Society tends not to like those who are different. Aliens, strangers quickly and easily become the brunt of jokes and the scapegoat in calamity.
The way to defend yourself against vilification is not by seeking to blend in (i.e., adopting society’s values in word and deed), but by rising above the marginalization through positive actions that clearly benefit the community as a whole.
12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.