My friends

My dear Christian friends,

Do not be discouraged!

When you are looked down upon and outcast,
Remember that Christ was looked down upon and outcast.

When your friends forsake you,
Remember that Christ was forsaken by all.
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken Me?"

When you are judged as sinners and despised,
Remember that Jesus is the friend of sinners.

The religious folk of Jesus' day hated him.
Followers of Christ should not expect to be treated differently.

Remember that your faith is not in other believers,
They are full of weaknesses and will let you down.

Though the fellowship and encouragement of the saints can be wonderful,
the same saints are more than capable of wounding you.

Satan still finds many ways to cause discord, even among believers.
The weakness of the flesh will always be with us in this life.
Spiritual pride and self-righteousness are not easily rooted out,
and no one is immune, myself most of all.

But when you are sad, and depressed, and hurt by the vile behavior of people,
Whoever they may be, (though what could be worse than betrayal by a friend),

Think of the holy and harmless Savior.  The meek and lowly,
bearing unimaginable shame, taking abuse that he did not deserve,
for the good of those who spit on him.

He knows far better what it means to bear disgrace unjustly,
and you know that he cares for you.
"having cast all your care upon him, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

I love you both,
Your frog-legged friend