The only Christ someone may see

With the way people act today, it is very easy to be hateful towards them. However, have you ever thought that you, a Christian, are the only Christ they may see?

Mahatma Gandhi once made a statement about Christians.

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

Wow, what a powerful statement in such few words.

We as Christians are supposed to represent Christ yet so too often we do the exact opposite. More often than not, it is people who do not claim to be Christian that act more Christ like than Christians.  How ironic!

We who claim to be Christian and are saved need to change.  Of course that is not an all inclusive statement as there are many who claim to be Christian and actually represent Christ the way it was meant, but for those that act hateful towards others, you need to wake up.

Christ came here to pay the ultimate cost for our sins and He gave us instructions.  One of those was to love your neighbor as yourself.  So if we love our self and are supposed to love others as we love our self, then why do we act so mean and hateful towards others?

Christ instructed us to forgive

Matthew 18:21-22 New International Version (NIV)

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

He instructed us turn the other cheek and to give when everything has been taken away from you.

Matthew 5:38-40 New International Version (NIV)

Eye for Eye

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.

He also instructed us not to repay evil with evil, but with kindness

Romans 12:17-21 New International Version (NIV)

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

So the next time you come across a person that just rubs you the wrong way or is being mean or anything that goes against Christ to do as Christ did and to do what He said.  It will not be easy and you will stumble, but I do not believe that Christ expects perfection, but I do think He wants you to do your best and when you sin to fess up and own it.

So I ask you to really analyze yourself truthfully.  Are you truly representing Christ in this world?  If the answer is no, then seek help from God. He can change you, if you really want to change.

Updated: July 27, 2016 — 4:32 am