June 10
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1 JOHN 3
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
– 1 John 3:1-3
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1 JOHN 3 WHY THE WORLD DOES NOT KNOW US
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When God chose you to belong to him, he gave you his Spirit
The Spirit is unseen and does not belong to this earthly empire
Things that we see are those that belong to this world
God’s realm is unseen and revealed only in his word
The Lord only reveals himself to those whom he loves
Therefore, those who are not his, do not know God.
The works of the flesh keeps us in lust and constant craving
While the Spirit’s work is to keep us obeying and believing
The world lives only for himself and satisfying the self
While the Spirit guides and directs us saints, to be selfless
Those who belong to this world continue to desire and lust
Those who belong to Christ, live to obey him and trust.
So, to all God’s children, do not be discouraged
Only those who know God will truly comprehend
They do understand us because they don’t know him
They do not care what the Lord commands, they live in sin
Therefore, do not fret when you are misunderstood
Christ himself was misconstrued and also rejected.
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REFLECTION
• Why should true believers never fret or be anxious when they are misunderstood or rejected according to these verses?
• What goes on in our hearts when we get offended and defend ourselves?