As a Christian living in this current culture, it is easy to feel outnumbered and out of place. To take a stand for almost any type of “traditional” moral or ethical value is to put oneself at odds with those who are vocal, combative and vindictive.
Why does the world view Christians with such suspicion and vitriol?
John wrote, “The reason why the world does not know us is that it does not know him” (1 John 3:1).
The world does not know about the Father’s love.
• “See what kind of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1).
• The world is used to superficial love—a “love” that is based upon fleeting physical appearances, emotions, and outright lust (immediate physical gratification).
• The world is ignorant of divine love that is unconditional and characterized by sacrifice.
• Loving the unlovable is a foreign concept (cf. Romans 5:6, 8, 10). The world does not know about their obligation to obey.
• To practice sin is to live outside the light and love of God (1 John 3:3-10). The world does not know about their responsibility to love.
• While hate puts an end to everything it touches (conversations, relationships, lives, etc.), love re- stores and unites when it is unleashed in godly fashion (1 John 3:11-15).
• The child of God has a responsibility to love even those who are hateful and unkind.
• The world does not know about their future.
• The world does not give much thought to “the end” of things.
• On the other hand, the child of God is excited and filled with wonder as it relates to eternity (1 John
3:2).
• While we may not have the answer to every question concerning eternity, we know for certain that
He is coming back (John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).
The world does not know about some things that are vitally important. What about us?
