September 7, 2024

Marks of a true Christian

Part 7

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Romans 12:16

Isn’t it odd that God has to tell us how to act and treat people appropriately when it should come naturally to those who love Jesus? Maybe this list of characteristics is so we can double-check and continue working on ourselves if we lack in any specific area. However, this specific mark is the mark of genuine love which all of us should exhibit without question. I know that people nowadays seem to lack sense and act foolishly, making it harder for us to tolerate them. But, according to the above scripture, we are to condescend to them, not act like them, but not esteem ourselves so highly that we forget that God doesn’t care whether we are rich or poor, smart or dumb, and should treat one another fairly. Remember, you may not be as smart as you think, so don’t overestimate your intelligence. Even though this is a hard one because it seems that a lot of people have taken the wacky pill, this is a reason to feel sorry for the ignoramuses and remind ourselves that they need the sanctification that only Jesus can give. We may need more sanctification, too.

September 6, 2024

Marks of a true Christian

Part 6

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15

There is a little boy in our church who was born with many medical issues. He has trouble hearing and seeing, among other things. He recently underwent surgery and had some unforeseen trouble, and infection set in. However, the doctors cleared it up. Our church has been praying for him and his parents for his entire life. He’s had many surgeries, but this one in particular was one I was looking forward to. He was being prepared to receive a cochlear implant type of device to help him hear. Yesterday, he was fitted with the device, and his mother uploaded a video showing his response when it was turned on. This relatively quiet little guy got a big smile on his face and began chattering in a language only God could interpret, but it was a language of pure joy, something we could all understand. I’m sure he has had happy moments in his precious life, but I have never witnessed them. He finally got to hear his momma’s voice. I felt his joy and was overwhelmed and brought to tears. I am grateful I was able to witness such delight. What a perfect example of rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. This baby has had a rough life, but his church family has stood by him this entire time. God gave us this moment, and it did our hearts good.

September 5, 2024

Marks of a true Christian

Part 5

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Romans 12:14

This mark of a true Christian is a hard one but not impossible. We all have people who hate us, whether it’s because we unintentionally hurt them or because of their jealousy. I’m sure there are other reasons, but one of the main reasons is that we have peace with Jesus, and their lives are probably in turmoil. When they see us living our best lives worshipping our Lord, they allow evil to overtake them. I’ve found the best way to overcome your anger towards them is to feel sorry for them because they’ve allowed the enemy to control them and are likely heading to hell. Remember when Jesus was on the cross and he cried out, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” We must use his words as an example of what to do. These people are fighting against us and don’t realize the implications of what they are doing, especially when they come against the children of God. They will eventually pay the price for their ignorance. Ultimately, we want them to come to know Jesus because it will change their lives as well as ours; that’s where blessing them rather than cursing them comes into play. Pray for their salvation. 

I know of at least two people who hate me, and one of them has uttered the words, “How can she call herself a Christian.” I know because I overheard her. I’ve done nothing to either one of them. They don’t have the peace of Jesus. The enemy has tangled their minds. They know who Jesus is but haven’t fully embraced everything he has to offer. It’s unfortunate because I’ve done many things to try and help them, but sometimes, you have to leave your enemies in the hands of God and hope they come to their senses before it’s too late.

September 4, 2024

Marks of a true Christian

Part 4

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Romans 12:13

Who is a saint? Those of us who are saved by the blood of Jesus. If there are people among us having a hard time with the extreme inflation, we are all experiencing, or at any time we see a fellow believer struggling, a true Christian’s heart wants to reach out and help. We should want to help, not only by praying for them but also by showing our love for them by giving them a hand-up in their time of need. If you pray for them without offering physical help, we might guess that you are a Christian in name only and will probably be shocked and surprised at your fate when Jesus returns. Don’t be that person. Let the true love of Jesus show through in your actions. If needed, feed them, open your door, and be hospitable. Jesus said, “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” Matthew 25:35-36. Then he goes on to say: “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40. 

September 3, 2024

Marks of a true Christian

Part 3

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Romans 12:12

Aren’t you grateful for the Holy Spirit? He helps us hold on to the hope of Jesus’s forgiveness and love, our belief in his return to take us with him, and so much more. Not only that, but we rejoice in it! Even when afflicted by trials and tribulations, we put our hope in Jesus. We find ourselves praying all the time because we know we can reach out to God at any time, and He will receive our requests; we are confident that He hears us and hopeful that He will answer them quickly. We know we can pray anytime and in every situation, especially when facing adversity. He calms our anxiety, helps us persevere, and conquers anything that challenges us. Now, especially with the turmoil that we are facing in a world that has gone mad, we can relax and know we can rely on Jesus to help us prevail. 

For those who question your salvation, isn’t it good to hear these simple things that mark us as true believers in Jesus Christ? Sometimes, we need the assurance of His presence in our lives, and the scriptures here in Romans 12 give us that hope. Hold on, brothers and sisters; as evil seems to prevail, we put our hope in Jesus and are secure in him.

September 2, 2024

Marks of a true Christian

Part 2

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Romans 12:11

Not slothful in business: As followers of Jesus, we are not to be lazy when it comes to business, especially when serving the Lord. Unbelievers will watch you to see how you handle yourself and make a judgment of all Christians based on how you deal in business. If they see that you are lazy, they will assume all believers are lazy, and your testimony will fall on deaf ears. We are not a lazy people! 

Fervent in spirit: The best way to put this is we are on fire for Jesus. We are not lukewarm but blazing hot!

Serving the Lord: You will find that the true Christian is busy doing the Lord’s work, which can be readily seen in our daily interactions. 

These three characteristics tie together nicely. We should be on fire when we are about the business of serving the Lord! 

September 1, 2024

Marks of a true Christian

Part 1

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Bekindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Romans 12:9-10

You cannot call yourself a true Christian if you hate others. Our hearts are to be so immersed in Jesus that we take on his characteristics. No one has loved us more sincerely than Jesus, who carried our sins to the grave when he was crucified on the cross for our sins. We must love our enemies and give them food and water if needed. If they continue to hate us, it will be to them like hot burning coals on their head. To other Christians, we should love them deeply with the kindness only found in those who love Jesus; it is so sincere that we prefer to be around them more than any others. This world is getting harder and harder to live in, so show kindness and love others with all your heart. Doing so will help us traverse this world a little easier as we await Jesus’s return.