¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. (John 15:15 CSB)

I don’t know about you, but I prefer people to like me rather than hate me. I would suspect most do. And while we can live in harmony with most, our faith based stance and adherence to scripture will rub others the wrong way.

And while, yes, some may truly hate us many others will have a mile dislike of us and my seek to cause use trouble. I have seen this manifest in many ways over the years and can often be made worse in a workplace setting. But, I have even seen this set up in ministry settings between members as well, which is truly sad.

We cannot expect to take a faith based stance, produce fruit and be liked by all. Even our efforts to be reconciliatory toward others can be seen as an affront. Those who oppose us may see our efforts as a slight instead of a desire to work together. They too may be being convicted by God to try to soften their hearts which can lead to anger or resentment.

Regardless, our job is to stand for Christ and live a life worthy of his death and salvation, because God chose us out of the world. If we will but focus on this, God will work everything else out.