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.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Hostility from the World
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued,] "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..."
Spurgeon AM Devo for Oct. 28th
Devo: Morning & Evening
"Here is distinguishing grace and discriminating regard; for some are made the special objects of divine affection. Do not be afraid to dwell upon this..."
In the Center of My Will
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower of the Way, The growth of My Kingdom will not necessarily be an easy undertaking. Spreading the good news of the Father's grace is..."
Despised?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, During My earthly ministry, I warned My disciples that following Me would not be easy. The words you read in the verses below were..."

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

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Jeremiah 8:20
"Not saved! Dear reader, is this your mournful plight? Warned of the judgment to come, bidden to escape for your life, and yet at this moment not..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Filling the Earth with God's Goodness' (Philemon)
"Dear Father, bestower of freedom, Thank you for the love and the faith which you have put in your people. Please help them share this with each other..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Hard Realities'
"Dear Disciple, As your Christmas season comes to an end, you are left to clean up the messes — the leftovers in the fridge, the house after the..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Good News Is Unstoppable!' (Acts 28:28-31)
"[In Paul's meeting with Jewish leaders in Rome, some were persuaded by his message about Jesus being the Messiah, but others were not. He concluded....."

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