We want to be liked. We want to be accepted. We want people to be nice to us and say nice things about us. But what if that’s all we have and all we receive?
Jesus made an interesting statement in Luke 6:26, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you.” The Son of God Himself came to this earth, and guess what? Not everyone “spoke well” of Him! Some folks had some very “un-well” things to say. What did Jesus do to deserve the unkindnesses thrown His way? Not a thing! And He warned His followers, “Because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12), simply because they are “a Christian” (1 Pet. 4:16).
Thus, “Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13). But do be concerned if all people speak well of you! The light of the Christian life will make people in darkness act out (John 3:19-21; Eph. 5:8-14).