If you are reading this you most likely identify as a Christian. This title carries great significance, because it tells that we are followers of Jesus Christ. But what does it truly mean to be a Christian? Paul reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are new through Christ. This new nature of ours should be evident in our actions and choices, reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus. To be a Christian is to aspire to be like Christ, embodying His love, grace, and truth. In a world where many claim to speak for God, discerning truth can be challenging. But Paul offers us a simple yet impactful metric: THE CROSS. The words and messages we hear should always point to Jesus Christ. If they direct us elsewhere, they are misleading us.
The cross, a symbol often reduced to mere wood, represents the ultimate sacrifice of the Son of God. Jesus, the Messiah, endured torture, humiliation, and death for our sake. In His final moments, He prayed for His executioners, asking God to forgive them. This act of love and forgiveness is at the heart of what it means to follow Christ.
As Christians, we are called not only to follow Christ but to take on His name, to live out His teachings. It is not always easy; following the path of the cross is challenging. But the cross is not the end of the story. Three days after His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death itself. This resurrection is a promise to us: if we follow the path of the cross, we too will rise to new life. The old will pass away, and the new will come to life.
Living as a new creation means speaking words of life and healing. Imagine a life where every word and action brings joy, beauty, and restoration. This is the promise of God for those who are willing to follow Him fully.
How do we approach our relationships? Often, we measure relationships by what they do for us or what we do for others. But both approaches are limited. The first leads to loneliness as people sense our self-centeredness. The second leads to burnout, as we try to give more than we have. There is a better way—a way rooted in God.
When we approach our relationships for God, everything changes. We love not for ourselves or even for the other person, but for Him who gave everything for us. This divine motivation is the only thing stronger than our selfish desires. It gives us the strength to stay present, to speak words of life, and to act in love, even when it is difficult.
When our relationships are grounded in God, they become a source of joy for Him. He looks at us and says, "That's my child, and I'm proud of my child." For in those moments, we are truly living as Christians—loving, forgiving, and caring as Christ did. This is the invitation before us, not just for the week ahead, but for our entire Christian journey. May we approach every relationship, every interaction, with the love and grace that Christ has shown us. Let us live as true Christians, carrying the name of Christ with authenticity and faithfulness.
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