Live to Love Scripture Encouragement John 16.4

John 16:4 “But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.” We are witnessing an age of apostasy and hostility toward the gospel. Many fall away because they were told that if they accept Jesus they will have a good and happy life. Then when persecution or trials occur, they are not prepared and get offended at God, the church, and believers. In this verse we see the truth. As long as Jesus was with them, the hatred of the world was focused on Him. So it was not the time to tell them of the hatred, trials, and rejection they were going to experience. But now that He was leaving them, they were entering the last days of great tribulation. What should be our response? To trust Him and obey His command to love with Him. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com