Spiritual Warfare: 'The World Hated Jesus, First'

God's Power for Our Battles — Friday, December 5, 2025

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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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 Friday, December 5, 2025

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 34:18
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Daily Wisdom
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Hebrews 13:3
"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."
God's Holy Fire
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'Jesus Is Lord'
"So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'No Longer Strangers' (Ep. 2:17-22)
"Dear Father, friend of the far and the near, I am so thankful that Christ came and preached peace to those who were far off and to those who were..."

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.

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