“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of it’s own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” -John 15: 18-19

Moment of transparency: I get really down when I feel like someone doesn’t like me.

I replay scenarios in my mind and try to think of what I did or said to make them not like me or be mad at me.

Granted, sometimes my perception doesn’t always match the reality of the situation, and my anxiety is concocting issues that aren’t there.

But if someone doesn’t like me when I know I’ve sincerely done my best to follow God’s commandment to love, and I’ve asked for forgiveness when I’ve done something wrong, I have to remember Jesus’ words and understand that following Him is going to attract a little hate and rejection from time to time.

The world rejected and hated Jesus, so it naturally flows that we’re going to experience some unmerited scorn and condemnation from time to time.

It’s just the way of the world.

In fact, according to Jesus, we should be a little concerned if we don’t experience some rejection and hate if we’re following Him in spirit and in truth.

So if when we examine our hearts and conclude that we’re truly living in obedience to Christ’s teachings, we shouldn’t take rejection or hate personally.

Because our Father, who sees our hearts, knows the truth of who we are.

And He loves us immeasurably.

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: God, help me to understand that anyone who hates a true follower of Christ, hates and rejects you too. Give me the right perspective and outlook when I feel rejected, and help me to remember Jesus’ words about the world. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.