Don’t Just Tell Me You’re a Christian

I’m a Christian with an active relationship with Jesus.

I talk to Him. I read about Him. I talk about Him. I need His help. And I know He loves me.

That doesn’t mean I live perfectly. I don’t. It means Jesus is not simply a belief I check off on a list. He is present in my life.

That is why I struggle when Christianity becomes nothing more than a label.

Jesus said:

“You will know them by their fruits.”
— Matthew 7:16, NASB1995

If someone tells me they are a Christian, I don’t expect perfection. But I do believe there should eventually be some evidence that Jesus is actually involved in their life.

Do they seek Him?

Do they talk about Him?

Do they repent when they are wrong?

Do they want to obey Him?

Is there evidence that the Holy Spirit is changing the way they live, love, speak, and treat people?

James wrote that faith without works is dead. Our works do not save us, but genuine faith should produce something.

A relationship with Jesus changes you.

Sometimes slowly. Sometimes painfully. Sometimes in ways that only become obvious after years of walking with Him.

But there should be fruit.

Christianity is not about convincing everyone that you are a good person. It is about knowing Jesus, depending on Jesus, following Jesus, and becoming more like Jesus.

So don’t just tell me you’re a Christian.

Let me see the evidence that you know Christ.