I.

John 15:18-19 If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me be-fore it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

1 Peter 4:12,14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were hap-pening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

II. We are just as

James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

III. We are

2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do every-thing in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Discussion Questions:
1. Have you experienced being misunderstood because of your faith or political convictions? Share your experience.
2. In what ways have you misunderstood or misjudged people with differing beliefs or opinions, especially in the political or reli-gious context?
3. Where in your life do you need to practice being “slow to as-sume”?
4. What does it mean to you to be a representative of Jesus Christ?
5. D.L. Moody said: “Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian.” How does this statement chal-lenge you in your daily interactions?
6. Share one practical step you can take this week to be a better rep-resentative of King Jesus to the people around you.