Kindness, Compassion, and Faith: What Does Your Life Say About Christ?"

Christianity is, at its core, a faith rooted in love. Jesus boiled it all down to two commandments: love God and love others. But here’s a hard question to wrestle with—what happens when those of us who claim to follow Him fail to show that love? What does it say about us? And perhaps just as important, what does it say to the world that’s watching us? I often think about something my pastor once said: “Everything we do either brings people closer to Christ or pushes them further away.” That hits hard. Picture someone who doesn’t know Christ, maybe someone on the edge of seeking, encountering a professing Christian who is rude, unkind, or judgmental. What do you think goes through their mind? Are they drawn to know more about Jesus, or do they walk away, thinking, If that’s what being a Christian is like, I want no part of it? And let’s bring it closer to home. How does it feel when you see someone claiming to follow Christ but acting without kindness? Does it stir frustration or disappointment? Or does it lead you to pause and reflect: Have I ever acted the same? Have I ever been the one who failed to reflect Christ’s love? 

Scripture teaches us that love is essential. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not just abstract virtues but evidence of God’s work in us. When these traits are consistently missing, especially over time, it’s worth asking: Am I truly allowing God to shape me? The reality is, we all struggle with sin, and none of us get it right all the time. But salvation is not a “get out of jail free” card—it’s an invitation to a lifelong transformation. When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit begins a work in us, shaping how we think, act, and treat others. This process isn’t instant or perfect, but over time, there must be evidence of growth—evidence of love, kindness, and the fruit of the Spirit becoming a greater part of who we are. And if there isn’t? It’s worth asking: does the Holy Spirit truly dwell within you? That’s a question we all have to wrestle with. Many people have called Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:22-23 the most sobering in Scripture: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” These words often cause people to pause and ask the hard question: Am I truly saved? But maybe, before we even get to that moment of reckoning, we can take an honest look at how we treat others. Do we show love? Are the fruit of the Spirit evident in our lives? Do our actions reflect a life that is transformed—or better yet, transforming—through Christ?

Let me be clear this isn’t about judgment or finger-pointing. It’s about self-reflection. When people see us, do they see someone who reflects the love of Jesus? Or do they see someone who might push them further away from faith? When we fail to love, we lose the chance to show people who Jesus really is. Worse, we might become the very reason someone turns away from faith. That’s a heavy thought, isn’t it? Imagine someone who’s hurting, searching for hope, only to encounter cruelty or harshness from a Christian. Do they see the light of Christ in us, or do they see someone no different from the world they’re trying to escape? Scripture reminds us that love is patient and kind. It’s not boastful or proud, and it isn’t easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. But love isn’t just a list of behaviors—it’s the heartbeat of what it means to follow Christ. It’s how we make His presence known in a world that desperately needs Him. When you look at your own heart, what do you see? Are you letting the Holy Spirit lead you, or are you still holding on to old ways that don’t reflect Him? Let these questions stir something deeper, not to condemn, but to encourage you to grow and to ask for God’s help in becoming the person He’s called you to be.

Heavenly Father,Thank You for Your love, patience, and grace toward us, even when we fall short. Help us to reflect Your love in all that we do. Search our hearts, Lord, and show us the areas where we need to grow. Teach us to be kind, compassionate, and full of grace so that others can see You in us. Transform us through Your Spirit, and let Your love overflow in every interaction we have. Use us as vessels of Your love to draw others closer to You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.