Christlike Living: Faith that transforms
As Christians, we are called not only to know Christ through Scripture but to experience Him personally. This relationship transforms our lives, enabling us to reflect His example of love, compassion, and grace. Yet, it’s easy to fall into the trap of practicing religion rather than cultivating a genuine relationship with Him.
Jesus Himself emphasised the importance of this relationship when He said,
“No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
These words remind us that Christ is the bridge to God. But do we truly know Him, or do we only know about Him?
The Power of Relationship
Too often, the phrase “In Jesus’ name” becomes a formulaic conclusion to a prayer rather than an expression of intimacy and reliance on Christ.
But prayer isn’t just about words—it’s about connection. It’s about coming to Jesus personally, with faith that He intercedes on our behalf.
Jesus came to reveal the Father’s heart, not just through His teachings but through His life. He modeled grace, humility, and love, showing us how to live in relationship with Him and with others. Yet, how often do we neglect this example, focusing instead on rules, knowledge, or appearances?
The Example of Jesus
Jesus didn’t spend His time with the religious elite or those of high status. Instead, He sought out the marginalized, the broken, and the outcasts. Why? Because they recognised their need for Him and approached Him with simple faith.
The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-26): Jesus engaged with a Samaritan woman, breaking cultural and religious barriers. He offered her living water, meeting her need for spiritual fulfilment.
The Tax Collectors and Sinners (Luke 5:30-32): Jesus ate with those society rejected, declaring, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
The Blind and Lame (Matthew 21:14): He healed those whom others overlooked, restoring not only their bodies but their dignity.
These actions weren’t just symbolic—they were transformative. They demonstrated that Christ’s mission was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
Faith Beyond Knowledge
In our faith journey, it’s tempting to prioritise knowledge over relationship, to lean on what we think we know about God rather than truly trusting Him. Yet Scripture reminds us,
“Without faith it is impossible to please God”* (Hebrews 11:6).
Faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about believing in the One who does. Jesus praised childlike faith, the kind that trusts without proof, that believes without status or reputation. This is the faith He calls us to have.
How Do We Treat Others?
Jesus’ interactions with the outcasts challenge us to examine our own attitudes. Do we include and love those who are different, or do we shun them? Do we extend grace, or do we pass judgment?
Scripture warns us against judging others unfairly:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged”* (Matthew 7:1).
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”* (1 Samuel 16:7).
We cannot know someone’s heart or God’s purpose for their life.
What if, in our judgment, we miss an opportunity to show Christ’s love? What if we hinder someone from experiencing His grace?
Living the New Covenant
The new covenant brought freedom through Christ, doing away with the law’s restrictions and replacing them with grace and truth.
If we dictate what others should believe or how they should live, we risk becoming gatekeepers rather than ambassadors of that freedom.
Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:1:
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Freedom in Christ means living by His example—loving unconditionally, serving humbly, and offering grace
A Call to Action
As followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet in a broken world. This means:
Embracing Relationship: Seek to know Christ personally, not just through Scripture but through prayer, worship, and daily communion with Him.
Extending Grace: Treat others with kindness, compassion, and humility, reflecting the love Christ has shown us.
Living by Faith: Let go of the need for control or certainty, trusting God to guide and provide.
Welcoming the Outcast: Include those who are different, offering hope and acceptance rather than judgment.
In the end, our faith will not be measured by how much we know but by how well we love. Jesus’ life was a testimony to this truth. May ours be the same.
