³⁴ At that, the whole town went out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their region. (Matthew 8:34 CSB)

Even when Jesus was performing great miracles he was not always wanted. Of course, His message was so controversial for the time that He was ultimately crucified. But, as we know, He rose from the grave on the third day.

A popular message is not always the best message. We may be compelled by the Spirit to preach, teach or live a message that may strike others as harsh. The scriptures are meant to point out our sinful ways and to point toward salvation. This is not always a welcome thing to point out to those who enjoy living the way they are living.

But for something to be gained, something must often be lost.

We are definitely called to be reconciliatory in our actions and we should always strive to do all things in love. But the message of scripture may not make us popular. We may find ourselves in places where being outwardly Christian is shunned and we may be asked to leave.

It is here where we must trust the Spirit’s guidance. Whether we are being called to stay and bring Christ message or are to wipe the dust from our feet and move on.

We may not always be wanted, but Christ healing and saving message will be forever needed.