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.

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 Saturday, December 5, 2026

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Bearing Each Others' Burdens' (Ga. 6:1-5)
"Dear Father, lifter of our heavy loads, Fill my heart with love for my brothers and sisters in Christ. If someone is overtaken in some misdeed, help...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'In the Cross'
"Dear Beloved, As Barnabas and Paul fought for the truth of the gospel against those seeking to corrupt it with doing works based on law, one message...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'For Those Who Seek' (Jn. 9:39-41)
"Then Jesus told [the man who had been healed of his blindness], "I entered this world to render judgment — to give sight to the blind and to show..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Hebrews 11:6
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

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