In But Not Of: Protected, But Not Safe—Part 3Sample

Haters Gonna Hate

“I hate you.” Have you ever had that phrase said to you? It’s a really hurtful thing. No one wants to be hated. Especially as a Christian, you may even think that everyone will like you, even love you because of what you believe. Unfortunately, the reality is quite the opposite. In John 17:14, Jesus said that the world would hate His disciples because they did not belong to the world. And the same is true for all who follow Jesus. You do not belong to this world. But what does that mean?

That means that you think differently. You have different priorities. You focus on others more than yourself. You serve others without expecting anything in return. You love others, even if they hate you, because that’s what Jesus did. That’s not what the world would teach you. That’s not what society teaches. Our world would say that you should focus on yourself, only help others if you get something in return, and hate those who hate you. That’s why the world will not love a Christian. But a Christian does not belong to the world—they belong to Jesus. He promises His love and joy while the world promises hate. So, today, take some time and ask yourself, “Who do I belong to?“