1 John 3:1 “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” Jesus said in John 17:16: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” He also said in John 15:18,19: “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.” The world didn’t know Jesus and crucified Him. It also doesn’t know us. We can’t expect love and acceptance. This is difficult. Many don’t follow Christ, because of this opposition. America was founded on freedom of religion. So, we don’t receive persecution. However, we are scorned. The educational, media and entertainment establishments scorn us. We are used to ridicule from them. He was opposed, also. The religious leaders were against Jesus every step of the way. He wasn’t refined. It’s said “he was a Galilean.” It was the country. He may have had a regional accent that wasn’t respected. He wasn’t educated. The usual paths that produce respect weren’t part of Jesus’ experience. He also reached out to sinners. This was very difficult for the leaders. They were so focused on keeping pure that they missed the outreach and mercy parts of scripture. Our message is from Him. The world won’t embrace us either. The counter cultural message of the sixties legitimized opposition to traditional values. This opposition is now mainstream. The biblical values are now seen as ignorant and unenlightened. Do we intentionally speak our differences? I don’t think so. Paul said in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” We aren’t to dany our faith, but we don’t have to stir things up at every opportunity. I won’t risk relationships for politics. I will for matters of faith, if I have the right relationship. Another aspect of “not being of this world” is what we are of. We are of God. We are sons and daughters of God. This demonstrates His great love. He went to great lengths to make this happen. The story starts from Adam and Eve and the fall. Then moves on to the sacrificial system which illustrates the great cost and difficulty the payment for sins. Then comes Jesus and no had any idea that He was going to pay with His life. This was way beyond anyone’s imagination. We are living in the age inwhich we can receive His offer of “if anyone come…” We have and He redeemed us and set us on a new course. We are now part of His flock. He moves us along ever so slowly. While we are not part of this world and we are looked down upon, it’s all worth it. It’s part of what God’s people encounter. Lord, help us to be so immersed in the joy of being Your child that we don’t worry about the world’s rejection of us. Thank You for the great price You have paid. Every day thousands take Your offer of adoption and become part of Your family. While there is some bullying, You don’t allow to be beyond our ability to take it. Your the big brother that takes care of us.