Being More Like Christ
Chris Cahill · 4 min read · First published 2024-05-02
People encounter our faith through the way we treat them. The concern here is how our words and actions reflect the Jesus we say we follow.
A place to begin
A saying often attributed to Gandhi contrasts admiration for Christ with disappointment in Christians. Its attribution needs care; the concern it raises is how our conduct reflects the Jesus we say we follow.
The saying raises a question that does not depend on confirming its attribution: how does our conduct reflect the compassion, forgiveness, and humility we encounter in Jesus? Calling ourselves Christian can invite us to examine that relationship honestly.
Admiration for Jesus and disappointment in Christians can exist together. We can hear that disappointment without assuming the critic’s motives, and ask whether our response makes room for love and humility.
To truly follow in the footsteps of Christ means to love one another as He loved us. John 13:34 states, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." This commandment underscores the central importance of love in the life of a Christian. It is not enough to simply profess faith in Christ; one must actively demonstrate that faith through loving actions towards others.
Reading with care
Similarly, Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities should be evident in the life of a Christian, serving as a witness to the transformative power of faith in Christ. When Christians exhibit these fruits, they become reflections of Christ's love and character, drawing others to Him through their example.
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, known as the "Love Chapter," the apostle Paul describes the characteristics of love: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the selfless and sacrificial nature of love, which should be the hallmark of a Christian's life.
One of the most well-known examples of living like Christ is found in the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. In this story, Jesus teaches the importance of compassion and kindness towards all people, regardless of their background or status. The Samaritan, who stops to help a wounded stranger on the road, embodies the selfless love and care that Christ calls His followers to demonstrate towards others.
In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, Jesus delivers teachings on a wide range of topics, including love for enemies, prayer, and judging others. He emphasizes the need for humility, forgiveness, and mercy in our interactions with others, setting a high standard for ethical and moral behavior. By following these teachings, Christians can strive to align their lives more closely with the example set by Christ.
Carrying this into life
Return to the Gospel passages before relying on an attributed quotation. Which action might make your stated convictions visible in patient, practical care?
Let the reflection meet the next person you speak with. May wisdom help us listen, unity keep us open to one another, and grace become visible in the care we give.
Wisdom · Unity · Grace
