DO NOT BE SURPRISED: THE WORLD WILL HATE YOU

 "Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you." – 1 John 3:13 (NKJV)


Have you ever felt rejected or misunderstood because of your faith? Maybe friends have distanced themselves, or you've faced criticism for your beliefs. If so, don't be surprised—the Bible tells us that the world will hate those who follow Christ.

The Bible makes it clear that believers will face opposition. The world, under the influence of sin, stands against God, and because you have chosen righteousness, you have automatically become its enemy. The system of this world is built on the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). But as a follower of Christ, you are not called to fit in—you are called to stand out.

Jesus said: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other." – Matthew 6:24 (NKJV)

The world will always try to pull you away from God through pride, selfishness, immorality, and deception. But you must make a choice. You cannot live a double life, claiming to follow Christ while still holding on to worldly things. Your heart must belong fully to God. Friendship with the World is Enmity with God

Maybe you have felt the pressure to conform—to fit in, to avoid criticism, to be accepted by those around you. But the Bible warns: "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." – James 4:4 (NKJV)

If you truly belong to Christ, the world will reject you because you are different. Jesus Himself said: "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you." – John 15:18-19 (NKJV) Do not be discouraged when you face rejection. It is proof that you are walking in the light.

Rejection from the world is not an accident—it is part of the cost of following Christ. Even Jesus warned that His message would bring division, challenging our relationships and priorities: "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword." – Matthew 10:34-36 (NKJV)

Choosing Christ may cost you friendships, family relationships, and opportunities. But you cannot compromise your faith to maintain worldly connections. True discipleship requires being set apart.

In today’s world, many believers, perhaps even you at times, feel pressured to please people because they fear rejection or persecution. But Galatians 1:10 warns: "For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." (NKJV) If you live to please people, you will drift further from God. But if you choose to honor Him above all, He will strengthen you and reward you eternally.

God is calling you to be set apart. "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you." – 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV) This does not mean isolating yourself from unbelievers, but it does mean refusing to adopt their values. You are called to be a light in the darkness—standing firm in faith and refusing to compromise.

Hold Fast to Christ. The hatred of the world is not a sign that you are failing—it is proof that you truly belong to Christ. Do not seek the world’s approval at the cost of your faith. Instead, hold fast to Jesus, knowing that your reward is in heaven. Jesus said: "In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." – John 16:33 (NKJV)

Today, take a moment to reflect: Are you seeking the world’s approval, or are you standing firm in Christ? Choose to remain faithful, knowing that His reward is far greater than any acceptance the world can offer.

Prayer: Lord, separate me from anything that pulls me away from You. Fill my heart with love for You above all else. Strengthen my faith so that I may remain faithful to the end. Amen.

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