Our Savior Jesus chose us out of the world to belong to him. However, being chosen by Christ does not exempt us from all difficulties in this life. In fact, we often face opposition from the world such as misunderstanding, hatred, and persecution. Jesus tells us not to be surprised when we are hated by the world, which is in rebellion against God. Since the world hated Jesus and crucified him, it is not strange for his disciples to also be hated. As the world hated Jesus because he exposed its sin, so the world will hate his disciples when they do not conform to the patterns of this world but live in obedience to the word of Jesus. Jesus’ people do not look for persecution or hostility, but they must not be afraid of persecution for Jesus. If we suffer for Jesus, we must rejoice like the apostles, for we are counted worthy of suffering disgrace for His Name (Ac 5:41). We are in the world, but not of the world. We were called out of the world to belong to our Lord Jesus Christ!

When we are hated or persecuted by the world, what should we do? We must not be afraid, but keep our identity as Jesus’ people, remembering his words (18,20). Most of all, we must make it an opportunity to witness to Jesus by depending on the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, who dwells in us.
Application: Lord, thank you for calling me out of the sinful world to belong to you. Help me to live as your disciple in this hostile world as your witness.
One Word: Called to belong and witness to Christ