Last week we were reminded that Christians are literally “little Christs.” Jesus links the works of His followers with the fact of His return to heaven. He says His absence is the cause of their greater works: “Whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12) Jesus later told His disciples that the gift of the Holy Spirit depended on His return to heaven. (John 16:7) It was through the Spirit that the Church is enabled to do the work of God. Jesus’ earthly ministry had been largely limited to Galilee and Judea but His followers were going to extend His ministry to the uttermost parts of the earth and that commission extends to us today—in our home, community, county and wherever we go. When Jesus ascended to heaven, His followers numbered in the hundreds; forty days later, in response to the preaching of the apostles, that number leaped into the thousands. (Acts 2: 41) Even after Jesus’ earthly ministry ended, His work goes on. The followers of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit continues to help and heal people—to have a worldwide impact. As God’s people pray in Jesus’ Name, answers will come, and the greatest miracle of all—the spiritual transformation of a sinful heart through faith in Christ—would become commonplace, to the glory of God. That is the call upon each of us today to be conformed to the image of Christ so that others will see Jesus in us and through us! (Romans 8: 29) God desires a family of children who reflect His Son’s character to finish the work Jesus began!
Living a Christian life isn’t merely about attending church or reading the Bible – it’s about embodying certain virtues that reflect the teachings of Christ. Indeed, there’s a difference between professing faith and living it. Through the Holy Spirit’s work, believers are progressively conformed to Christ’s image (2 Corinthians 3:18). This process involves sanctification, where we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) and put off old habits, replacing them with Christ-like characteristics (Colossians 3:8-10). Finishing the work Christ has begun means living our faith and by integrating key virtues of Christ into our daily life and in all our actions. Then others will know we are Christians by our lives.
Let’s explore some of the virtues that define a Christian life, and how to weave them into our everyday actions:
Humility: One of the key markers of a Christian life is humility which is often overlooked in our competitive, self-obsessed world which is adequately described in 2 Timothy 3:2 “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.” Let us look at Jesus’ example of humility in Philippians 2: 1. Jesus did not consider Himself equal to God. (v. 6) 2. He emptied Himself and took on a servant attitude. (v. 7) 3. He humbled Himself and was obedient to God no matter what—even to death on the Cross. (v. 8) Therefore, we as believers must: 1. Work out our own salvation with fear and trembling as God works in us to have His will according to His purposes. (vv. 12-13) 2. Do everything without grumbling or arguing so we are a witness and light to this crooked and twisted generation. (v. 14) 3. Hold fast to the Word of life. (v. 16) 4. Rejoice in the Lord even in trials that God may be glorified. (vv. 17-18) It’s about acknowledging that we are not the center of the universe. It’s about recognizing our place in the grand scheme of things and understanding that every person has value in the eyes of God. It means not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. Instead, we are to focus on serving others and recognizing their worth. Living with humility doesn’t mean being weak or passive. Instead, it means being secure enough in ourselves to put others before us, just as Jesus did. Remember, humility isn’t about belittling ourselves; it’s about lifting others up. And that’s a true reflection of Christian life. Paul teaches us in Philippians 4: 8 to dwell on whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, to think on these things.
Forgiveness: Another defining virtue in a Christian life is forgiveness. Forgiveness is a tough one. It’s not easy to let go of resentment and hurt, particularly when the wound is fresh and deep. As Christians, we’re called to forgive, just as we’ve been forgiven by God. While it’s not easy, forgiveness is a powerful act of love and grace that reflects the heart of Christianity. According to the Bible, forgiveness is God’s promise not to count our sins against us. It requires repentance (turning away from our old life of sin) and faith in Jesus Christ. Biblical forgiveness means to pardon, give up resentment, and grant relief to an offender, just as God has forgiven us. Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). God’s forgiveness is the pattern we should follow when someone has sinned against us. Forgiveness means no longer holding sin against the person who has sinned against us, just as God no longer holds our sins against us (Matthew 18:15-17). Forgiveness requires the offender to repent and seek reconciliation (Matthew 5:24; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Jesus is the ultimate example of costly forgiveness. He forfeited everything to forgive others, demonstrating the depth of God’s love and forgiveness. As believers, we are called to follow His example and extend forgiveness to others, just as God has forgiven us. So, in striving to live a Christian life, remember the power of forgiveness. It can be challenging, but it’s worth it.
Love: Love is the cornerstone of Christianity. It’s the virtue that binds all others together. In fact, the word “love” appears in the Bible over 300 times, depending on the translation. This frequency underscores just how significant love is in Christianity. Christian love is rooted in the cross of Christ as Jesus loved us and gave Himself for us. That love is based on God’s initiative and redemption through Jesus Christ. (Jn. 3: 16) Christian love is sustained and shaped by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 1 John 3:14). The Spirit enables believers to overcome fear, greed, and selfishness, directing their hearts to God’s commands and promises, and humbling their pride. Christian love aims not only at the physical and emotional well-being of others but also at their spiritual well-being and glorification of God (1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 1:4). This love seeks to introduce others to a profound relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Love, in a Christian context, is not just about affection or attraction. It’s about selflessly serving others, about showing kindness and compassion, even when it’s difficult. It’s beautifully summed up in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…” This kind of love – patient, kind, selfless – defines a Christian life. It pushes us to put aside our own desires and needs for the good of others. It compels us to put away all bitterness, rage, anger, quarreling, slander, along with all malice. (Eph.4:31)
Faithfulness: Faithfulness is another defining virtue of a Christian life. To be faithful means to remain steadfast in our beliefs and commitments, despite challenges and temptations. It means trusting in God’s plan, even when the path seems uncertain. In the Bible, faithfulness is often associated with loyalty, reliability, and trust. It’s about staying true to God’s teachings and promises, no matter what comes our way. Living a life of faithfulness involves daily decisions to trust in God and follow His teachings. It calls for integrity and consistency in our words and actions. Christian faithfulness is rooted in God’s character and promises. Believers are called to reflect God’s faithfulness in their relationships and commitments. Cultivating faithfulness requires trust in God, obedience to His Word, and a response to His faithfulness to Himself. Jesus promises rewards for faithfulness according to Matthew 25: 21. Remember, faithfulness isn’t just about believing in God; it’s about living out that belief every day. It’s about staying true to our commitments and standing firm in our faith, even when times get tough.
Patience: Patience is a virtue that truly defines a Christian life. In our fast-paced world, patience is often in short supply. We want everything right now, whether it’s answers, results, or responses. But as Christians, we’re called to wait patiently – for God’s timing, for His answers, for His plans to unfold. Patience is a vital virtue in the Bible, described as a key aspect of God’s character and a crucial quality for His people. God is patient with humanity, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6-7). His patience is demonstrated throughout history, from the Israelites’ disobedience to His ultimate redemption (Nehemiah 9:30). God’s patience is a model for human behavior, as seen in Jesus’ example of long-suffering towards His enemies (Matthew 5:38-42). Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, listed alongside love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). It is a vital aspect of spiritual growth, allowing us to endure trials and tribulations (James 1:3-4). Patience is essential in relationships, as seen in Colossians 3:12-13, where we are encouraged to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience towards others. Living with patience means enduring trials without complaining, trusting in God’s plan even when we can’t see the end result, and treating others with kindness and understanding, even when they test our patience. “Let your patience have its perfect result, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Colossians 1:10-12) Remember, patience is more than just waiting; it’s how we behave while we wait. And that’s a significant part of living a Christian life.
Compassion: Compassion is at the heart of Christianity. It’s a virtue that calls us to feel for others in their suffering and to do what we can to alleviate it. Living a Christian life means not only empathizing with those who are hurting but also taking action to help. It’s not enough to simply feel sorry for someone; compassion calls us to step in and do something about it. When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. This is the kind of compassion we’re called to embody – a compassion that sees, feels, and responds. In a world where it’s easy to turn a blind eye to suffering, living with compassion can be challenging. But it’s one of the most beautiful expressions of Christian love. Compassion refers to kindness and sympathy, but there is something deeper, something even more profoundly powerful in its meaning. The origin of the word helps us grasp the true breadth and significance of compassion. In Latin, “compati” means “suffer with.” Compassion means someone else’s heartbreak becomes your heartbreak. Another’s suffering becomes your suffering. True compassion changes the way we live. So, let’s open our hearts to those who are hurting. Let’s show them a love that sees, feels, and responds – a love that truly reflects the heart of Christianity.
Gratitude: Gratitude is a virtue that profoundly impacts the way we live our Christian life. As we look around us today it is easy to focus on what is going wrong and overlook the blessings that were still present. According to scripture, we are to make a conscious effort to rejoice in the midst of trials as a vital aspect of the Christian faith. Despite the challenges and difficulties, believers are encouraged to find joy and praise God in the face of adversity. Jesus encourages us in Matthew 5: 12 to rejoice and be glad for our reward in heaven is great for in the same way the prophets were persecuted also. James in 1: 2-4 and Peter in 1 Peter: 6-7 echo this instruction. It is in trials that the genuineness of our faith is tested and cultivated. It helps us to see God’s hand in every situation, no matter how challenging it was. Living a Christian life calls for a heart filled with gratitude – for God’s love, His mercy, and His blessings. Remember, gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you; it’s about recognizing God’s hand in our lives and appreciating all He has done for us. And that’s a crucial part of living a Christian life.
Final thoughts: It’s about the journey. The pursuit of living a Christian life, embodying these virtues, is a lifelong journey. These virtues aren’t just abstract concepts; they’re meant to be lived and breathed, reflected in our thoughts, words, and actions. Living a Christian life is an ongoing process of growth and transformation. It’s about becoming more like Christ every day so that we will be Jesus to others! Our work is not finished as God continues the good work He began in us! Let’s encourage each other as we navigate this path, knowing that every step takes us closer to becoming the people God has called us to be and to finish well! All things are possible with God who enables us to override, overrule, overcome in the Name of Jesus! (Mt. 19: 26, Phil. 4: 13)