Why We Are Happy Even When People Hate Us

1 IN THE Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “Happy are you whenever […] people hate you” (Luke 6:22). Surely those who heard him were surprised. After all, nobody likes being hated. So why did Jesus say those words? The answer matters to all Christians, because many people hate us. In this article we will see why people hate us and why we can be happy despite it.

Jesus said that we should feel happy when people hate us. Humanly speaking, rejection and contempt are painful. Still, he said this to prepare us and to help us understand that such hatred can be evidence of God’s approval.

As the paragraph shows, these words matter very much to Jehovah’s Witnesses today because we experience that rejection in the ministry and in our workplaces or schools. Jesus was not encouraging us to seek conflict, but to be fully convinced that suffering for the Kingdom brings a joy this system can never understand.

2 People hate us because we worship Jehovah. Speaking of those who would persecute and even kill some of his followers, Jesus said: “They have not come to know either us or the Father” (see John 16:2, 3). Who is behind all the hatred against God’s people? Satan, “the god of this system” (2 Cor. 4:3, 4). He blinds people’s minds so that they do not learn the truth about Jehovah and he influences them to turn against those who do know God and love him (John 8:42-44). What effect should knowing this have on the way we view opposers? Understanding that they have been deceived by Satan helps us not to hate them.

3 Consider the example of Pavel, who lives in a country where our work is banned. Because he kept faithfully worshipping Jehovah, he was arrested, brutally beaten, and placed in an isolation cell for months. He now explains: “I am very aware that Satan and his demons are behind the persecution, and they do not rest in their fight against pure worship. From what I have seen, most people working in prisons have nothing against the Witnesses; they are simply doing their job.” And a brother from Croatia who faced fierce opposition from his parents says: “I have realized that my real enemy is Satan, not my parents” (Eph. 6:12).

a) The basic reason is that people do not truly know Jehovah or Jesus Christ, just as John 16:3 says. The real cause is Satan, who acts as the “god of this system” and blinds people’s minds so that they oppose those who practice pure worship.

b) Knowing that people are under the Devil’s influence and deception completely changes our view of opposers. Instead of becoming resentful or bitter, we feel compassion for them because we understand, as the brother from Croatia said, that our real enemy is Satan and his demons, not human beings.

Pavel’s example is very moving. He spent months in isolation and suffered physical abuse, yet his spiritual maturity helped him look beyond the situation. He realized that the prison guards were simply carrying out their assigned work. This teaches us that when we keep the correct theocratic viewpoint, we protect our heart from hatred and bitterness.

4 Christians do not hate those who persecute them. In fact, we pray for them (Matt. 5:44). Consider the examples of Jesus and the disciple Stephen. After Roman soldiers nailed Jesus to the stake, he offered this prayer: “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). He was asking Jehovah to forgive those soldiers, who were carrying out the order to execute him. He was probably also thinking about the crowd that, influenced by his religious enemies, had shouted for his death. He understood that they did not really know what they were doing. In a similar way, Stephen asked God to forgive those who were stoning him (Acts 7:58-60). Did Jehovah answer the prayers of Jesus and Stephen? Yes. Many who took part in Jesus’ trial and execution later repented, put faith in him, and got baptized (Acts 2:36-41). And at least one of those who supported Stephen’s execution—Saul of Tarsus—became a Christian and deeply regretted the terrible things he had done in ignorance (1 Tim. 1:13).

They teach us that true Christians imitate divine love and do not pay back in the same way. Both Jesus on the torture stake and Stephen while being stoned begged Jehovah to forgive their persecutors because they recognized that these people were acting out of ignorance.

It is beautiful to see that Jehovah answered those prayers for forgiveness. As a result, thousands of Jews who had demanded Jesus’ death repented at Pentecost and got baptized. In addition, Saul of Tarsus, who approved Stephen’s murder, eventually became the apostle Paul. This shows us that an aggressive opposer today may become a faithful brother tomorrow.

No matter what kind of persecution we face, praying for our enemies is a command from Jesus that we should take seriously. Praying for opposers not only benefits them; it also gives us peace and keeps resentment from poisoning our spirituality.

5 In our day, Jehovah also answers when we pray for those who persecute us. Consider the experience of César, who lives in Venezuela. His father was strongly against the truth. César says: “My mother worked very hard to be a good wife and mother. Although she always put the Kingdom first, she never neglected my father. She taught my brothers and me to respect him and obey him unless he asked us to do something contrary to Jehovah’s will.” In time, his father began to change. César says: “One day I poured out a very heartfelt prayer to Jehovah, and then I asked Dad if he wanted to study the Bible with me. I cannot express how happy I felt when he said yes.” In time, his father got baptized. Of course, not all opposers make those changes, but some do soften their attitude because of our good conduct and respectful speech. How happy that makes us! We want Jehovah, the merciful “Judge of all the earth,” to help them draw close to him (Gen. 18:25).

I learn the value of maintaining exemplary, respectful conduct in a religiously divided home. César’s mother showed fine balance by always putting the Kingdom first while at the same time being an attentive wife and teaching her children to respect a father who did not share their faith.

This experience teaches me never to give up on a person too quickly. César offered that Bible study invitation only after heartfelt prayer to Jehovah. It reminds us that heartfelt prayer combined with warm, respectful conduct can soften even the hardest heart.

What a lesson in theocratic patience this account gives us. Even if answers do not come right away, this father’s example, ending in baptism, gives hope to all of us who have unbelieving relatives. Respectful speech can be the key that opens the hearts of our loved ones.

6 People hate us because we support Jesus. On one occasion Jesus told his disciples: “All people will hate you on account of my name” (see Mark 13:13). What does Jesus’ “name” represent? His reputation and his authority as King of God’s Kingdom. True Christians are hated by those who put their trust in human leaders rather than in the ruler chosen by Jehovah. Jesus Christ began ruling in 1914, and soon he will remove all rulers who have rejected his authority.

Mark 13:13 shows that the hatred comes because of Jesus’ “name.” That means the world rejects us because we recognize the legal authority of Jesus Christ as the King appointed by Jehovah and refuse to place our absolute trust in human leaders or governments.

Supporting Jesus’ name means being loyal subjects of his Kingdom. Because the world is divided by nationalism and politics, our firm stand in favor of Christ’s heavenly government clashes directly with the interests of this system.

It is comforting to remember that Jesus has already been exercising his kingly authority since 1914. Although human leaders reject his authority, we remain happy and firm in supporting the only Kingdom that will truly solve mankind’s problems.

7 People hate us because we reject Satan’s world. Jesus explained that people would hate his followers because “they are no part of the world” (see John 15:18-20). Like first-century Christians, we reject this world’s way of thinking, acting, and speaking. As a result, many brothers and sisters are mocked at work or at school (1 Pet. 4:3, 4). Still, some people eventually change their attitude and come to respect us, and that makes us very happy.

8 Consider what happened to a brother in Central America named Ignacio. One of his teachers mocked him for years because of his high moral standards. However, before graduation, that teacher asked how he managed to live by Bible principles when so many people laughed at him. Ignacio explained that God’s standards are a protection to him, and he invited the teacher to a meeting. To Ignacio’s surprise, the teacher came to the Kingdom Hall. He was so impressed by the love in the congregation that he kept attending. In time he began studying the Bible and he too faced opposition. But he kept making progress and got baptized.

They are mocked because, just as Jesus foretold in John 15:19, we are no part of the world. By refusing to adopt this system’s corrupt morals, vulgar speech, and unbiblical customs, people around us see us as different and respond with mockery.

Brother Ignacio’s example teaches us that staying firm at school or at work can produce excellent results. Although his teacher mocked him for years, Ignacio’s integrity awakened that man’s curiosity, and he ended up attending the Kingdom Hall, studying the Bible, and getting baptized. Our moral firmness is a powerful silent witness.

No matter our age, being courageous and refusing to blend in with the world dignifies us before Jehovah. Defending our moral standards respectfully but firmly can help sincere people rethink things and realize that Bible principles truly work and protect us.

9 Another reason we are different from Satan’s world is that we are neutral in all matters involving politics and wars (John 18:36). In harmony with the command at Romans 13:1, we obey the laws of the land. However, because we are neutral in political matters, we do not run for office and we do not vote. We are loyal to Jehovah and to his Kingdom, ruled by Christ. Many Witnesses have been imprisoned for their faith, but they keep preaching. They imitate the example of the apostle Paul, who kept preaching during the years he was under house arrest and in prison (Acts 24:27; 28:16, 30). He spoke about the good news to all who were willing to listen, including prison guards, court officials, governors, kings, and perhaps even officers of Emperor Nero (Acts 9:15).

10 Likewise, our imprisoned brothers preach to any who are willing to listen, including judges, government officials, and guards. One brother who spent more than six years in prison for his neutrality said that he did not view that time as a punishment, but as an opportunity Jehovah had given him to find honesthearted people. If Jehovah uses us to make the good news known to such people, that can make us very happy (Col. 4:3). But that is not the only reason we can be happy despite the hatred people show toward us for serving God. Let us consider several more.

a) We stand out very clearly because of our strict Christian neutrality. Although we are exemplary citizens who respect the law as Romans 13:1 says, we do not take part in political parties, we do not vote, and we do not go to war, because our absolute loyalty belongs to God’s Kingdom.

b) From the apostle Paul we learn to view prison walls not as defeat, but as a special witnessing territory. He used his chains to give a witness to guards, governors, and high officials. Our imprisoned brothers today imitate that wonderful attitude.

The comment from the brother who spent six years in prison is very inspiring. Instead of growing bitter or seeing prison as punishment, he viewed it as a special theocratic assignment to look for sincere people. Keeping that positive focus shows how Jehovah’s spirit gives us the power to turn hardship into a reason for joy.

11 We are seeing what the Bible foretold come true. In the very first prophecy in the Bible, Jehovah foretold that Satan and his symbolic offspring—that is, those who support him—would hate those who love Jehovah and serve him (Gen. 3:15). Jesus also spoke many times about the hatred God’s servants would face, as shown in the four Gospels (Matt. 10:22; Mark 13:9-12; Luke 6:22, 23; John 15:20). And other Bible writers addressed this same subject (2 Tim. 3:12; Jas. 1:2; 1 Pet. 4:12-14; Jude 3, 17-19). So persecution does not surprise us. Rather, we are glad to see Bible prophecy being fulfilled, because it confirms that we serve the true God. One sister who lives in a country where our work is restricted explains: “When I dedicated myself to Jehovah, I knew that sooner or later I would face persecution. So trials do not frighten or surprise me.” One of the many people who opposed her was her husband, who treated her very badly and burned her Bible and other publications. But she did not back down; instead, her faith grew stronger (Heb. 10:39). She says: “Persecution was foretold, so I knew it would come. Experiencing it personally convinced me that this is the true religion” (Heb. 10:39).

Our faith is strengthened because persecution is living proof that the Bible tells the truth. From Genesis 3:15 onward, it was foretold that there would be enmity between the serpent’s offspring and God’s people. So when we experience that hatred, we are fully reassured that we are in the true religion.

The experience of the sister whose husband burned her publications shows that trials refine faith. She did not lose heart because she was mentally prepared. Seeing Jesus’ warnings come true in her own life gave her complete certainty that Jehovah was on her side.

The paragraph cites many Bible texts that remind us persecution is not an abnormal situation, but part of the package of being a faithful Christian. By enduring those tests with perseverance, we show that we have the kind of faith that preserves life.

12 Even though we know we will be persecuted, it may still be hard to endure. Speaking about the time he spent in prison, one brother wrote: “At times I felt very low and distressed, and all I did was cry.” What helped him endure? He said: “I kept praying all the time. The first thing I did every morning was pray. During the day, whenever some difficulty arose, I spoke to Jehovah. And when I became upset by the injustices I was suffering, I would lock myself in the bathroom and pray.” Our brother also meditated on examples of Jehovah’s servants from the past and from our own day who stayed loyal. This helped him endure persecution and feel the peace that Jesus promised his disciples (John 14:27; 16:33).

That brother was sustained by constant prayer and by meditating on examples of loyalty shown by other servants of God. He himself explains that he prayed first thing in the morning, throughout the day whenever problems came up, and in private when injustice overwhelmed him.

This experience shows that it is normal to feel emotionally weak and to cry under pressure. What matters is what we do with that pain. This brother opened his heart to Jehovah, and that allowed him to receive the peace Jesus promised.

Keeping constant communication with Jehovah in times of crisis acts like a spiritual lifeline. When heartfelt prayer is combined with remembering how other brothers have endured, we receive the strength we need to keep going.

13 Our love is stronger than hatred. Right to his last breath, Jesus loved his Father with all his heart. And he also loved his friends (John 13:1; 15:13). If we develop that kind of love, both for Jehovah and for our brothers, we too will conquer hatred. Let us look more closely at this idea using the example of the apostle Paul.

What will help us conquer the world’s hatred is cultivating deep, unconditional love for Jehovah and for our dear brothers in the faith. Love is the strongest force in the universe and it works as the perfect antidote to hostility.

Jesus set the highest standard: he loved Jehovah and his disciples right to the end. If we are filled with genuine brotherly love, the threats of this system lose their power because we become more focused on protecting our spiritual family than on our own fears.

14 Shortly before he was executed, Paul wrote to his dear friend Timothy: “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but one of power and of love and of soundness of mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). What did he mean? That because of the deep love a Christian feels for Jehovah, he is willing to endure very hard trials (2 Tim. 1:8). Without a doubt, the love Paul felt for Jehovah helped him remain courageous and loyal when facing death (Acts 20:22-24).

Paul was sustained by the deep love he felt for Jehovah God. As he explained to Timothy, that love drives out fear and fills us with a spirit of power and soundness of mind, giving us the courage needed to face death faithfully.

True love gives theocratic endurance. When we love Jehovah with our whole soul, hard trials no longer seem like pure tragedy, but become opportunities to prove our loyalty, just as Paul did to the very end.

15 We feel immense love for brothers who remain loyal under persecution. Many Christians willingly risk themselves for their brothers, just as Aquila and Priscilla risked their lives for Paul (Rom. 16:3, 4). For example, in Russia many go to the courts to encourage those who have been arrested. When one sister who had been arrested saw a large group of brothers in the courtroom, she became so emotional that for quite a while she could not speak, she literally was left speechless. The deep love of her spiritual family strengthened her exactly when she needed it. Our love is stronger than hatred, and that makes us very happy.

They show it by risking their own security to support their fellow believers, as when brothers in Russia attend court hearings in large numbers to give emotional and spiritual support to those being unjustly tried for their faith.

The account of the sister who was left speechless when she saw the congregation in court shows how real brotherly love is. Feeling supported by the spiritual family in the darkest moment of the trial gives a tremendous strength that cancels out the hatred of the authorities.

Even in places where the work is banned or severely restricted, the brothers look for discreet but courageous ways to stay united. They imitate Aquila and Priscilla by risking themselves for the welfare of the brotherhood, showing that Christian love knows no borders or legal barriers.

16 If we endure despite hatred, we gain God’s approval (see 1 Peter 4:14). The apostle Peter said that if we suffer opposition for serving God, we can be happy. Why? Because that opposition proves that God’s spirit rests on us. Peter knew from experience what it meant to have Jehovah’s approval and endure persecution. Shortly after Pentecost 33 C.E., the temple police arrested Peter and other apostles because they were preaching. But Peter defended his faith courageously (Acts 5:24-29). Although they were later beaten, Peter and the other apostles did not stop preaching. Instead, they rejoiced because “God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor in behalf of the name of Jesus.” We too can be happy when we go through trials (Acts 5:40-42).

Peter explained at 1 Peter 4:14 that suffering for the name of Christ is a reason for happiness because it is unmistakable proof that Jehovah’s holy spirit rests on us. In other words, the world’s attack confirms that we have the Creator’s approval.

The apostles left us a wonderful pattern in Acts 5. After being arrested and flogged by the temple police, they left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because Jehovah had considered them worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name. They did not see themselves as victims, but as servants approved by their King.

Enduring insult with dignity produces deep joy. When we go through tests because of our neutrality or preaching work, we should not become discouraged. Instead, we should remember that every spiritual scar is a badge of honor proving our loyalty to Jehovah.

17 On the night before his death, Jesus told his disciples: “Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him” (John 14:21). We eagerly look forward to the day when love will finally rule and no one will hate us for serving Jehovah (2 Thess. 1:6-8). In the meantime, let us remember the many reasons we have to remain happy despite hatred, and this will comfort us and strengthen us.

Jesus warmly assured his disciples that everyone who shows love and obedience would receive the deep love of both his heavenly Father and of himself. That is the greatest guarantee of security we could have.