John 15:18-19 NIV
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 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.
Being a Christian won’t always win you a popularity contest! Many have experienced persecution and hardships. Have you ever felt judged or hated for what you believe in? Maybe someone has tried to shame you for going to church or made fun of you for sharing Jesus with them? It can be discouraging or make us worry what to say to people. However, I just want to remind you of the good news Jesus has told us!
Jesus knew this would be the case and warned us that we would see it. He also tells us to be of good cheer because of it! It may seem silly to be happy about someone mocking us, but we can trust that Jesus is right when he says our reward will be great in heaven. According to John’s gospel, this happens because God has chosen you out of the world. Therefore, it is a good thing that the world does not like your beliefs. It means you’re doing it right, my friends!
Here is what the Bible says about the subject...
Matthew 10:22 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
1 John 3:13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.
Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Closing thoughts:
I invite you to think of a time when you have been persecuted or mocked for your belief in God. Now, picture Jesus smiling and rejoicing at your faith in Him!
Let them mock!
John 15:21-25 NIV
21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22 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. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father. 24 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. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’
Comments