Our Love for Jesus Should Look Like Hate to Others

We live in a culture that loves comfort, avoids offense, and seeks the approval of others at all costs. But Jesus never called us to blend in. He called us to stand out.

In Luke 14:26, Jesus gives one of His most radical and jarring statements:

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.” — Luke 14:26, LSB

At first glance, this seems extreme—doesn’t God call us to *love* our families? Absolutely. Scripture commands us to honor our parents, love our spouses, and raise our children in the Lord. So what does Jesus mean here?

He’s not commanding literal hatred. He’s using a Hebraic expression to show contrast. Jesus is saying that our love for Him should be so consuming, so complete, so primary—that in comparison, our love for anyone else looks like hate.

Following Jesus Isn’t Casual

Jesus isn’t interested in fans. He’s calling for followers. Real discipleship means there’s no competition for our loyalty. It’s not Jesus *plus* family. It’s Jesus *first*, and everything else finds its place *under* Him.

That means:

• If your spouse pressures you to compromise your faith, you still follow Jesus.
• If your friends mock your convictions, you still follow Jesus.
• If culture calls you outdated or hateful for preaching truth, you still follow Jesus.

And if obeying Jesus causes friction, misunderstandings, or even separation from people you love—you don’t back down. You count the cost and carry your cross.

To the world, this kind of loyalty looks like betrayal. To your unsaved family, it might feel like rejection. To a lukewarm Christian, it sounds fanatical. But this is the call of the Gospel.

Jesus didn’t die so you could live a balanced life. He died so you could live a *surrendered* one.

Let Me Be Clear

I love my wife Nan with all my heart. I’d lay down my life for my kids. I’m fiercely loyal to the brothers and sisters God has placed in my life. But they didn’t save me. Jesus did.

And if I ever have to choose between their approval and His will, my answer must be clear: I follow Jesus.

A Dangerous Faith Is a Real Faith

The early church didn’t play it safe. They knew that following Christ could cost them everything—relationships, careers, homes, even their lives. And yet they followed. They considered everything loss compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8).

We need to recapture that kind of devotion. A Christianity that doesn’t cost you anything isn’t the Christianity Jesus preached.

**Ask Yourself Honestly:**

• Do I love Jesus more than my comfort? 
• Do I love Jesus more than my reputation?
• Do I love Jesus more than my family?
• Do I love Jesus more than my own life?

If your answer isn’t a resounding “yes,” then it’s time to reevaluate who’s on the throne of your heart.

The cross isn’t just a symbol of salvation—it’s a call to sacrifice. When Jesus said, “Follow Me,” He wasn’t inviting us on a leisurely stroll. He was leading us to die to ourselves.

Our love for Jesus should be so bold, so visible, so unapologetic—that the world wonders if we love anyone else at all.

And when they ask, we can say:
“Yes, I love them. But not more than Him.”

In Love,

Pastor Jody