It is upsetting when our faith is mocked, misrepresented, or silenced, but it should not be surprising. The world has always been full of people who oppose God and His only means of salvation, Jesus Christ. Hatred and ridicule are often directed at those of us who love Jesus.
So, how should you respond? Boycott? Sure. You are free to spend your money (or not spend your money) according to your convictions. Avoid? Yes. It is a good idea to guard your heart and mind and flee when your spirit senses evil. Pray? Absolutely! Always! Pray for protection for yourself and your loved ones. Pray for discernment. Pray for those who are perpetuating lies and especially for those who are deceived by them.
As followers of Christ in a fallen world still waiting for redemption, we should expect to be treated with contempt. The ruler of this world hates God and by extension, he hates God’s children. Jesus warned His disciples this would happen and provided some valuable guidance.
Here are five biblical responses to hatred and ridicule:
1. Don’t be surprised. If the world hated and persecuted Jesus, it will also hate and persecute those of us who follow Him.
2. Don’t compromise. It might take the pressure off in the moment, but remember, you are a citizen of heaven and a child of the King.
3. Speak the truth and leave the results with God. People may not listen to us, after all, they didn’t even listen to Jesus. But His message didn’t change just because it was unpopular.
4. Don’t take it personally. Ultimately, it is not you and me they reject, it is Jesus Christ and the Father who sent Him. We’re just the visible targets.
5. Stand strong. No matter what happens, do not abandon your faith! Remember, God is in control of all of it. The end of the story has already been written, and we win!
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all of this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me…I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.” – John 15:18-21, 16:1 NLT
