What To Do When They Don't Like You (John 15:26-16:4a)

How does the rejection of other people impact you?

Are you someone who can easily shake it off, or do you brood over snide comments, rolled eyes, and derisive laughter?

I wish I could say I have thick skin but more often I'm in the second camp. It's painful to have people (especially those people close to us) disdain those parts of us that are most precious to us, especially our faith. Whether it's a family member, a friend, or a romantic interest, being scorned and shamed hurts.

In our passage this week at Grace (John 15:26-16:4), Jesus helps us prepare for the rejection of others as a result of our Christian faith.

Jesus knew that his first disciples, as well as all of us who followed him, would face the same painful experiences he did.

Let's look at the resources Jesus gave us to prepare for living in a conflicted world.

Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

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“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

- John 15:26-16:4a