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Expect to be treated badly by your fellow citizens

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

We are called to be a light for the people around us. However, Jesus warns us not to expect much in return. Instead, we will probably be treated badly, just as Jesus Himself was despised, falsely accused, and even killed. People who hate the God we love and serve will also hate us.

The book of Acts describes many situations where Christians were attacked by their fellow townsmen, or missionaries and evangelists were expelled from the city where they shared the Gospel. Sometimes the problems were caused by Jews who were jealous when many came to faith in Jesus, sometimes people claimed that Christians were “acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus” (Acts 17:7). Nowadays, Christians still get in trouble for similar reasons, both political and religious. Behind this human reasoning, there are also spiritual forces at work who oppose God whenever they can.

However, Jesus assures us: “Take heart; I have overcome the world.” You can’t always convince others to turn to God and give up their hostility, but the Lord Himself can. Finally, every knee will bow before Him!