“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 15:19, ESV)
Ever heard the phrase “guilt by association?”
It means that even if you’re not doing something wrong or offensive or illegal, but you’re with someone who is, you could be considered “guilty” as well.
Well, Jesus was not one to do anything wrong, but He did offend people…often. He spoke truth to people who didn’t want to hear it. He bucked religious traditions. He didn’t settle for the status quo; He challenged people to live according to a higher standard.
And today, over 2,000 years after His death, Jesus’ words continue to make some people angry. He’s someone people argue over, grapple with, and question…a person some love and others hate.
So, if you identify with Jesus and you’re one who loves Him, guess what? You’re “guilty by association.” In other words, being a Christian automatically makes you a target for those who hate, disagree with or don’t understand Jesus.
If people make fun of you for your faith, don’t be surprised. What you believe and what “the world” (people who don’t know Jesus) believes are different. If people give you a hard time for being a “Jesus freak” or reading your Bible or not doing some of the stuff your friends do, don’t freak out. Jesus said this would happen.
Look at the verse above. Jesus basically said, “Don’t be surprised at how ‘the world’ treats you. People who don’t know Me will treat you like they treat Me–badly.”
So, when you feel persecuted, take heart. It means you have something in common with Jesus.
