“See what kind of love the Father has give 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. 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 everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3
Who is “He”? He is Jesus Christ and through faith in Him we are adopted by God and made sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. The world hates the church - the body of Christ - because it hates Christ Himself. And because the world hates Christ it does not know him.
But you know Him and because you know Him, God the Father has set you aside to be His own, to be holy ones - to be saints. You are not like the world, for it you were you would not know Him and you would not be His children.
The world gives itself willingly over to sin, but it is not so with you. As God’s children, you are called to live different lives from those of the world. You are called to live lives of hope, love, forgiveness, compassion, and truth. You are not called to make a practice of sinning - as the world does, but if you do sin contrary to your nature as adopted children of God, know that you have an advocate with the Father. Seek forgiveness and do not despair - as the devil would have you do - but rely on God’s grace through Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Abba, Father!, I give you thanks that you have made me your child through faith in Christ Jesus, that you have adopted me as your own and that I am no longer an alien or enemy, but a member of your household. Give me faith to endure the trials of this world so that at length I might one day see you face-to-face and receive my crown of glory, and be welcomed home. In Jesus’ name I give thanks and pray. Amen.