Definition: Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from 1 John 3:13. It's a really important one with some deep meaning about love and acceptance. Here’s what it says in simpler terms: “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” Let’s unpack that: “My brethren” : This refers to believers – those who have faith in Jesus Christ. It's a call-and-response, suggesting we’re together as a community of Christians. “Marvel not” : This is the key part. “Marvel” means to be surprised or confused. The verse isn't saying we should be upset; it’s urging us to not be surprised by this reaction. “If the world hate you” : This means that people who don’t believe in Jesus, or who oppose Christianity, might feel angry or sad towards us. So, what does this verse really mean? It's essentially saying: "Don’t be surprised if people don’t accept your faith. It's a natural response to believing something so profound and true." But there's a deeper layer of meaning – it’s about why they might hate us. The verse emphasizes that we are not the cause of their negativity. It highlights that God loves us unconditionally, even when people don’t understand or accept our beliefs. It’s a reminder that: God's love is bigger than human judgment. We aren't responsible for others’ reactions to our faith. Our focus should be on loving God and loving one another, regardless of what others think. In short, the verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our beliefs and to continue to love each other with grace and patience, even when it’s difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to everyday life? Talk about the historical context behind this passage?