on: “Consider him [Jesus] who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews further encourages believers to not give up on each other, especially as the return of Christ draws ever nearer: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Always remember that Jesus is in the fight with you, and that when your time in this life is over, He will reward you for your steadfastness: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).
Just a brief reminder … Jesus is with you; He loves you; He upholds you; He fights for you; He strengthens you; He encourages you; and He is right now reserving a place in Heaven for you (John 14:2-3). So be encouraged, Christian pilgrim, and carry on the good fight!
seekingdivineperspective
July 22, 2021
It IS discouraging being seen as the bad guy, especially from people who have known me all my life. (And that’s a long time!) But there’s only one opinion that matters, and His truth transcends any and all opinions of man, including my own. 😏🙄 I just need to get over myself and keep on following Him.
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dettinger47
July 22, 2021
Sometimes these things bother me, too, but then I think of the eternal end-game and suddenly I feel very sorry for those who don’t know Christ. Thanks for your thoughts!
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ken riddles
July 22, 2021
Thanks for this encouragement – I receive it!
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dettinger47
July 22, 2021
Thank you, Ken.
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vicklea
July 22, 2021
Good encouraging words!
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dettinger47
July 22, 2021
Thank you, Vickie.
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heavensreef
July 22, 2021
Carry on David! Keep writing, keep fighting and keep persevering! HE is our strength and our ROCK upon which we stand!!
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dettinger47
July 22, 2021
Amen, Maxine. So true!
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Bruce Cooper
July 22, 2021
Thank you for writing this David, God tells us to build one another up and these words of encouragement are sorely needed. Like you have indicated, the greatest peace comes from focusing on our communion with our King, who will surely return. Press on, while the day has light, overcoming evil with good, one day at a time. Blessings.
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dettinger47
July 22, 2021
Well said, Bruce, and amen. Blessings to you as well.
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bigskybuckeye
July 22, 2021
Amen. The encouragement from the Lord is never-ending. He re-energizes our faith with the hope to carry on. David, thanks for sharing. We all need to hear such words.
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dettinger47
July 22, 2021
Thank you, Big Sky.
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Blue Collar Theologian
July 22, 2021
I was praying for you and yours earlier today. Keep going, David!
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Crissy
July 22, 2021
Timely encouragement David.
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dettinger47
July 22, 2021
Thank you, Crissy.
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lifesavingprayers
July 26, 2021
Thanks so much 😊Blessings to you and the family 🙏🏼
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