"Mockers Will Mock, Haters Will Hate: Standing Firm in Faith"

Scripture: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12, NIV)

Introduction

In life, no matter how good your intentions are, no matter how much you strive to do what is right, there will always be mockers. There will always be haters. People will criticize, ridicule, and even despise you—sometimes for no reason other than the fact that you stand for something greater than yourself.

Jesus warned us about this. He said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." (John 15:18). The world mocked Noah while he built the ark. They mocked Moses when he led Israel out of Egypt. They mocked David before he became king. They mocked the prophets, they mocked Jesus, and they mocked the apostles. And if you are living for God, they will mock you too.

But here’s the truth: Mockers will continue to mock, haters will continue to hate—but God’s purpose for your life will still prevail.

1. Mockery and Hate Are Nothing New

From the very beginning, Satan has used mockery and hatred to discourage God’s people.

• Noah was mocked for building an ark when there was no sign of rain (Genesis 6-7).

• Joseph was hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, and falsely accused (Genesis 37).

• David was mocked by Goliath and even by his own brothers (1 Samuel 17).

• Jesus was ridiculed by religious leaders, mocked on the cross, and rejected by His own people (Matthew 27:39-44).

If these great men of faith faced mockery, why do we think we will escape it? The enemy wants to use mockery to make you doubt, to make you shrink back, to make you quit. But God allows it to refine you, to strengthen you, and to prepare you for greater things.

2. Why Do People Mock and Hate?

Understanding the root of mockery and hatred helps us respond correctly.

A. Insecurity

Many mockers are deeply insecure. They belittle others to make themselves feel superior. When David faced Goliath, the giant mocked him because he couldn’t believe a young shepherd would challenge him (1 Samuel 17:42-44). But David’s confidence was in God, not in man’s approval.

B. Fear of Change

Some people hate what they don’t understand. When Jesus preached a new covenant, the religious leaders mocked Him because He threatened their traditions (Mark 15:29-32). If you’re moving in God’s purpose, expect resistance from those who are comfortable with the status quo.

C. Conviction of Sin

Light exposes darkness. When you live righteously, it convicts those who don’t. John the Baptist was hated by Herod because he spoke truth (Mark 6:17-18). Sometimes, the hate isn’t about you—it’s about the truth you represent.

D. Spiritual Warfare

Behind some mockery is demonic influence. The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan (Matthew 12:24). When you’re doing God’s work, the enemy will stir up opposition.

3. How Should We Respond to Mockers and Haters?

The Bible gives us clear instructions on how to handle criticism, mockery, and hate.

A. Don’t Retaliate

"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:9)

Jesus is our example. When He was mocked on the cross, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34). Responding in anger only fuels the fire. Silence and grace disarm the enemy.

B. Stay Focused on Your Assignment

Nehemiah faced mockery when rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. His enemies laughed at him, saying, "What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall!" (Nehemiah 4:3). But Nehemiah responded, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down." (Nehemiah 6:3).

Don’t let mockers distract you. Keep building. Keep preaching. Keep praying. Your reward is not in their approval but in God’s.

C. Let God Fight for You

"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord." (Romans 12:19)

David had multiple opportunities to kill Saul, who hated him unjustly. But he refused, saying, "The Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed." (1 Samuel 26:11). Trust God to defend you.

D. Pray for Your Enemies

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)

This is one of the hardest commands, but it’s also the most powerful. When Stephen was being stoned, he prayed, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." (Acts 7:60). Your prayers can break strongholds over those who oppose you.

4. The Blessing in Being Mocked

Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." (Matthew 5:11). There is a blessing in enduring mockery for Christ’s sake.

A. It Confirms You’re on the Right Path

If you’re being mocked for your faith, rejoice—it means you’re making an impact. Satan doesn’t attack what’s ineffective.

B. It Strengthens Your Faith

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3)

Every time you endure mockery with grace, your faith grows stronger.

C. It Prepares You for Greater Things

Joseph’s brothers mocked him, but their hatred propelled him into his destiny. David’s critics didn’t know they were mocking a future king. Your struggles today are preparing you for tomorrow’s victory.

Conclusion: Keep Going!

Mockers will mock. Haters will hate. But God’s purpose for your life cannot be stopped.

• If you’re being mocked for your faith, remember—Jesus was too.

• If you’re being hated for doing right, remember—the prophets were too.

• If you’re being criticized for your dreams, remember—Joseph and David were too.

Don’t quit. Don’t back down. Don’t let the noise of negativity drown out the voice of God. Keep walking in obedience, and in due time, God will turn your mockers into witnesses of His glory.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

Stand firm. Stay faithful. Your reward is coming.

Amen.