See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it does not know him.
1 John 3:1
As someone who knows she doesn’t quite fit, this verse is one of my favorites. Feeling awkward is uncomfortable. Some of us know this feeling quite well. Others of us experience that out of place feeling very little. However, I will make a guess that most of us have experienced that feeling when it comes to being bold in our Christian faith.
Have you ever had someone ask you a question about something you’ve done, and been unsure of how to answer because it is difficult for some people to accept the answer that God has led you to it? Do you have a testimony you adjust to make more comfortable for people? What I mean is, do you then downplay God’s role in the situation or have a secular version of the answer?
It can be hard as a Christian in this world-feels even harder when you know you’re different. There are some people who make it clear they don’t know how to respond to others’ bold faith or automatically assume the conversation is going to go to “religion” when someone mentions the role Jesus has played in their life.
It seems that there are so many places we go where we are made to feel like talking about faith and our God is taboo. We begin to worry we will offend someone or be viewed as different if we speak freely about the role God has played in our lives. Because we naturally want to feel like we belong, we begin to make small adjustments in the way we respond. Sometimes, we don’t mention Him at all even when we feel called to speak about Him.
This verse explicitly explains that feeling to us, telling us that we will feel unknown at times and perhaps, misunderstood. How clever is it of our God to provide comfort with that message by reminding us of his unconditional love! To be loved like someone’s child is a loving bond that cannot be broken and that is how God loves us. He is telling us that He knows it is difficult to walk in faith boldly and that some people will not accept us for it. But He will always love us.
I try to remember this verse when I feel unknown and alone. It is a gentle reminder that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Much of the world didn’t accept a man who was kind, loving, and perfect. So, much of the world may not accept us. Thus, it is important to remember that we are a part of a bigger family and continue to be called to share Jesus and ourselves with others.
No matter who you are, as a believer in Jesus, you belong to the Christian family. Jesus’ love covers it all. We’re never really alone. He is always there, and He provides us the people we need to help us remember who we are in Him. I pray this verse reminds you how blessed you are to be loved by Jesus and that you always belong. You are a part of the Kingdom of God.
Prayer: Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your life, Your love, and Your sacrifice that allows me to be called a child of the Father who made me. How grateful I am that You know all of me and love me anyways. I praise You for this verse and for accepting into Your Kingdom. I know I always have a place I belong-with You. Help me to remember this in moments when I am to share You and my faith with the rest of the world so I can continue to serve You.
In Your Name I Pray,
Amen