“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:19)
The world hates strangers. It only loves its own kind. The disciple of Christ must live in this world as an outsider, an “other” who dares to trespass where he does not belong. The division is deep. The differences are not in language or outward appearance; they are spiritual, comprising above all one’s attitude toward the Lord and His Christ.
Jesus asked His disciples: “Who do men say that I am?” And then: “Who do you say that I am?” Those who are of Christ, and not of the world, speak out of the abundance of their heart that Jesus is Lord. He is their Savior. To them, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He has captivated them and they have left all to follow Him. The world that once enthralled them has lost its charm. The idols they once served are vanity. For this treason, the world hates the lovers of Christ, and holds deep animosity for such defection.
John, the beloved disciple of Christ, wrote to his companions in the faith, “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren …” (1 Jn. 3:13,14) There is a blessed fraternity found amongst the world’s hated. In finding and following Christ, they may have lost father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter; but they have also gained a vast company of kindred saints, from Abel to the last soul that will be saved. The world loves its own; but so does the church. And we will inherit the earth that those of this world wished we were permanently gone from. When He returns, we will be with Him.