Being a Christian is About More Than Following Rules: It’s About the Heart
You know, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it really means to be a Christian. I think sometimes we get caught up in all the rules—the do’s and don’ts, the commandments, the obedience—and we forget that being a Christian is about so much more. It’s about our heart posture.
I mean, think about it. Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, and His response was simple, but so powerful: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39).
It’s not just about following God’s commands. It's not about doing everything "right." It’s about loving God and loving others. That’s the foundation of our faith. If we miss that, we miss everything.
The Reality of “So-Called” Christians
I’m sure you’ve seen it too, Christians who can be rude, mean, and sometimes downright hateful. I see it all the time, especially on social media. There are people who claim to follow Christ, but their actions and words don’t line up with His love. How can we, as believers, act in ways that go against everything Jesus stands for?
I’m not perfect, and I get frustrated, but I think we need to do some self-reflection. If we’re calling ourselves Christians but we’re not showing love, grace, and kindness to others, we’ve missed the point. Because Jesus says that the way people will know we are His disciples is by the love we show to one another (John 13:35).
It’s About Love, Not Perfection
Yes, it’s important to obey God’s commands and strive to live a holy life. But none of that means anything if we aren’t loving others. Love is the greatest commandment, and if we’re not showing that love in our daily lives, we’re missing the heart of what it means to follow Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul makes it crystal clear, without love, we are nothing. Even if we have faith that moves mountains or give everything to the poor, if we don’t have love, it means nothing. And this love is more than just being “nice.” It’s about showing grace, forgiveness, and kindness, even to those who are hard to love.
Loving Those Who Hurt Us
Let’s get real for a second. Loving those who hurt us is HARD. I get it. I’m not here to sugarcoat things. When someone wrongs you, or when you feel betrayed, the last thing you want to do is love them. You might feel justified in your anger, your bitterness, your need for revenge. But that’s not the heart of a Christian. That’s not what Jesus did.
Jesus loved even Judas. He washed Judas’ feet, knowing that Judas would betray Him. That’s what we are called to do. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.
Let’s Be Clear: Love Does Not Mean Condoning Sin
It’s important to note here, love is not the same as condoning sin. Loving someone doesn’t mean approving of their actions, especially if they are harmful or sinful. Love means treating others with kindness, grace, and compassion, even when we disagree or feel hurt. We are called to love despite their actions, not because of them.
This includes the person who thinks differently from you, whether it’s about religion, politics, or something else. It’s the person who hurt you, the one you’ve had trouble forgiving, the person who cuts you off in traffic, or even the boss or co-worker who makes things hard. Loving them doesn’t mean agreeing with them or excusing their behavior, it means choosing to treat them with kindness and respect, reflecting Christ’s love in everything we do.
How we treat people, despite everything, is what shows our heart posture. It’s a true reflection of where our hearts are in alignment with God.
A Heart Posture Matters
Being a Christian isn’t about perfection. It’s about the posture of our hearts. God cares more about the love in our hearts than the things we do on the outside. He wants us to love others, to forgive, and to serve, not just because we have to, but because that’s what reflects who He is.
If we truly want to follow Christ, we need to examine our hearts. Are we loving others the way Jesus calls us to? Are we forgiving when it’s hard? Are we choosing grace instead of judgment? If we want to reflect Christ to the world, we need to let love be our guide.
“By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:35
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13
Lord, I come before You today asking for Your love to fill my heart. Help me to see others the way You see them and to love them with the same grace and kindness You’ve shown me. I confess that sometimes I struggle to love, especially when I’ve been hurt, but I know that You’ve called me to something greater. Purify my heart and fill it with Your love so that I can show it to others. Teach me to be more like You — obedient, loving, and full of grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
