If the World Hates You

 

Scripture: John 15:18-25 (NIV)

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’

Devotion:

In John 15:18-25, Jesus prepares His disciples for the inevitable hostility they will face as His followers. He reminds them that the world's hatred stems from its rejection of Him and, by extension, of His Father. This passage calls us to reflect on our commitment to Christ and the resulting opposition we might encounter.

Jesus establishes a fundamental truth: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." This statement is both a warning and a comfort. It acknowledges the reality of persecution but also affirms that such trials align us with our Savior. As believers, our values, priorities, and lifestyles often contrast sharply with those of the world. This divergence can provoke misunderstanding, disdain, and even hostility.

However, Jesus' words also offer reassurance. He has chosen us out of the world, setting us apart for a divine purpose. Our allegiance to Him inevitably means we will face challenges, but it also signifies our profound connection to the divine. The persecution we endure is not because of personal shortcomings but as a reflection of the world's rejection of Christ's teachings.

Jesus underscores the inevitability of this opposition by reminding His disciples that a servant is not greater than his master. Just as He faced persecution, so too will His followers. Yet, He also promises that those who obey His teachings will also obey ours. Our mission is to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that our perseverance serves as a testament to our relationship with Christ.

In embracing this devotion, let us find strength and solace in the knowledge that our struggles for our faith are not in vain. They are a part of our journey with Christ, who endured the ultimate persecution for our redemption. May we remain steadfast in our commitment, holding firm to the truth that even in the face of hatred, we are deeply loved and chosen by God.

Prayer:

            Lord, help us to persevere in loving and serving you. Let us remember what you did for us on the cross and the hatred of this world you suffered there. Lead us in radical love that transcends all stuff the world, the flesh, and the devil throw at us. Help us give love in return for whatever evil we face. Glorify your name among us and lead us in the paths of peace and joy regardless of our external circumstances. Amen.