What Makes a Good Christian? Exploring Faith, Humility, and Love

This December 10th, let’s reflect on a profound question: What does it mean to be a “good Christian”? And how do we live in harmony with those whose beliefs differ from ours?

A “good Christian” is not defined by perfection, superiority, or comparison. Instead, it’s about faith in Christ, humility, and a life marked by love and service. The Bible calls us to live in a way that reflects God’s love—not just to those who share our faith, but to all people.

Bible Verse for Reflection:
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35, NIV)

This verse reminds us that love is the defining characteristic of a follower of Christ—not doctrine, rituals, or how "good" we think we are compared to others.

Being a Good Christian: A Heart Transformed by Grace

A good Christian is someone who acknowledges their need for God’s grace. We’re all imperfect, and being a Christian doesn’t make us inherently better than anyone else. What sets a Christian apart is faith in Jesus and the ongoing transformation of the heart through His love.

Jesus didn’t call us to compare ourselves with others or to boast about our faith. He called us to serve, love, and be humble. As Paul writes:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

This humility reminds us to respect others, regardless of their beliefs.

How Do Christians Relate to Those of Other Faiths?

The Bible teaches us to live in peace with others:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)

Respecting others’ beliefs doesn’t mean compromising our own faith. It means recognizing that every human being is created in God’s image and is deeply loved by Him. Instead of focusing on who is “better,” we are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love through our actions.

What Defines Us? Love in Action

Ultimately, a good Christian is not someone who seeks to be "better" than others but someone who reflects God’s love in tangible ways:

• Showing kindness to strangers.
• Forgiving when it’s hard.
• Serving without expecting anything in return.
• Listening with an open heart.

Reflections for this day:

Ask yourself: How can I show God’s love today, especially to someone whose beliefs differ from mine? Am I living as a witness of Christ’s love or focusing on comparison?

Let’s commit to being Christians known not by superiority, but by humility and a life of love.