Are You a Real Christian? 12 Ways to Know for Sure

🌺  Written by Jessica Clark

Have you ever wondered if you’re a genuine Christian in a world with many different beliefs? Whether you’ve been following your faith for a while or just starting out, this article is here to help.

Use it as a roadmap to guide you through the important qualities that show you’re living an authentic Christian life. Join us as we explore key signs that can give you confidence and clarity on what it really means to be a sincere follower of Christ. So what do true Christians do?

1. They Build a Deep Relationship with God

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Good Christians are recognized for their deep and lasting connection with God. They devote time to speaking with God through prayer, regularly read and reflect upon the Bible’s teachings, and rely on this spiritual connection as a guiding source for making moral decisions and shaping their actions. This relationship with God plays a vital role in their daily lives, helping them stay on the path of righteousness.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

2. They Show Love and Kindness Toward Others

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Embracing the timeless wisdom of Jesus, who encouraged us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, good Christians consistently exhibit love, kindness, and compassion in their interactions with all individuals they come across. Their hearts are open to providing assistance to those in need, and they take proactive steps to foster a sense of peace within their communities.

“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:18

3. They Practice Forgiveness as a Virtue

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Christianity places a strong emphasis on forgiveness as a core principle. Good Christians truly grasp the importance of forgiving others, just as they themselves have experienced God’s forgiveness. As a result, they excel at letting go of grudges, offering grace, and extending their understanding to those who might have wronged them. This practice of forgiveness is a cornerstone of their faith, promoting harmony and reconciliation in their relationships.

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15

4. They Embrace Humility

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Humility is a cherished trait among good Christians, inspired by Jesus’ own display of this virtue throughout his life. They are humble because they recognize their own imperfections and choose to maintain a modest and unpretentious attitude.

Rather than seeking attention or bragging about their accomplishments, they commit themselves to a life of selfless service, focusing on helping others without expecting personal recognition. This commitment to humility is a fundamental aspect of their faith, guiding them in their interactions with others and shaping their character.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

5. They Commit to Honesty and Integrity

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Good Christians are known for their constant commitment to honesty and integrity. They ensure that their actions and words consistently match their faith and values. They are recognized for their trustworthiness, reliability, and relentless dedication to truthfulness in every situation. This commitment not only sets an example for others but also demonstrates the profound importance of their core values, which guide their behaviors and interactions with others.

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Ephesians 4:25

6. They Show an Eagerness to Serve

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Good Christians prioritize selflessness in their lives. They put the needs of others ahead of their own and are willing to make sacrifices, whether it’s their time, resources, or personal comfort, to help those who require assistance.

They actively follow the example set by Jesus, always ready to provide support to those who are less fortunate. Their unselfish commitment to serving others not only demonstrates their faith’s teachings but also shows that they genuinely care about improving the lives of others.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13

7. They Embrace Compassionate Empathy

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Compassion is all about understanding and caring when others are going through tough times. Good Christians are well-known for their compassion and empathy. They offer a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on when someone is facing difficulties. Their willingness to listen and be there for those in need demonstrates the love and understanding that their faith encourages them to show to others.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32”

8. They Encourage Joy and Gratitude

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No matter the challenges and difficulties life brings, good Christians maintain an unwavering sense of joy and gratitude. They’re always positive and thankful for the good things in their lives, and they find happiness in their deep faith. Their constant thankfulness and joy reflect the strong and resilient spirit that their faith instills in them.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

9. They Embrace Generosity

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Generosity is a defining characteristic of good Christians. They readily share their resources with those in need and take an active role in supporting charitable causes. This practice of giving is a heartfelt expression of love, reflecting their dedication to following God’s teachings. By sharing their blessings and supporting those less fortunate, they demonstrate the values of their faith and the importance of caring for others.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

10. They Share the Message of Faith

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Good Christians are eager to share their faith with others, and they do it out of a genuine desire to spread the message of God’s love. They don’t do it to judge or criticize but to help people who might not have heard about this love before.

They always show respect for what others believe and are ready to discuss their own experiences and how their faith has positively transformed their lives. In doing so, they demonstrate the kindness and openness that are central to their beliefs.

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27

11. They Pray Often

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A strong Christian makes a point of praying regularly with sincerity and heart. They understand that prayer is powerful—it helps them seek guidance, find strength, and connect more deeply with God. It’s not just a routine. It’s like having a real conversation, a source of comfort during tough times, and a guide when things are uncertain.

For them, prayer isn’t only about asking for help. It’s a part of their everyday life, shaping how they see things and building a strong relationship with God. Their prayer life is a genuine way of expressing their faith, giving them a sense of purpose and direction on their spiritual journey.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

12. They Learn and Grow

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Strong Christians are really into always learning more and growing spiritually. They actively look for chances to understand their faith better by reading the Bible and getting involved in discussions that challenge and strengthen what they believe.

They genuinely try to keep getting closer to God and understand their Christian journey on a deeper level. They’re not afraid to tackle tough questions and have open conversations because, for them, learning more means growing stronger in their faith and building a deeper connection with God.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

 

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Jessica Clark

About the author

Jessica Clark is a mother and wife residing in Nebraska. She has passionately pursued her love for blogging since 2011. You can find Jessica's articles for Equipping Godly Women here.

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