Starting from the Beginning

John 3:16  nkjv

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believed in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

Most people like to stop right there, thinking that is all we need to hear, as if it's the foundation of our belief. Still, I found myself reading the next verse that put these two verses under a different perspective for Christians and developing a personal relationship with Christ.

John 3:17 nkjv

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

As Christian nowadays, we get a lot of heat from the lifestyle, morals, and principles we choose to follow. Whether it's being pro-life, waiting until marriage, disagreeing with same-sex marriages, or as simple as not drinking and smoking: sometimes what we portray out into the world can be deemed hateful, delusional, corrupted, and deceitful. And though those titles may be hurtful, it is essential to continue to share the Love of God becasue that is what God has called us to do. To be imitators of all, He is; Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control. 

So let's start off with these verses that will help us acknowledge within ourselves we are on the right path to living a life according to God's will as believers and followers of Jesus Christ:

Ephesians 5: 1 nkjv

"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. (2) And walk in Love, as Christ also have loved us and given Himself for us, and offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling aroma."

Matthew 5: 44 nkjv

But I say to you, love your enemies, blessed those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those your spitefully use you and perscute you.

1 Corinthians 13:13 nkjv (Entire Chapter)

And now abide Faith, hope, Love, these three; but the greatest of these is Love.

These are just a few bible verses that hit many vital points as Christians to remind us of our daily walk. Jesus didn't come to condemn, persecute, ridicule, or crucify the lost but to save them. As followers, we are to do the same; To Love just as Christ loves us. Whether standing up for what is right or disagreeing with a particular topic, Jesus has commanded us to Pray, have Faith, and above all else, Love. 

So ask yourself, what is a Christian, and How do I know I am one? 

Acts 11:26 nkjv

"And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year, they assembled with a church and taught many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."

Romans 10:9 nkjv

"that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. (10) For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. 

The definition of a Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. One who confessed with their mouth Jesus is Lord and believed in their heart God raised him from the dead.

But is that all it takes to be a Christian? 

This question might lead to another decision, but as stated in Ephesians 5:1, "We are to be imitators of God as dear children"; to be the example of Jesus Christ, so when the world sees us, they don't see us but the Love of God through us. People assume there are rules and regulations Christians should follow, but Jesus kept it simple, Love the Lord God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and Love your neighbor as yourself. ( Matthew 22:37-40) If you love God enough, then everything else can fall in line, but that's not to say we're perfect but a working progress. (As I stated before, this is another topic for another day).

Jesus also says, " This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12). Therefore, our lifestyle, habits, and relationships should be a significant factor in pleasing God. So it's essential to realize that our lifestyles and habits reflect what and who influences us the most. 

Right now, we're starting from the very beginning; an authentic and personal relationship with Christ, which all started with Love, and that begins with you becasue God's arms are already open wide, so receive it. 

1 John 4:19 We love Him becasue He first loved us.  

As a Christian, it's important to realize our daily living isn't just for the discipline, though it keeps us in check but for the maturity that God is constantly working within us by His Holy Spirit. And we need to understand that God's Love is the only Love to bring souls to Christ