Hated By The World

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
(John 17:14-21)

Thought For Today:

It's frustrating how simply disagreeing with the world can lead to being labeled as a bigot or hateful. It's almost as if all the churches in the world should put signs on their buildings, billboards, and websites saying, "We are hateful bigots, so you may not want to contact us during disasters. Jesus said that He had given us His Word and that the world hated us. Because the true born again believers are not of this world they will be hated. Jesus said, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven"(Matthew 5:11-16). Jesus has already prayed for us, so you don't have to worry. Just keep being salt and light in this world and others will see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.