Spiritual Warfare: 'Not Surprising that Christians Are Hated'

God's Power for Our Battles — Monday, December 1, 2025

Don’t behave like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he kill him? He killed him because his own works were evil, but the works of his brother were righteous. Don’t be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.
— 1 John 3:12-13 CEB

Today's Prayer

Lord, I always hoped to be loved by You and by my fellow Christians, and also to be loved by the world. But now I realize that this is not possible. The world is full of evil and anger and violence and disobedience, and if I follow a different path than theirs, Lord, the world will never love me. But YOU will. Help me to focus on YOUR love and pleasing YOU instead of trying to keep one foot in each world. Now I know that will never work. Lead me to the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Your Broken World
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, The beloved elder John wrote to My disciples because he deeply loved them and wanted them to find eternal life in me. His words to..."
Love Each Other!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, You are the Father's child! You are precious! The Father adopted you into Our — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit's — family....."

Illustration

Illustration of 1 John 3:12-13 CEB — Don’t behave like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he kill him? He killed him because his own works were evil, but the works of his brother were righteous. Don’t be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, December 1, 2025

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Sing it Out!' (Ps. 107:22)
"Tell the world [all the wonderful things God has done to save and bless you] — sing it out!"
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Submission' (Ep. 5:21-6:9)
"Dear Father, Help all of us who reverence Christ to be submissive to each other, even as he submitted himself to the people about him so that he..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"Wisdom is, and starts with, the humility to accept the fact that you don't have all the right answers, and the courage to learn to ask the right questions."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Keep Your Faith to the End!' (Mt. 24:9-14)
"[Talking to his disciples about coming conflicts and disasters, Jesus continued:] "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be..."

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare