Nobody LIKES to be hated! It is uncomfortable to say the least … and yet, Jesus told His disciples they WOULD be hated because of their relationship with Him. Jesus warned His disciples that they would face opposition at every turn for the sake of His name, and yet most who claim to be His disciples today reject this truth, substituting a “nicer” message, declaring God’s unconditional love for a world that hates Him, that hates Christ, and that hates His disciples. It is all quite confusing … until you actually hear Jesus’ words from the upper room! Since before the Garden of Eden, Satan and his demons have been at war with God, and the battle entered into this world when Adam and Eve gave in to Satan’s temptation, disobeyed God, and were cast out of the garden. From that point forward the “kingdom of the world” has been opposed to the “kingdom of God.” It is not a matter of “taking sides,” it is a matter of knowing which “side” you are on! Jesus said, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters!” (Matthew 12:30). There is no neutral ground in this war. As Jesus continues to prepare the disciples to enter the battle following His resurrection, He makes it clear what they should expect. They will not be able to sit on the sidelines. They will not be able to escape the hatred and persecution that will come their way because of Him. They will be hated without a cause, just as Jesus was. But Jesus gives them their marching orders when He says, “You also will bear witness!” The spiritual battle that is raging around us will not be won by human power or wisdom. God spoke to the leader of Judah through the prophet Zechariah and said, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts!” (Zechariah 4:6). So it is today! We will overcome, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! (Revelation 12:11).