The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.  I john 3:1 b

As John explains our unique relationship with the Father – sons and daughters, full and free – he seems to pause a bit and add this striking reminder.  In my words, “Do not expect that unsaved people will understand what is in the heart and mind of the saved ones.”   We should not be surprised that they do not understand what is happening to us.

That might be hard to accept and even harder to believe, but it is Gospel truth.  The only way the unsaved can understand us is if we compromise our belief in Christ’s atoning work.  We dare not, for a moment, allow that to happen.

John is astoundingly simple – there are only two ways, one for those who believe and another for those who do not.

I realize how frustrating it is for us believers to accept the fact that nonbelievers do not understand us.  We have a compelling need to be understood – by the world.  So, we try to make ourselves understood!   John confides with us that those who have never known the salvation in Christ cannot possible understand what is happening to us. How can they possibly understand?  They know only what they know.

Should we expect nonbelievers to fully grasp what it means to give one’s heart to Jesus Christ?  Only those who are experiencing the saving grace of Jesus Christ know the power and reality of the transforming work God.  For those who do not know or experience that grace, it is a confounding mystery.

John reminds us that this is the situation and will continue to be so until the Lord returns.  Hear the Word again, The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.  So be it.