Haters Are Despisers by Kirk Hunt
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?”
Nehemiah has just announced his mission (Nehemiah 2:17-18) and the haters are there early with opposition and discouragement. Haters see your positive calling as something negative. They despise you, your team and your collective efforts. Be encouraged by their scorn and derision.
While you are blessing and benefiting folks, they are cursing and tormenting them. You bring life and hope. They bring decay and despair.
The haters portray your good intentions as an evil conspiracy. The despisers declare your clear and simple plan(s) as convoluted and sinister. Haters see controversy and scandal where everyone one else sees agreement and merit.
Their opposition means you are doing the right thing. Their complaints mean you are ruining their scams and thievery. You are working to fix an injustice or inequity. They are fighting to keep wrongdoing and oppression right where it is.
Scripture calls the enemy of our souls an accuser (Revelations 12:10). Unjust accusations are an unfair attack on your life, spirit and mission. If you must pay attention to them, use their hurtful words to improve your mission plan. Be sure to thank them for helping you to fulfill God’s plan and purpose.
Be confident in God’s calling on your life. Keep doing the right things, the correct way. God’s victory will emerge from your faithfulness.
Think: Some will oppose your efforts to improve the lives of others.
Pray: “Lord, help me to help others, despite those who object.”
Copyright © June 2025, Kirk Hunt
This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.