1 John 3:12-13, “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own acts were evil and his brother’s were righteous. Do not be surprised that the world hates you.”

Interesting points:
1. John brings up the example of the first murderer, Cain, to contrast with what it means to “love one another”. Although Cain recognized God (Genesis 4), he did not follow Him. Instead, Cain showed that he did not love God by killing his brother.
2. Verse 12 also asks and answers the question of why Cain killed his brother: jealous resentment, since Abel's offerings were more acceptable to God than Cain's. Jealousy and hatred towards one's brothers and sisters is "of the evil one." Cain's offering was sinful in itself as he did not offer the Lord his best whereas Abel's offering was considered righteous. John uses this contrast to show the difference between attitudes motivated by God, and those motivated by Satan. Hatred for the good that others do is absolutely evil, and a sign of someone lacking fellowship with Christ.

3. Extending his discussion of hate from Verse 12 John recognized that his audience was already experiencing some level of persecution. While some considered this persecution a surprise, John warned them to expect it. His teaching reflects Paul's words in 2 Timothy 3:12, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." The reason for this persecution is the same reason Cain killed Abel: because the world is evil and it hates goodness. There is a hateful jealousy in sin, which despises seeing others do what is right.
4. Jesus taught, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Such people will be rewarded (Matthew 5:12). Jesus also taught, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20).

Application:
Everyone, how often do we give God the leftovers: our leftover time, leftover income, leftover attention? When we come to understand that such an attitude is sinful, we start to place God in the rightful first place in priority for our lives.
How do we know that we prioritizing properly? The World will despise us! As opposed to the claim that salvation will make all of our earthly trouble vanish, the gospel implies that loving God means being hated by the world.
Let’s take some time today to consider this hard truth: we all like to be loved but even when we act in love, we will quickly see that our righteousness will be resented by others who would rather not give up their wicked ways.
May we encourage and support one another as we strive to live righteously in an increasingly hostile World!