1 John 3:1-2–See what kind of love the Father has given 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. 

Though love is an emotion and action, we don’t always “feel it”, though we should seek God so we can act from the place of love.  The clear determiner that I am motivated by love is whether I do the action required or not, by faith. Galatians 5:6-For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

So when the Apostle John speaks in “wonder” as to the kind of love God has given us through Christ, it is the love we workout in a relationship with Jesus that makes us distinctive to the world.  In other words, the world doesn’t know the love of God, so they’re not motivated to live a life that suffers and sacrifices, while striving to serve and love others unconditionally as a lifestyle.  (Philippians 2:12-13)

So as believers motivated by this great love,“the world does not know us” (understand) why we do or don’t do what they do unconsciously unhindered by God’s love.  However we must continually examine our hearts as to whether we are being distinguished by faith and love for God, or by dead religion? (2 Corinthians 5:13-14, James 1:26-27)

Because when the love of God motivates us to be distinguished enough to be asked about our faith, our speech should be seasoned with grace, without focusing on what we do to be distinguished.  Such an opportunity opens the door to glorifying Jesus’ love and grace, that overcomes what we would never be without it.  (Ephesians 2:8-10, Colossians 4:5-6)

What will continually renew our awe for God’s love, is the grace he gives us to make us distinguished for His glory.  Yet those revelations of a renewed awe comes from serving Him sincerely by faith.  Witnessing the grace He supplies to do what we never could, without Him empowering us to. (Isaiah 40:31)

Colossians 1:29-For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
-In His Love, Ld