We do not fit in.
We will be misunderstood.
We are outcasts.
Jesus experienced the same thing, and He promised it for us.
(John 15:19) If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
(John 17:14-16) I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
This is hard to take.
We naturally crave being liked and accepted.
Even though we know being hated and rejected is going to happen,
when it does, we often get defensive and angry.
The reality is GOD accepts us because of Jesus Christ
We cannot be accepted BOTH by God and the world.
It’s one or the other.
Outcast to the world or cast out by God.
I know what I have chosen
Great thoughts. I have often felt the struggle of trying to be “well-liked” and “set apart.” Thanks for your words.
In Him,
Barry (no relation) 😉
“Truth is, now GOD accepts me, and I cannot be accepted BOTH by God and the world. It’s one or the other.”
Excellent point! Too many times we try to have it both ways.
Thanks for the reminder.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer