It is a part of the cross!

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(J.C. Ryle)

Let it be a settled principle in our minds, that the true Christian must always enter the kingdom of God "through much tribulation" (Acts 14:22). If we are faithful and decided servants of Christ--the world will certainly hate us, as it hated our Master. In one way or another, true grace will always be persecuted. No consistency of conduct, however faultless; no kindness and amiability of character, however striking--will exempt a believer from the world's dislike, so long as he lives. It is foolish to be surprised at this. It is mere waste of time to murmur at it. It is a part of the cross, and we must bear it patiently. The children of Cain will hate the children of Abel, as long as the earth continues.

"Marvel not, my brethren," says John, "if the world hates you." "If you were of the world," says our Lord, "the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world--therefore the world hates you!" (1 John 3:13; John 15:18-19)

This world is not our home!

Our best things are yet to come!

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