Spiritual Warfare: 'Not Surprising that Christians Are Hated'

God's Power for Our Battles — Monday, December 1, 2025

Don’t behave like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he kill him? He killed him because his own works were evil, but the works of his brother were righteous. Don’t be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.
— 1 John 3:12-13 CEB

Today's Prayer

Lord, I always hoped to be loved by You and by my fellow Christians, and also to be loved by the world. But now I realize that this is not possible. The world is full of evil and anger and violence and disobedience, and if I follow a different path than theirs, Lord, the world will never love me. But YOU will. Help me to focus on YOUR love and pleasing YOU instead of trying to keep one foot in each world. Now I know that will never work. Lead me to the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Your Broken World
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, The beloved elder John wrote to My disciples because he deeply loved them and wanted them to find eternal life in me. His words to..."
Love Each Other!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, You are the Father's child! You are precious! The Father adopted you into Our — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit's — family....."

Illustration

Illustration of 1 John 3:12-13 CEB — Don’t behave like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he kill him? He killed him because his own works were evil, but the works of his brother were righteous. Don’t be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, December 1, 2025

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Hebrews 9:20
"There is a strange power about the very name of blood, and the sight of it is always affecting. A kind heart cannot bear to see a sparrow bleed, and....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Erwin W. Lutzer:
"Better to love God and die unknown than to love the world and be a hero; better to be content with poverty than to die a slave to wealth; better to have taken....."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Focus on What Is Core'
"Dear Beloved, I walked the streets and footpaths of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea two thousand years ago. I came as God incarnate and gave Myself as a...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Don't Be Misled!' (Mt. 24:1-5)
"As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. But he responded, "Do you see all these..."

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare