18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.

19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

— John 15:18-19

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

— 2 Timothy 1:7

11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,

12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

— 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.

16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

— Ephesians 6:11,14-17

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

Because the world hated Him, Jesus warned the disciples, and us, that His people would also be hated. All true work for God will receive opposition. When you overcome the scorn of others, be prepared for further direct attack on your work for God. Through both stealth and direct attack, Satan will try to make you fear continuing to obey God. In that situation, our strategy should be — first, pray; second, put off fear and trust God’s purposes; third, be practical.

We, Jesus’s believers, should expect attack, being watchful and prepared for strikes from every side. Do not give the enemy any opportunities. Take our weapons — the belt of truth, the helmet of assured salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, the sword of the Spirit (the Bible), and the shield of faith. Stand and do not give way until the work God has entrusted to us is finished. As we do this, we cannot be overcome, for God has promised to bring us through.