1st 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.” MANNER OF LOVE. They don’t know me, how strange, even though I lived here for a lifetime. I might have wondered one time; how could such a thing ever be. But really, it should not make me wonder, it is a natural response To a love that is so unnatural – it stands by man unknown, That “manner of love” means death for life – And I by God Himself am born.
The world doesn’t know me, because there has been and still is – a difference. Never has it entered the heart of natural man the value of redeeming grace. It is impossible for me to find my joy in places where my Lord is not, If He would not to such a thing be able to add His blessing, So more, should I refrain when His name confessing, And by God Himself be loved.
A funny thing sometimes happens when I, for some reason, pass by. Conversations sputter and slowly die until they cease in silence; An uncomfortable silence that causes them to look around – Or leave with sentences unsaid they had hoped to share, But “that manner of love” has such a power – God Himself bestowed the love.
The world doesn’t know real Christians who stand out like a bird alone. They want the flock to be alike and travel the same direction. But like a “speckled bird” among a flight of black, The committed Christian shows what others lack. Because of the “manner of love,” we trust. God Himself, in love, will see us home. “I thank Thee, O Father, for the uniqueness of Thy love that makes so evident to the world around me; I am loved in a special manner. Whether Thy love is shown in correction, rebuke or recovery, I know it is unusual to most people. They want love to be sticky and sentimental making everyone feel good but never having a lasting effect. There are those here who are uncomfortable around the reading and speaking from the Bible and/or prayers that are specific rather than general. I pray to be kept from the world “knowing me,” in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”