Hatred from the world
The inexperienced Christian supposes that the
hatred of the world against him is a reproach.
He thinks
that he is to blame for it. He imagines that if only he were
kinder, more gentle, more humble, more Christlike, the
enmity of unbelievers would be overcome. This is a great
mistake. The truth is, the more Christlike we are the more
shall we be antagonized and shunned. The most conclusive
proof of this is found in the treatment which our blessed
Savior received when He was in the world. He was “despised
and rejected of men.” If then the purest love which was ever
manifested on earth, if goodness incarnate was hated by men
in general, if the brighter His love shone, the fiercer was
the enmity which it met with in response, then how can we
expect to be admired and esteemed by the world? Surely none
will entertain the horrible thought that any of us can
surpass the prudence of the Son of God!
– A. W. Pink
