The phrase “Coming Out” has been attached to the self-disclosure of a person’s sexual orientation. There is an entirely different form of coming out. It applies to the Church. The former coming out refers to sexual perversions. The latter is making Jesus known.

“Jesus told His disciples, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you” (John 15: 18-19).

This kind of hatred takes place because our faith in Jesus is both visible and verbal. Our coming out will speak and represent the message of Jesus. As a result of that choice, something will take place: “Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you” (vs. 20)

To endure the effects of this kind of hatred, the Spirit will be sent to help us stand under the weight of the hatred, “I will send you the Advocate – the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry” (vs. 26-27).

A silent and invisible expression of faith will not be hated. It will be welcomed by the world and embraced by deceptive hugs of inclusion because it is one of their own.

The ability to continue standing for God’s truth under the constant weight of hatred is the mark of a true faith. It’s a gift of empowerment from the Spirit that helps us represent Jesus to a lost world and perform signs and wonders to affirm what we speak is true.