Remember Jesus faced that hostility first and keep following him

Treat every disagreement as a sign to stop speaking about Jesus

Answer hostility with the same hostility you receive

Assume rejection means Jesus' way has failed

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and tried to live for myself. I turn from my sin and from fearing the world more than I fear God. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as Lord, and I ask you to forgive me, make me yours, and lead me even when following you brings rejection. Amen.

Receive Jesus When the World Rejects You

Lord, revive your Church when it feels pressure from the world. Keep us from surprise, fear, and retaliation. Help us remember that you were hated before we were, and make us steadfast, loving, and brave in our witness, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Make Your Church Steady and Bold

Father, for anyone who feels pushed aside because of faith in Jesus, bring comfort. Remind them they are not alone, and let the truth that Jesus was hated first give them peace and courage, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Comfort the Rejected

Name one place where you expect resistance for following Jesus. Ask God for steady courage, clear words, and the grace not to answer hostility with hostility.

Pray Through Opposition

Thank God that Jesus faced hatred before his people did. Thank him for the comfort of knowing Christ understands rejection, and thank him for the grace to keep following when opposition comes.

Thank God That Jesus Went Before Us

Pray for Christians who are mocked, misunderstood, or opposed because of Jesus. Ask God to keep them rooted in Christ's example, patient under pressure, and ready to respond with truth and gentleness.

Pray for Believers Under Pressure

Εἰ{ee###ee###If} ὁ{o###oh###the} κόσμος{KOS-mos###KOHs-mohs###world} ὑμᾶς{hee-MAHS###hee-MAHS###you} μισεῖ,{mee-SEE###mee-SEE###(it) hates} γινώσκετε{yi-NO-ske-te###yi-NOH-skeh-teh###know} ὅτι{HO-ti###HOH-tee###that} ἐμὲ{e-ME###eh-MEH###me} πρῶτον{PRO-ton###PROH-tohn###before} ⸀ὑμῶν{hee-MON###hee-MOHN###you} μεμίσηκεν.{me-MEE-see-ken###meh-MEE-see-kehn###it has hated}

John 15:18 — Audio GuideTAB

More on this verse