3-30-25 “Marks of the True Christians” (Membership Caring Month #5)
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“Marks of the True Christians”
(Membership Caring Month #5)
I want to start with something funny that I found on an internet site: “If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale, and gave all my money to the church, would I get into heaven?” a teacher asked the children in her Sunday School class. “No!” the children all answered. “If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into heaven?” Again, the answer was, “No!” “Well,” she continued, “then how can I get to heaven?” A five-year-old boy shouted, “You gotta be dead!”
At the beginning of my faith journey, I misunderstood the idea that as long as we believed in Jesus, we would be saved and gain eternal life, regardless of how we lived. After all, we are taught that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our good works. Because of this, I struggled when I saw many Christians who faithfully attended church services and activities yet still displayed self-centeredness and ignored non-Christians—even other church members. In such cases, I wonder what it truly means to be a Christian and how it differs from being a non-Christian.
Today, as we conclude Membership Caring Month, I want to reflect on “The Marks of True Christians.” What sets Christians apart from non-Christians? Yes, above all, our eternal destiny is different—as Matthew 25 reminds us, we will either go to heaven or hell. But that is not all. Christians should live differently because we are saved through Jesus’ death and sacrifice. If we believe that salvation is only about faith without transformation, we are ignoring the meaning of Jesus’ death.
Imagine a church where every member genuinely loves one another, where kindness overcomes division, and where people serve with joy and sincerity. This is the vision the Apostle Paul presents in Romans 12:9-21—a picture of what it means to be a true Christian. During Membership Caring Month, we reflect on what it truly means to be a member of Christ’s body. Being a part of the church is more than just attending service- it’s about living out our faith through love, service, and humility.
Today, we’ll explore three marks of true Christians found in this passage and how they call us to care for one another as members of Christ’s family. First, a true Christian starts with genuine love and devotion. Verse 9 says, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” The Apostle Paul begins with love, the foundation of the Christian life. But not just any love—it must be sincere, not fake or self-serving. Caring for church members starts with authenticity.
How do we show sincere love? Verses 10-13 say: “Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.” This passage beautifully reflects the heart of Christian love and service, making it a perfect foundation for Membership Caring Month!
Do we honor and value one another, treating fellow believers as family? Caring membership isn’t passive—it’s active! According to Scripture, a true Christian serves with passion, rejoices in hope, remains patient in suffering, perseveres in prayer for others, contributes to the needs of the church family, and extends hospitality. True care goes beyond Sunday; it means opening our homes, hearts, and hands. This week, how can you genuinely love and serve someone in the church and community?
I appreciate the loving and caring spirit of our church, especially in maintaining a discretionary fund to support those in need and in contributing to community organizations through monthly mission projects. When we considered a discretionary budget to assist those in need, we grappled with concerns such as whether people might go from church to church seeking help or if the funds could be misused to sustain harmful habits, such as alcohol or drug addiction. However, our duty is not to judge but to extend help to those in need.
When we have been able to assist people through the discretionary fund, I have often heard them say that ours was the only church that responded to their request. The Gospel of John says, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). Remember, Jesus loved us first—even when we were still sinners. Let us extend that love through hospitality, monthly mission projects, and the discretionary fund. This is the very reason the church exists.
Secondly, let’s open our hearts and minds to grace in relationships. Verse 14 says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Being part of a church family means we will not always agree. People will sometimes disappoint us. But the Apostle Paul reminds us that true Christians respond to conflict with grace. We rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. We put aside pride and embrace unity, seeking peace. In family and church ministry, conflicts may arise because we live together with different personalities, gifts, and talents. However, conflict is not the end of the world—it can be a growing point, a moment that requires the grace of God. Remember, we are saved by Jesus’ priceless love and the grace of God.
I truly appreciate that you have accepted me as your pastor, even though I am different from you, your culture, and still have more weaknesses than strengths. Let’s open our hearts and minds with empathy. Look around—is there someone in the church with whom you need to seek reconciliation? This week, take a step toward healing relationships through a conversation, an apology, or an act of kindness.
Lastly, let’s overcome evil with good. Verse 21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” The Apostle Paul ends with a radical challenge— “Love even your enemies.” Instead of retaliation, we respond with kindness, reflecting the love of Christ.
If we only love those who love us, how are we any different from those who don’t know Jesus’ love? Jesus showed His love even to those who hated Him, betrayed Him, and ignored Him. Likewise, we are called to love those who oppose us, hurt us, and disappoint us. We trust in God’s justice rather than seeking revenge. We show kindness to our enemies—through a meal, a supportive word, or a prayer—because these acts can break down walls. We do not let bitterness take root; instead, we allow God’s love to shape our responses. Who in your life needs an unexpected act of kindness? How can you reflect Christ’s love in difficult relationships?
Today’s scripture, Romans 12:9-21, calls us to live as true Christians by demonstrating: Genuine love and devotion, grace in relationships, and radical kindness and forgiveness. As we conclude Membership Caring Month, let’s commit to being a church that truly cares—not just in words, but in actions. May our love be sincere, our service joyful, and our relationships filled with grace! Thanks be to God. Amen!