1st John 3:13. “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” MARVEL NOT. It is unusual is it not that in this world Christians don’t fit. Fundamental to this fact is the devil is the god of it. The hatred that is evident is no real surprise, Because we go up when others go down. By the grace of God and power of the Spirit, We will continue to go opposite.
Antagonism was obvious when the Lord Jesus came to earth. Herod himself tried to take His life right at His birth. In His own town and among His own kin, There was resentment and opposition to Him, That followed the Lord for over 30 years, And ceased only when enemies witnessed His death.
It is not unexpected when people around try to avoid the brethren. To follow the Lord as a disciple should is an embarrassment to men. The light of the godly shows up all the darkness, It reveals whether they belong to God or the devil, And righteousness and unrighteousness both will clash, Because one group is hell-bound and the other going to heaven.
One thing about hatred that helps the brethren live right, We stand out like a lighthouse at night. There is no point pretending we belong to the world, We talk differently, and in all ways we just don’t fit. So, I’ll just I won’t get upset or for any reason fret, It is normal for the world doesn’t want the things I like.
“It happens quite a few times Father, when I am with those who are not believers, they find it embarrassing to be in my presence. I know I dress differently, talk about different things, and even act differently. I am content knowing that this is the way it is supposed to be. I do have one concern though – there are those in our family who profess to be children of God, who see me just like the world’s people do. I pray Father, that they will open their eyes to Thy truth, and turn from worldliness to the life of faith once again. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Malicious hatred is to be expected from those who are of the devil. Love is expected as proof of divine life in the children of God. A Christian has "passed from death unto life." This is a fact. When we acted in faith on the word of God and were given eternal life, that new birth has with it, undeniable proof of reality. There is love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. That love goes along with the new life and new nature. This comes from God; it is not something we have to conjure up. We are in a new family, under new ownership, under new leadership in a new kingdom. The features of God will be seen in His children. If that is not true, that person is not a child of God.
Love for God's people is a proof of life. Christianity is an action from the heart, not just a code of beliefs we follow. Outward actions that follow Christian principles are not proof of divine life. To only comply with what is expected of Christians is not love. Real love goes beyond "feeling the love," to actions taken that involve self-sacrifice. To give that costs us something with no thought of getting anything back, is a demonstration of this love. This is what John heard the Lord Jesus teach and what both the Lord and His disciples practiced. This goes way beyond sentimental emotions to meeting the needs of others around us.