Human beings who abide on earth are identified and associated with the geographical border they belong to or come from, and the treatment they receive also is determined by the political and economic strength of their country and alliance. John speaks about the supernatural affiliation and lineage that we inherit from the creator of the universe, including this planet of earth, over which even the immigration authorities do not have knowledge or rules: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” (1Jn 3:1) The ignorance of the world regarding the children who are the citizens of heaven exists because of the ignorance of the knowledge and the existence of God. This is foretold by Jesus while He was still on the earth, since He too underwent the treatment by people who were ignorant of His citizenship in Heaven and sonship to God: “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you…They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.” (Jn 15:19, 21) May we never grow tired because of the mistreatment we get from the people of this world, for that only confirms their ignorance of God and our citizenship of Heaven. Hence, we have the duty of educating them in a still better way and extending kindness and compassion.

Abba, Thank You for the privilege of adoption into Your family. Let Your Spirit enable us to behave worthy of our citizenship of Heaven and extend compassion to those who are truly ignorant of it, In Jesus’ Most Amazing Name, Amen.