How Do Others See Christ In You?

How Do Others See Christ In You?

We all say, "Let them see Jesus in me," but are we reflecting Christ to those with whom we come in contact?

Our goal is to follow the example of the way Jesus lived His life. Ask yourself today – is your lamp burning as bright as the Son of God?

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 
– Galatians 2:20 

When we became followers of Christ, our lives have been transformed and it is Christ who must be on the throne of our lives. He is the One others must see when they look at us.

 

1. Freely Forgive

Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 
– Colossians 3:13

 

Forgiveness can be difficult, especially when you have been hurt in a way that you never thought possible. We understand that it is not within us to be able to forgive freely and without condition. This is why your forgiveness of another is a powerful testimony of Christ's presence in your life. 

2. Be Gracious, Not Critical 

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8

 

Being humans... it is so much easier for us to be critical of someone than to show grace. When we start empathising with others' situations and showing grace and mercy, we become representatives of Christ's grace and mercy. When you are kind, just, and humble in your attitude toward others, they will see Christ in you.

3. Keep Cool

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 
– James 1:19-20

 

Are you a person of self-control who can keep cool or do you fly off the handle when you are upset? There is wisdom in exercising patience and understanding, even in a frustrating situation. Your self-control shows others Who you are trusting in. Displaying a gentle spirit and respond maturely shows others that your faith and trust is in God – the One who can work out any situation.

4. Slow Down, and Be Holy 

Be still, and know that I am God! 
– Psalm 46:10

 

Holiness means to be set apart because of our purity and righteousness that comes not from ourselves, but Christ's Spirit in us. The world says, "Hurry up. Be faster. Get it done now!" but we as children of God can slow down to hear God's voice, notice the people around us, and say a kind word.

5. Be Zealous for God's Glory

But instead we will remain strong and always sincere in our love as we express the truth. All our direction and ministries will flow from Christ and lead us deeper into Him, the anointed Head of His body, the church. 
– Ephesians 4:15 TPT

 

Don't be afraid to voice out when someone claims to come in the name of God but is preaching a different Gospel. Don't be afraid to speak up if an unfair burden is being placed on the servants of the Lord or distracting from the Gospel of grace. Jesus protects the holiness, integrity and glory of God – and that's what we should do too, so others will see Jesus in us. (but do this with Godly wisdom and discretion too.)

To be an effective witness for His amazing grace, we have to surrender to Christ. As John the Baptist said in John in 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease." We need to let people hear Christ in our words of grace, to see Him in our good deeds, especially by helping those who have little, and by loving others in a way that doesn't depend on who they are, but upon who Jesus is.

 

6. Love even when it's difficult 

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.  
– John 15:12

 

It's easy to love someone who loves you in return, and it's a whole different story to love someone who doesn't deserve your love, look the part, or treat you well. Yet that's what Jesus did, and He has instructed us to do the same. When you show an unworldly love — a love that is sacrificial and without limits, preferences, or condition — others can't help but see Jesus in you.

7. Display joy

If you keep my commands, you will live in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands, for I continually live nourished and empowered by His love. My purpose for telling you these things is so that the joy that I experience will fill your hearts with overflowing gladness! 
– John 15:10-11 TPT

 

Life may be hard, but joy is not about our circumstances which can change from day to day. Joy is about our condition — of being forgiven and free in Christ — which will never change. Be a joyful person, not continually down in the dumps. Others will see Christ in you.

8. Be willing to be at the bottom 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.  
– James 4:10

 

Jesus never sought the spotlight even though He fully deserved it. Instead, He insisted His father receive the accolades and glory. Jesus has shown us the way up was down, the last would be first, and the humble would be exalted. Be the person who shines brightly for Christ even if you're at the bottom, be the one who lets God exalt you, the one through whom others see Christ.

9. Watch your words 

Never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them. 
– Ephesians 4:29 TPT

 

Do your words heal rather than hurt? Do they lift others or do they tear them down? Do you show love, understanding and grace with your words? Let others see Christ in you by speaking healing and helping words, instead of biting words, stinging comments and self-righteous rebukes.

10. Don't worry 

Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honourable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always. Put into practice the example of all that you have heard from me or seen in my life and the God of peace will be with you in all things. 
– Philippians 4:8-9 TPT

 

When we have our hands in worry, freaking out in our frustrations, or busy striving for what we believe we must do, we are showing the world that we believe we are in control and if we stop and rest, it will all fall apart. But that's not how Jesus lived. He lived in perfect peace, even in His most trying moments. He was well aware of His Father's presence, protection and provision. Can you say the same?

 

One who is following Christ and fully dependent on Him will display a quiet peace and trust, knowing that God is able to supply all your needs and is working all things together for your good.