Why And How You Should Show Others You’re A Christian, Not Tell Them (Devo, R3D7)

A while back, one of you gave me this devo topic to write about: Why you should show other that you’re a Christian, not tell them.

And I feel like this is a great topic to talk about, because, I mean, it’s so true – when you tell people you’re a Christian, they’ll be like, “Oh, um, okay, cool.” But when you show them you’re a Christian, they can see God’s love through you and you can be a light (Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.)

But, also, I feel like we should talk about how you can be a light. And it’s honestly pretty simple: 

Whenever you’re in a situation, remember: WWJD (what would Jesus do).

Jesus would be patient with his siblings, even though they’re a little slower. Jesus would be patient at the store, and would let the person behind him in line go first.

Jesus would be kind, compassionate, and loving to his siblings, even though they sometimes drive him crazy. Jesus would be kind and pay for a coffee for the person behind him in the Starbucks line. Jesus would notice that elderly man at the grocery store and take his cart back for him.

Jesus would not be jealous of his friend getting the latest iPhone, instead he would be glad for his friend. 

Jesus would not brag about his brand-new hundred-dollar Nike’s, because he knows that’s not right or kind.

Jesus would not talk behind other’s backs unless it was to say something nice. Jesus doesn’t gossip or spread untrue rumors.

Jesus would not draw attention to himself to act or look cool.

Jesus would think before lashing out harshly, and calmly talk it out instead of yelling and being angry with others.

Jesus would forgive the person who did something to him (example: the people who crucified him) and move on, not holding a grudge.

Jesus would read his Bible, pray, and spend time with God daily and share the word of God.

Jesus would protect and stand up for his friends and family, those he loves.

Jesus would trust in his heavenly father, and know that he has a good plan for his life.

Jesus would, in a bad situation, think of something positive and something good that can come out of it.

Jesus would not give up on that kid who has been feeling like they don’t belong; he would keep reminding him how loved they are.

Now, I don’t know if any of you noticed, but did the “Jesus would…” part ring a bell about 1^st Corinthians 13, verses 4-8?

Here’s first Corinthians 13:4-8, NIV – 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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

And here’s what Paul was really saying – 

God is patient, God is kind. God does not envy, God does not boast, God is not proud. God does not dishonor others, God is not self-seeking, God is not easily angered, God keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. God never fails.

– because in the Bible it says God, Jesus, is love:

1^st John 4:16 – God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

Wanna know how to live a good life? Live life like Jesus (past post: Vive Una Buena Vida). We could use a whole lot more kindness in this world. So show others that you’re a Christian. Spread the love of God. Live for God. Live like Jesus.

And when you’re in a situation, remember: WWJD?

Let’s do this together. 

Daily Challenge: Wherever you go (school, grocery store, game, church) show others around you that you are a Christian and spread God’s love.

Comment: How can you show the people around you that you’re a Christian?