The world will hate you

John  15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Jesus was speaking to His disciples on the need to understand that a life as His follower will bring enmity to the world.

These words are not easy to digest. They confront us with the reality that as followers of Christ, we are called to stand apart from the ways of the world.

We are called to live lives that are guided by love, compassion, and righteousness, in stark contrast to the values often upheld by society. And because of this, the world may reject us, scorn us, and even hate us.

But let us not despair, for in this rejection lies great blessing. When we are hated by the world, we are reminded that we are not of the world. We are reminded that our allegiance lies not with earthly powers or fleeting pleasures but with the eternal kingdom of God.

In the words of the apostle Paul, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

It is of certainty that the hatred of the world serves as a confirmation of our identity as children of God. It is a reminder that we are walking the narrow path that leads to life eternal, a path that may be marked by hardship and persecution but is illuminated by the light of Christ's love.

So let us embrace this divine discomfort with courage and conviction. Let us not be swayed by the allure of worldly approval but instead remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that we have been chosen and set apart by our Lord.

And let us remember the words of Jesus, who said, "Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven" (Luke 6:22-23).

May we find strength in the face of persecution, comfort in the midst of rejection, and joy in the knowledge that we are beloved children of God, called to shine his light in a world shrouded in darkness. Amen.

God bless you.

Prayer key:

1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.

2. Lord, grant me the grace to stand firm in the face of the worldly persecutions in Jesus Christ name.

3. Lord, grant strength to those who are being stigmatised in the world because of your name in Jesus Christ name.

4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.