I Corinthians 1:28-29 “God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”
Salvation is by God’s grace. It is unearned and undeserved. The one who understands salvation can never boast. Nor can he feel superior. God did not choose me because I was extraordinary, impressive, or somehow worthy. These verses state that God chose the lowly and despised. So, I cannot shrink back from associating with lowly and despised people – or from becoming lowly and despised myself in the eyes of the world. In fact, the Christian who follows Christ day in and day out is certain to face harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment from time to time. For some Christians, especially in hostile lands, when they stand for their faith they lose everything.
Father, please give me the courage to stand for truth. If I am mocked and intentionally misunderstood, let me always respond in love. Protect your despised children around the world. Encourage them to share the light of truth and the love of Christ with their oppressors.