“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.”--John 15:18
It’s no fun to be hated, to be despised, especially for what seems like no good reason.
Heartbreakingly, at times, some of us have experienced people hating us for our faith, for our Christian beliefs, and the stands we take for them in our culture because of them.
Yet, we’re not alone, as many biblical heroes have been hated, with Jesus being at the forefront of the most hated throughout history.
Also, David knew what it felt like to be hated. He faced King Saul’s jealousy and rage, and he set out to hunt him down and kill him.
“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).
When We Feel Alone
Even though we may not be running for our lives or hiding in caves out of fear of our enemies, like David, sometimes we find ourselves alone in a crowd, with no one encouraging or cheering us on.
Still, we’re not alone, as there is always someone we can rely on to uplift and strengthen us when everyone else has left us: a loving, caring, compassionate God who never leaves or forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5).
When no one else supports us, especially during desperate moments when it seems no one is willing to extend a hand and help us recover, we can rely on His presence in our lives to lift us up.
Thankfully, David had a deep relationship with the Lord, understanding he was never
alone and knowing where to turn for support. His words, written years ago, remind and encourage multitudes down through the centuries that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
What to Do When We Are Hated?
Being hated is no fun, but as Christians, we can implement the three following practices to help us respond and live each day knowing that God loves us, although people may hate us.
1. Receive God’s blessing in our lives. When hated, we don’t need to despair because it comes with benefits, as God promises us blessings and rewards in Heaven.
Even though it feels and seems like a terrible thing to be hated, Jesus assures us in Luke 6:22-23 that, “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”
Although we may not feel delighted inside or like rejoicing when we’re being hated, 1 Peter 4:13-14 urges, “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”
Additionally, Jesus tells us, too, in Matthew 10:22 that “You will be hated by everyone because of Me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
2. Turn to God’s Word. When hated by the world, we can turn to God’s word for hope during the darkest days. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
Reading God’s promises uplifts, strengthens, and gives us life. As Jesus explains in John 6:63, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”
3. Spend time with God. Being hated allows us to renew and refresh our relationship with God, where we choose to spend time with Him in prayer, praise, and worship. Doing so brings comfort, refreshment, and rest to our souls.
We can seek to follow David’s example and how he dealt with being hated, writing in Psalm 42:2, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Let’s Pray: Dear Father, although it is difficult to hate and to share in the suffering You experienced here on earth, we thank You for the blessings, heavenly rewards, and Salvation that are ours because of You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo credit:©Getty Images/Jacob Wackerhausen
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Thursday, 16 October 2025.
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