“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” John 15:19
Being a Christian isn’t easy. If you are a Christian, there will be times in your life that are hard. People will make fun of you, think less of you, or even verbally and physically assault you, just because you’re a Christian. As a Christian, you should expect to experience some level of suffering in your life.
We worship a God who came to earth and was afflicted. Jesus experienced a great deal of suffering. He was wrongfully arrested, beaten, verbally assaulted, tortured, and made to carry the very wooden cross to which he would be nailed, to die for you and me.
Not only has Jesus suffered—so, too, have those who have faithfully served him throughout history. Even today, thousands of people around the world will die martyrs’ deaths for their faith in Jesus Christ.
In spite of the pain and suffering these martyrs endured, they lived for Jesus, because Jesus lives.
Read
- Did the world love or hate Jesus?
- Should we expect the world to love our beliefs and us?
- Have you ever experienced any negative reactions from others because you identified yourself as a Christian? How did you respond?
Prayer
Thank Jesus that he suffered and died for your sin. Ask for God’s grace to help you face affliction in your life for your faith in Jesus.
This devotion is adapted from the Who Do You Think You Are? Study Guides with Daily Devotions resource.
