The World’s Hate

Following Christ means to be hated by the world. Yet, even with the hate of the ungodly, believers enjoy peace, security, and blessings from the world. It isn’t pure suffering to be hated by the world because when God is with us, we have His grace. We become more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).

But, why does the world hate Christians? Christians that truly follow the Lord Jesus Christ live a live that’s entirely opposite to the standard of the world. They are citizens of heaven. And because they are of heaven, they don’t find this world their home. This world isn’t a believer’s home. The principles of this world. The ways of this world. What it prizes. What it treasures. What it teaches. What it influences. Everything that it holds contrary to what the Word of God says is not of God. Therefore, believers can’t be cozy with the ways of the world. Believers follow their master, Jesus Christ, the Lord. Believers earn the hate of the world once they start obeying what Jesus teaches in the Bible.

The world says that we need to be good, kind, just, and loving. But, pay close attention. The world’s way of being good, kind, just, and loving oftentimes mean being tolerant of sin so that we won’t be judging the sinful actions of others. It means being happy for others and supporting others in their unrighteous deeds as long as they are happy. The world’s standard says, “as long as we’re happy and we don’t hurt anyone, we are doing fine”. The fearful thing about this is that we are hurting God, above all. We think we’re not hurting anyone because, after all, God wants us to live a happy life. But, we do. When we sin. We hurt God. And we hurt ourselves without realizing it. Hurting God is a fearful thing. Hurting ourselves is a sad thing. That’s what sin does to us.

The world has hated Jesus first. We are not to be surprised when the world hates righteous living as commanded by God in the Bible. Jesus has warned us already that it has hated Him before it hated His followers.

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you.
If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

– John 15:18-19 (WEB)

When you are faced with a situation where you struggle to do what is pleasing to God because you fear others might hate you for it, remember Jesus Christ who suffered man’s hate.

When you find it hard to obey the Lord for fear of what people might think or say, remember, you are not of this world.

Know this — believers who stand firm in their faith and obedience to Jesus are in the hot seat.

How willing are you to demonstrate your faith in Jesus Christ in your family, in your work place, and in wherever God puts you?

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot.
So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth.”

– Revelation 3:15-16 (WEB)