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What does it mean to be a true and genuine follower and believer of God? In this article, we will delve into the characteristics of Christian behavior and gain a better grasp on emulating Christ through actions.
To begin with, being a Christian is not merely about believing in God – it’s more than that. It’s about living out that faith every day and embodying Christian traits. When it comes to true Christian behavior, it is not just something we practice on Sundays or when others are watching.
Being a true Christian is a way of life that reflects the love, grace, and truth of Jesus Christ. Perhaps immersing ourselves in books for church members’ spiritual growth could be a significant undertaking that demonstrates a willingness to manifest Christian behavior.
In that case, what does faith look like in action? Let’s break it down into key characteristics that define Christian behavior.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” – Micah 6:8
What Are the Characteristics of Christian Behavior?
Love in Action
Right from the beginning, Jesus made it crystal clear: the greatest commandment is to love – God and others (Matthew 22:37-39). This love does not thrive in words alone but also encapsulates how we treat people, especially those who may be difficult to love. Even when we sometimes stray from Him, God still loves us.
In essence, among the powerful characteristics of Christian behavior is to show kindness, patience, and forgiveness, just as Christ has shown us.
Integrity and Honesty
Faith in action means living with integrity – doing what’s right even when no one is looking. A Christian’s word should be trustworthy, and their actions should reflect truth and righteousness (Proverbs 10:9). Deceit is a vile act that goes against what it means to embody true Christian behavior. As faithful Christians, we must lean on doing what’s righteous and what truly aligns with God’s will.
Humility and Servanthood
Jesus, the King of Kings, washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:14-15). That’s the ultimate example of humility and servanthood. Thus, as Christians, we are called to put others before ourselves, serve with a joyful heart, and seek no reward other than knowing we are doing God’s will. In substance, a humble heart is open to His word and Spirit, evoking a deeper understanding of His teachings. On the same end, humility builds the foundation for a relationship with God where we acknowledge His greatness.
Those who humble themselves and trust in God will ultimately inherit salvation and eternal life with Him.
Compassion and Generosity
Faith in action implies caring for those in need, standing up for the oppressed, and being generous with what we have. Particularly, the Bible reminds us in James 2:17 that faith without works is dead. True Christian behavior includes reaching out to help, not just in words, but in deeds. Altruism is a core value that exemplifies selflessness through acts of service, healing, and, ultimately, sacrifice.
Patience and Perseverance
Living a Christ-centered life isn’t always easy. There will be struggles, doubts, and challenges. But a true Christian remains patient, trusting in God’s timing, and persevering in faith, knowing that trials strengthen character (Romans 5:3-4). Both characteristics of Christian behavior highlight the ability to endure trials, trust in God’s timing, and remain steadfast in faith no matter what mishaps come our way.
Forgiveness and Grace
Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. That’s the ultimate example of grace. As His followers, we are called to forgive those who hurt us, even when it’s hard (Ephesians 4:32). Holding onto bitterness only harms us, but forgiveness sets us free. We are called to mirror God’s actions and extend grace to others. As such, grace is demonstrated through acts of kindness, compassion, and understanding – it offers hope and redemption in the midst of human sin and imperfection.
Living by Faith, Not Just Feelings
Christian behavior isn’t dictated by emotions but by trust in God’s promises. Even when we don’t “feel” like praying, forgiving, or being kind, we do it because our faith is bigger than our emotions (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Our feelings tend to be unreliable and misleading at times. Thus, to live by faith, we must rely on God’s word and promises and not solely on our fluctuating emotions. Even though our feelings or experiences tell us a different story, living by faith and epitomizing Christian behavior means choosing to trust God’s truth and promises.
Final Thoughts: Living Out Your Faith
As we have finally grasped the characteristics of Christian behavior, we are illuminated that Christian behavior is not about being perfect. Instead, it is about striving to live like Christ. It’s choosing faith over fear, love over hate, and truth over compromise. When we put our faith into action, we don’t just talk about God – we show Him to the world through the way we live.
Behave as a Church by Dr. Christopher Powers is a powerful book about developing Christian ministry. It addresses how our behavior influences the work children of God are called to do. Further, this book reminds readers what it means to behave as followers of Christ, epitomizing the characteristics of Christian behavior. Definitely, it is a highly recommended read. If you are interested, you can obtain a copy today by visiting the author’s website or directly purchasing on Amazon.
Let’s make our faith visible, one action at a time.
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