What Are the Traits of Being Christian?

 

 

To be a Christian is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, following His teachings and example in faith, obedience, and love. The Scriptures describe several defining traits that mark the life of a true believer.

 

First, a Christian is characterized by love, both for God and for others. Jesus commanded:

 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37, LSB)

 

And again:

 

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39, LSB)

 

Love is the foundation of Christian life. Jesus said:

 

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35, LSB)

 

A Christian also walks in obedience to God's commandments. Jesus emphasized:

 

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15, LSB)

 

True faith is expressed through a transformed life marked by holiness and righteousness.

 

Humility and a servant's heart are also central traits. Jesus set the example:

 

“For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, LSB)

 

The Christian is called to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Jesus:

 

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23, LSB)

 

Patience, forgiveness, and mercy are essential characteristics. Jesus taught:

 

“For if you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14, LSB)

 

The Christian must also endure trials and persecution with faithfulness. Jesus warned:

 

“And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22, LSB)

 

Lastly, a Christian exhibits the fruit of the Spirit as described by Paul:

 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23, LSB)

 

Thus, the true traits of a Christian are not merely outward affiliation, but inward transformation shown in love, obedience, humility, faithfulness, and perseverance. A Christian lives by faith in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and devoted to glorifying God.

 

 

 

Referenced Scriptures (LSB):

 

Matthew 22:3, “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’”

 

Matthew 22:39, “‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

 

John 13:35, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

 

John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

 

Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

 

Luke 9:23, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”

 

Matthew 6:14, “For if you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

 

Matthew 10:22, “And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.”

 

Galatians 5:22–23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”