Tag: Joy

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How Can We Live in Harmony With Other Believers?

Like a piano, we have many different “keys” within the body of Christ (i.e. the church). Unfortunately, just as a piano’s keys can get out of tune and doesn’t produce the melodious sound we expect, so too do we sometimes experience discord within the church.

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: … hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, … and other sins like these.”
Galatians 5:19‭-‬21 NLT

Just as it is important that a piano be re-tuned regularly by a professional, we too must be tuned by the Holy Spirit. It is only by doing so that we can stay in perfect harmony with our fellow believers.

How do we do that?

Apostle Paul gives several specific instructions in Galatians 5.

  1. Walk in the Spirit (v16). It is only by walking in the Spirit of God that we will not feed the selfish desires of our human nature. It is our human nature that prevents us from doing the good things we know to do (v17).
  2. Be led by the Spirit (v18). If we are guided and led by the Spirit of God, we do not have to fulfill the law of God through our own human effort (which is impossible anyways).
  3. Live in the Spirit (v25). Our very lifestyle should reflect the Spirit of God. The reality is that in order to walk (effectively) in the Spirit, we have to live in the Spirit. Those who live according to the Spirit, set their minds on things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5).

What does the church look like when we are in tune with the Spirit of God?

“The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 NLT

When we live in, walk in, and are led by the Holy Spirit, we nail the passions and desires of our sinful nature to the cross of Jesus Christ and crucify them there (Galatians 5:24). So we won’t “become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another” (Galatians 5:26).

Indeed, Jesus makes the whole body of Christ fit and work together perfectly (like the wonderful sound of a well played symphony). As each of us does our own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Ephesians 4:16 NLT)

Think about this for a moment. How can you not murder your fellow believer by speaking ill of them or gossiping about them? (Matthew 5:21-22). How can you not betray your vows to your spouse by not lusting after your co-worker or that random stranger you meet? (Matthew 5:27-28). It’s one thing to try to keep the 10 commandments; it’s another thing to try to keep the perfect law of liberty without the Spirit of God (James 2:8-12; 1:25).

PS: Check out our other blog post on How to Behave Like A Christian.

Did You Know?

All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God (Romans 8:14 NLT).

About BibleStorm

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truth found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God. Learn more about us.

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How Are We To Behave As Christians?

Many people seem to have an opinion of what it means to be a Christian. But what does the Bible say about how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians? We are to love sincerely and actively (without hypocrisy). Read more to learn how.

 

There seems to be a lot of confusion about what a Christian is. At a minimum, it requires a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and a decision to follow Him. Practically speaking, there should at least be some evidence of Christ in you as well.

So what does the bible say about how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians in our everyday lives? Jesus taught that “we should let our light shine so that men would see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

 

We are to love sincerely and actively (without hypocrisy).
Just as God has poured out His love unconditionally to us.

 

Here are several practical examples on what it’s like to behave like a Christian:
  • Hate what is wrong or evil
  • Cling to what is good
  • Love each other with genuine affection
  • Give preference to one another in honor
  • Be diligent and fervent in spirit
  • Enthusiastically serve the Lord
  • Rejoice in hope
  • Be patient in affliction
  • Continue steadfastly in prayer
  • Share with God’s people who are in need
  • Pursue the practice of hospitality
  • Bless those who cause you harm or hardship (and do not curse them)
  • Share each other’s joy
  • Share each other’s grief
  • Live in harmony with each other
  • Do not be proud
  • Associate with humble people
  • Do not be conceited
  • Never repay anyone evil for evil
  • Do what is right and honorable
  • Live at peace with everyone (as much as it depends on you)
  • Do not take revenge (and leave room for God’s wrath)
  • Give food and drink to your enemy if they need it
  • Do not be overcome by evil (but overcome evil with good)

 

So, how are you doing against the list above? The Bible exhorts us to “let the mind that was in Christ be in us too” (Philippians 2:5). No matter where you are, there’s always room for improvement. Ask yourself “What Would Jesus Do” (WWJD) and follow His example.

 

Note: All bullet points are from Romans 12:9-21.

 

PS: If you are interested in learning more about Jesus Christ and receiving Him as Savior, check out our salvation appeal page. That is the first step towards behaving like a Christian.

 

#HowToBehaveLikeAChristian #Love #LoveUnconditionally #Christian #Bible #BibleStorm #PracticalGuidance #Wisdom #Character

About BibleStorm:

At BibleStorm, our mission is to illuminate hidden truths found in God’s Word (i.e. the bible). Our vision is to see people become more familiar with the bible, biblical themes and concepts and to develop a hunger/desire to learn more about God through His Word. We are doing our part to seek the kingdom of God and spread the good news of salvation through bible trivia. And to help people transform their minds through the living Word of God.

 

Order your very own trivia game cards today from our online store.