John 7:7- "The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil."
I believe that Jesus spoke these words both to encourage us and to keep our focus where it should be. Allow me to briefly explain my thinking.
When we as Christians take a stand for the Lord and what is right, the world doesn't like it in the least. We will always face opposition when we stand for or do what is right. This hatred from the world can be discouraging because it's hard for us not to take it personally. That's our first instinct when we feel attacked. However, it's not us that they hate- it's God. The world doesn't like it when God points out their wrong. God is reminding us here that our focus needs to be on Him, not ourselves. This way, we can recognize the world's hatred for what truly is and can avoid taking it personally and getting discouraged. It truly is all about Him, not us!
The next time you face the world's hatred, recognize it for what it really is and don't let it discourage your service to Him. Otherwise, you'll be an inefficient servant.