I John 3:1-3  It is through the Father's great love that we are called His children.  When we really think about this Truth.. it stuns us.  Do we really believe it?  Do we really act like it is true?  John wants us to think about this.. to internalize it.. to wonder at it.. 

As God's children, John says, ".. the world does not  know us, because it did not know Him."  The Greek word for "know"  can also mean to "be aware.. perceive... or understand".  This makes it clearer.. The world does not understand us.  They don't understand our positions against sinful behavior.. and call it discrimination or prejudice.  They don't understand our commitment to Jesus and call it religious bigotry. They call the church a place of hypocrites, because they don't understand that we are not perfect, but needy and putting our trust in a Savior who is perfect. They do not understand the power of Jesus' blood shed to take away our sins. They don't understand the hope that only He can give.. 

John gives us a word of encouragement.. "Beloved now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is."   Oh, what a blessed hope we have in Jesus!  "And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him, purifies himself, just as He is pure." 

I am reminded of the old hymn that my grandmother used to quietly sing sometimes...

" Oh to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,

 this is my constant longing and prayer. 

Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures, 

Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to bear.

Oh, to be like Thee! full of compassion,

Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,

Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,

Seeking the wandering sinner to find.

Oh to be like Thee! lowly in spirit,

Holy and harmless, patient and brave,

Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,

Willing to suffer others to save. 

Oh, to be like Thee! while I am pleading,

Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love;

Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling, 

Fix me for life and heaven above.

Oh, to be like Thee!

Oh, to be like Thee,

Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!

Come in Thy sweetness, 

come in Thy fullness; 

Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart. 

( by Thomas O Chisholm)

May this be our prayer also!  

Father, thank You for loving us and adopting us as Your own children! We offer our praise and thanksgiving to You, Almighty and Gracious God! We lift our hearts to You. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we might be more like Jesus.  We ask it in His Wonderful Name. amen.