Spiritual Warfare: 'The World Hated Jesus, First'

God's Power for Our Battles — Saturday, December 5, 2026

If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its 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 NLT

Today's Prayer

Lord, forgive me for thinking that if I were always nice to the world, then they would always like me and respect me. The truth is that Jesus was hated, and those who belong to Him will also suffer often in the same manner. Remind me that I am called to be IN the world but not OF the world; that I am to serve the kingdom as an ambassador, helping lead others when possible to Jesus as Lord and Savior and King. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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4 Related Resources by Heartlight

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Illustration

Illustration of John 15:18-19 NLT — If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its 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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, December 5, 2026

Daily Wisdom
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Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Our Great High Priest' (He. 4:14-5:6)
"Dear Father, Eternal God, Enable us to hold fast to our confession of Jesus as our great High Priest. We adore him, for even though he passed through..."
Quotemeal
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Quote by John Owen:
"He who prays as he ought will endeavour to live as he prays."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Job 7:12
"This was a strange question for Job to ask of the Lord. He felt himself to be too insignificant to be so strictly watched and chastened, and he hoped...."

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