Today’s text has been on my mind. Jesus is known as the Prince of peace. He taught that the hallmark of his disciples is love for one another. He teaches that we love even our enemies. And here, He’s encouraging us to hate. What exactly is He actually talking about?

Jesus is talking about the steep cost of following him. There will be attachments that beg for, and hold our attention. There will be rivals thrones warring for supremacy over the throne of our hearts. They could be gifts or dreams from God.

Our love for Him, and walk with Him, costs everything. It must be of such an intensity and quality that, by comparison, all other loves seem like hate. Lord, help me to give up this life, so that I may inherit eternal life. Lead me in the path of everlasting.