Misunderstood
"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." – John 15:18
Following Jesus isn’t always easy. In fact, one of the hardest parts is learning to be okay with being misunderstood. People will question your faith. They’ll criticize your choices. Some will reject you outright. Others will talk about you behind your back. And no matter how much you try to explain, some people just won’t get it.
But here’s the thing: Jesus went through the same struggles. The Son of God, the One who came to bring salvation, was mocked, doubted, and rejected. The religious leaders called Him a blasphemer. His own family questioned Him. His hometown refused to believe in Him. And when He was on trial, the very people He came to save shouted for His crucifixion. If Jesus, who was perfect in every way, faced rejection and misunderstanding, then you can be sure that following Him will come with the same challenges.
John 15:18 reminds us that the world hated Jesus first. That means when you experience rejection because of your faith, you’re in good company. It’s not a sign that you’re doing something wrong. It’s a sign that you’re walking the same path He did. And that’s exactly what He calls you to do.
The world doesn’t always understand faith. It doesn’t always appreciate obedience. People may question why you live differently, why you hold to biblical values, why you won’t compromise when it would be easier to just go along with everyone else. But you don’t follow Jesus for approval. You don’t live for applause. You live to be faithful, even when it costs you relationships, comfort, or your reputation.
So don’t let rejection shake you. Don’t let gossip distract you. Don’t waste time trying to make everyone understand. Instead, keep your eyes on Jesus. He walked this road before you, and He promises that no matter who misunderstands you, He never will. Following Him may come with rejection, but it also comes with the greatest reward, knowing that you are walking in the truth, with Him by your side, every step of the way.
Following Jesus isn’t always easy. In fact, one of the hardest parts is learning to be okay with being misunderstood. People will question your faith. They’ll criticize your choices. Some will reject you outright. Others will talk about you behind your back. And no matter how much you try to explain, some people just won’t get it.
But here’s the thing: Jesus went through the same struggles. The Son of God, the One who came to bring salvation, was mocked, doubted, and rejected. The religious leaders called Him a blasphemer. His own family questioned Him. His hometown refused to believe in Him. And when He was on trial, the very people He came to save shouted for His crucifixion. If Jesus, who was perfect in every way, faced rejection and misunderstanding, then you can be sure that following Him will come with the same challenges.
John 15:18 reminds us that the world hated Jesus first. That means when you experience rejection because of your faith, you’re in good company. It’s not a sign that you’re doing something wrong. It’s a sign that you’re walking the same path He did. And that’s exactly what He calls you to do.
The world doesn’t always understand faith. It doesn’t always appreciate obedience. People may question why you live differently, why you hold to biblical values, why you won’t compromise when it would be easier to just go along with everyone else. But you don’t follow Jesus for approval. You don’t live for applause. You live to be faithful, even when it costs you relationships, comfort, or your reputation.
So don’t let rejection shake you. Don’t let gossip distract you. Don’t waste time trying to make everyone understand. Instead, keep your eyes on Jesus. He walked this road before you, and He promises that no matter who misunderstands you, He never will. Following Him may come with rejection, but it also comes with the greatest reward, knowing that you are walking in the truth, with Him by your side, every step of the way.
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