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.

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.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

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

A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend."
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"The others [on the council] accepted [Gamaliel's] advice [to let the Jesus-movement run its course to see if it was really the work of God]. They..."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"[Jesus] brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father..."
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul."

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.