When Following Jesus Costs Something
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” John 15:18 (ESV)
Most of us hope following Jesus will make life better.
We pray for peace in our homes, purpose in our work, stronger relationships, and the joy that comes from walking with God. And those are wonderful gifts He gives.
But Jesus also made a promise we don’t talk about as often. He said that if we follow Him, there will be times when the world doesn’t understand us, and may even reject us.
Those words feel especially relevant today.
We live in a culture that encourages everyone to decide what is true for themselves. Jesus says something very different. He doesn’t simply offer one path among many. He says He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). That message has always challenged people because it asks us to surrender our own authority and trust Him instead.
Jesus wasn’t telling His followers to go looking for conflict. He called us to love our enemies, pray for those who mistreat us, and be peacemakers wherever we can. But He also reminded us that faithfully following Him would sometimes put us at odds with the culture around us.
John 15 explains why.
Jesus says the world rejected Him because His words exposed what people wanted to keep hidden. Light has always made darkness uncomfortable. That doesn’t mean every disagreement we face is persecution.
Yes, sometimes Christians speak without kindness or humility, and when that happens, we should be quick to admit it. But sometimes the tension comes simply because we refuse to let go of what Jesus taught.
That shouldn’t surprise us. It didn’t surprise Him.
Every generation faces the same question: Whose approval matters most?
We all want to be liked. That’s part of being human. But if fitting in becomes more important than following Christ, we slowly begin reshaping our faith until it no longer challenges us or anyone else.
Jesus never asked us to do that
At the same time, He never called us to argue with everyone who disagrees with us. Scripture tells us to speak the truth with gentleness and respect. Our goal isn’t to win debates. It’s to help people see Jesus.
Often, the strongest testimony isn’t something we say. It’s the way we live.
People notice peace in someone facing uncertainty. They notice kindness in a harsh world, integrity when shortcuts are easier, forgiveness when resentment seems justified, and hope when circumstances say there shouldn’t be any. Those moments often open hearts more than arguments ever will.
There’s another encouragement in this passage.
Jesus never asks us to walk a road He hasn’t already traveled. He knew how it felt to be rejected, misunderstood, and abandoned. When we experience those things because we belong to Him, we’re never facing them alone. His Spirit walks with us every step of the way.
That’s why our confidence isn’t found in changing the culture or winning every argument. It’s found in Christ. The same Savior who was rejected by many accomplished God’s greatest victory through the cross and the empty tomb.
Our calling hasn’t changed
We’re not called to win every argument or to earn everyone’s approval. We’re called to stay close to Jesus, love people well, speak the truth with humility, and trust Him with the outcome.
Some days that will be easy. Other days it will cost us something. But we never walk that road alone.
The One who warned us that following Him would be difficult is the very One who promises, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
As we begin another week, perhaps the better question isn’t whether the world approves of us. It’s whether our lives reflect the One we say we follow.
May God continuously lead your path