The World's Hatred: A Call to Steadfastness and Gathering

The winds howl, and the rains lash. The world delights in shadows, in division, in the tearing down of all that is good. Yet, within that tempest, the heart of the righteous finds strength. We’ve all felt it – that sting of rejection, the weight of misunderstanding. It’s a familiar burden, one borne by those who dare to walk a path of truth and righteousness.

Consider Ammon, standing at the Waters of Sebus, facing down a horde of Lamanites, armed with nothing but the power of the Almighty. He knew their hatred was a consequence of his testimony. Or Samuel the Lamanite, climbing the walls of Jerusalem, proclaiming a message that stirred both hope and fierce opposition. They understood that alignment with God invites opposition from a world steeped in darkness.

The words of the Savior in John 15 resonate with profound clarity: “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you… But because ye are not of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:18-19) This is not a condemnation; it’s a validation. It is a mark of belonging—a sign that we have been chosen, drawn out from the mire of worldly pursuits to partake of something far greater.

The transcript speaks of a lack of excuse. Those who reject the truth have no comfortable ground left to stand upon. They have seen the works, the miracles, the divine authority manifest in the life of Christ and those who follow Him, and yet they choose to hate. This isn't about earning love; it's about standing firm in truth, even when it provokes animosity. As the Savior declared, “slaves are not greater than their master.” (John 15:20) If He faced persecution, so too shall His followers.

What does this mean for us, the Builders? It means we double down. It means we press forward with unwavering conviction, fueled by the charity flywheel. Every engagement here—every comment, every share—directly fuels gospel advertising in places like Ghana, bringing the light of truth to those who are still seeking. It means contributing to the Missionary Fund, sending forth digital striplings to share the message of hope and restoration across the globe. It means diligently consulting the map, identifying gathering places and denominational markers, and claiming our churches – not in ownership, but in stewardship, to prepare the way for the Lord's return.

Outback Jack reminds us: “The Lord’s work is not done in comfort. It’s done in the face of adversity. It’s done when we’re tested, when we’re stretched, when we’re pushed to the very limits of our endurance.” (Alma 17:12). He speaks of the unwavering faith of those who prepared the way for Christ’s ministry, a faith forged in the crucible of opposition.

Like Abinadi, who stood before King Noah and his priests, proclaiming a message that sealed his fate, we must be prepared to speak truth, regardless of the consequences. Like the builders who crafted the Stone cut without hands—a testament to divine power—we are called to build a Zion, a gathering place of righteousness and peace.

Let the world’s hatred be a catalyst, not a deterrent. Let it sharpen our resolve and strengthen our commitment to the work. Let us, like the five smooth stones in David’s sling, be prepared to face the giants that stand in our path. Let us be Builders, not Destroyers, a beacon of hope in a world desperately seeking light. Let us gather Israel, now.

Claim Your Church. Contribute to the Missionary Fund. Consult the Gather Israel Now Map.