How should a born again Christian behave | part 1

The following are ways a born-again Christian should behave:

• Affectionate (Romans 12:9)
• Agreeable (Philippians 2:4)
• Bear the burdens of others (Romans 15:1-3; Galatians 6:1-2)
• Diligent, not a busybody (1 Peter 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 3:11)
• Doer of good works (Ephesians 6:9–10; Titus 2:8; James 4:17; 3 John 1:11)
• Faithful (Luke 16:10)
• Forgiving (Matthew 6:14)
• Generous (Romans 12:13; 2 Corinthians 9:6–7; Genesis 8:22)
• Hospitable (Leviticus 19:33; Hebrews 13:2; Romans 12:13)
• Gentle (1 Peter 3:4)
• Live soberly (1 Peter 5:8; Titus 2:2; 2:6; Titus 2:12)
• Morally upright (1 Corinthians 5:9–13; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20)
• Promote unity (Romans 16:17–18; Titus 3:9–11)
• Not Judgmental (Mathew 7:1-2; Romans 14:10–13; James 4:11–12)
• Not vengeful (Romans 12:17, 19)
• Obedient (Ephesians 6:1–9; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:18–19; 1 Peter 5:5; 1 Timothy 6:1)
• Orderly (1 Corinthians 14:40; Titus 1:5; Colossians 2:5)
• Peaceable (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18; Romans 14:19)
• Perseverance, don’t grumble (James 5:9–11)
• Respectful to elders (1 Timothy 5:17–19)
• Humble (Matthew 11:29; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 5:5–6)
• Submit to authority (Romans 13:1–5; 1 Peter 2:13–15)
• Thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 3:15)
• Treat servants well (Colossians 4:1; Deuteronomy 24:14–15)
• Truthful (1 Peter 3:10; Proverbs 6:16–19)
• Walk in light (Ephesians 5:8–14)
• Walk in love (1 John 4:7-8; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 13:8-10; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 4:8)

Let us delve into each one of the identified attributes.

1. A born-again Christian should be affectionate

Affection is ‘a feeling of liking or loving someone very much and caring about them’ (Oxford Learners Dictionary, 9^th Edition).

A born-again Christian has been called to show affection to fellow brethren as well as non-believers. We find this exhortation in the book of Romans 12:9, which says

“Be KINDLY AFFECTIONATE TO ONE ANOTHER with brotherly love, in honor, giving preference to one another.”

2. A born-again Christian should be agreeable

A born-again Christian should be aggregable, meaning able to put the needs of others before their own. An agreeable person is always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need in order to make their life better.

The Bible has called Christians to not only look out for their own interests but also those of others. We read this in the book of Philippians 2:4, which says

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.”

Similar sentiments are recorded in 1 Corinthians 10:24, as follows:

“Let no one seek his own, but each one seek the other’s well-being.”

3. A born-again Christian should bear the burdens of others

The Bible expects us to bear the burdens of others, especially those who belong to the household of faith.

In the book of Romans 15:1–3, the Apostle Paul tells us to be mindful of the burdens of others in this manner

“We then who are strong ought to BEAR WITH THE SCRUPLES OF THE WEAK, and not to please ourselves. LET EACH OF US PLEASE HIS NEIGHBOR FOR HIS GOOD, LEADING TO EDIFICATION. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, ‘the reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.’”

Therefore, as born again Christians, we should emulate this example set for us by Christ, so that we ‘may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Romans 15:6).

4. A born-again Christian should be diligent, not a busybody

A born again Christian is expected to engage in productive work in order to earn a living. The Bible strongly condemns believers who refuse to work but instead choose to roam around in the guise of evangelizing, thus becoming a burden to other brethren.

The Apostle Paul addressed this issue in several scriptures, including

2 Thessalonians 3:6–12, that says

“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition that he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; NOR DID WE EAT ANYONE’S BREAD FREE OF CHARGE, BUT WORKED WITH LABOR AND TOIL NIGHT AND DAY, THAT WE MIGHT NOT BE A BURDEN TO ANY OF YOU, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: IF ANYONE WILL NOT WORK, NEITHER SHALL HE EAT. FOR WE HEAR THAT THERE ARE SOME WHO WALK AMONG YOU IN A DISORDERLY MANNER, NOT WORKING AT ALL, BUT ARE BUSYBODIES. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.”

1 Thessalonians 2:9, which says

“For you remember, brethren, OUR LABOR AND TOIL; FOR LABORING NIGHT AND DAY, THAT WE MIGHT NOT BE A BURDEN TO ANY OF YOU, we preached to you the gospel of God.”

Ephesians 4:28, which says

“Let him who stole steal no longer, BUT RATHER LET HIM LABOR, WORKING WITH HIS HANDS WHAT IS GOOD, THAT HE MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO GIVE HIM WHO HAS NEED.”

The Apostle Peter also spoke about this issue in 1 Peter 4:15, saying

“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as A BUSYBODY IN OTHER people’s affairs”.

5. A born-again Christian should be a doer of good works

As born-again Christians, we have been called to be doers of good. By doing good to the brethren and the non-believers alike, the Bible says we become ‘perfect’ like our Father in heaven, who gives rain and sunshine to both the wicked and the righteous.

The Apostle Paul urges us to continue doing good without getting tired because God is not unjust to forget our labor of love towards others. But He rewards us promptly at His appointed time. We find this encouragement in Galatians 6:9, which says

“AND LET US NOT GROW WEARY WHILE DOING GOOD, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

The Apostle James teaches that “to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Similar sentiments are found in 2 Thessalonians 3:13, that says

“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary of doing good.”

The Apostle Peter caps it up in 1 Peter 2:15 by stating that when we do good, we are able to silence foolish arguments that emanate from ignorant men.

“For this is the will of God, that BY DOING GOOD YOU MAY PUT TO SILENCE THE IGNORANCE OF FOOLISH MEN”

In 3 John 1:11, the Apostle John contributes to the topic of doing good by stating this:

“BELOVED, DO NOT IMITATE WHAT IS EVIL, BUT WHAT IS GOOD. He WHO DOES GOOD IS OF God, but he who does evil has not seen God.”

6. A born-again Christian should be faithful

Every born-again Christian is called to be a faithful servant in every task committed to them. Scripture says that when you are found faithful to what belongs to another man, God gives you your own things.

We find this principle in the gospel of Luke 16:10–12, which says:

“HE WHO IS FAITHFUL IN WHAT IS LEAST IS FAITHFUL ALSO IN MUCH; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust in what is much. THEREFORE, IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FAITHFUL IN THE UNRIGHTEOUS MAMMON, WHO WILL COMMIT TO YOUR TRUST THE TRUE RICHES? And IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FAITHFUL IN WHAT IS ANOTHER MAN’S, WHO WILL GIVE YOU WHAT IS YOUR OWN?”

7. A born-again Christian should be forgiving

We became born-again Christians after God forgave all our sins and trespasses that we ever committed against Him and fellow men. This is the main reason why the Bible instructs us to forgive others when they do us wrong.

Jesus gave this principle in the book of Matthew 6:14 when He taught His disciples how to pray and receive answers. This is what he said in the quoted scripture

“FOR IF YOU FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES, YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL ALSO FORGIVE YOU. BUT IF YOU DO NOT FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES, NEITHER WILL YOUR FATHER FORGIVE YOUR TRESPASSES.”

In fact, each and every day, we fall short of the glory of God through our actions, during our conversations, and in our thoughts. And thus, we constantly ask God for mercy and forgiveness as we continue on our journey of faith.

Likewise, other people keep trespassing against us day in and day out, and we are compelled to forgive them.

This is a very important principle that may actually DENY you answers to your prayers. As long as you are holding on to UNFORGIVENESS, GRUDGES, and BITTERNESS in your heart, you will REMAIN STAGNANT until you LET GO!

I must admit that forgiveness is NOT EASY given the PAIN and HEARTACHE that we have to go through when others trespass against us, but we must forgive!

8. A born-again Christian should be generous

As Christians, we have been born again because God GAVE His ONLY Son to die for our sins. This selfless act of giving His son for the sins of the world is what every born-again Christian is called to emulate in his or her daily transactions with fellow men. Christians are thus called to participate in every kind of charity work whenever the opportunity arises.

This may mean giving our finances, time, or anything else at our disposal to help transform the life of the recipient in a positive manner. To this end, we should give to support the work of ministry at our local churches and also in support of programs that promote the wellbeing of orphans, widows, the disabled, the vulnerable, and the underprivileged, among others.

In Romans 12:13, the Apostle Paul urges us to give to the needs of the saints living in our midst.

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul teaches us about the attitude we should have while giving to the needs of others. This is what he says

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

This passage teaches that we should give cheerfully without grumbling or murmuring. It also teaches us that when we give, it is actually a seed that we are sowing, meaning a harvest is inevitable. Consequently, we are advised that the nature of our seed determines the SIZE or AMOUNT of the harvest. So, we are encouraged to sow a seed commensurate with the harvest we expect to reap.

Unfortunately, this principle has been subject to abuse, causing many believers to refrain from the sacred duty of giving. Friend, even if the money you gave to finance that charitable cause was misappropriated, you should not stop giving. This is because God, not man, is the Author OF Giving.

God teaches us a very important principle in Genesis 8:22 by stating:

“While the earth remains, SEEDTIME AND HARVEST, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.”

What does this tell you? Whenever you SOW A SEED, be it FINANCIAL or OTHERWISE, you will always REAP A HARVEST! That’s the Bible, not man’s philosophy! So, give and keep giving!

9. A born-again Christian should be hospitable

Some Bible scholars believe that one of the main reasons why the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed was because of their hostility towards strangers. These scholars cite the instance when the angels of God visited Lot, and then the men of Sodom came calling, demanding to have sex with the visitors.

According to the Bible, God commanded the children of Israel never to mistreat strangers found living in their midst. This is because Israel also lived as strangers in the land of Egypt. We find this command in the book of Leviticus 19:33–34, which says:

“AND IF A STRANGER DWELLS WITH YOU IN YOUR LAND, YOU SHALL NOT MISTREAT HIM. The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God.”

This command has equally been extended to born-again Christians in the words of the writer of Hebrews 13:2, which says

“Do NOT FORGET TO ENTERTAIN STRANGERS, for by so doing, some have unwittingly entertained angels.”

Similar views are shared in Romans 12:13, that says

“Distributing to the needs of the saints, GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY.”

The Apostle Peter cements the need for a believer to be hospitable by saying:

“BE HOSPITABLE TO ONE ANOTHER WITHOUT GRUMBLING.”

10. A born-again Christian should be gentle

Born again Christians are expected to have a gentle demeanor, going by the example set by Jesus Christ. We find this attribute of Jesus in Matthew 11:29, which says

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, FOR I AM GENTLE AND LOWLY IN HEART, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

The Apostle Peter teaches that a gentle and quiet spirit is precious in God’s sight. We read this in 1 Peter 3:4 as follows:

“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—but rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the INCORRUPTIBLE BEAUTY OF A GENTLE AND QUIET SPIRIT, WHICH IS VERY PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.”

11. A born-again Christian should lead a sober life

The Bible teaches that believers need to be sober all the time. This is because our enemy, the devil, is moving about seeking those whom he may cause to backslide and fall away from the race of faith.

In the book of 1 Peter 5:8, the Apostle Peter puts it this way:

“Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

Here, Peter teaches that the best way to remain sober as a born-again Christian is by resisting the devil. He further explains that the way to resist the devil is by remaining steadfast in the faith.

The emphasis for believers to remain sober is equally echoed in Titus 2:11–12, which says:

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, WE SHOULD LIVE SOBERLY, righteously, and godly in the present age.”

12. A born-again Christian should be morally upright

A born again Christian should uphold high moral standards as prescribed in the scriptures. A perfect mirror that any believer can use to gauge their morality is found in 1 Corinthians 5:9–13. In this epistle, Paul says:

“I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. BUT NOW I HAVE WRITTEN TO YOU NOT TO KEEP COMPANY WITH ANYONE NAMED A BROTHER WHO IS SEXUALLY IMMORAL, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—NOT EVEN TO EAT WITH SUCH A PERSON.” 

Here, Paul informs us that even within the body of Christ itself, brethren do engage in sexual immorality, are thus a disgrace to the congregation, and should thus be isolated.

In fact, Paul urges us to flee from sexual immorality at all costs. This is because when a born-again Christian engages in this sin, he defiles his body, which the scriptures tell us is the temple of God. We find this exhortation in 1 Corinthians 6:18–20, which says

“FLEE SEXUAL IMMORALITY. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, BUT HE WHO COMMITS SEXUAL IMMORALITY SINS AGAINST HIS OWN BODY. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

13. A born-again Christian should promote unity

Believers have been called to promote unity in the body of Christ and in their other areas of operation. This means that they should desist from activities that typically lead to divisions and the creation of factions in the church, neighborhood, and workplace, among other localities of operation.

This was the message of Paul in the book of Romans 16:17–18, which says,

“Now I urge you, brethren, NOTE THOSE WHO CAUSE DIVISIONS AND OFFENSES, CONTRARY TO THE DOCTRINE WHICH YOU LEARNED, and AVOID THEM. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”

Similar sentiments are found in Titus 3:9–11, as follows:

“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. REJECT A DIVISIVE MAN AFTER THE FIRST AND SECOND ADMONITION, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.”

14. A born-again Christian should not be judgmental

Jesus taught His disciples not to pass judgment on others because such an action was counterproductive in that a similar judgment would be passed against them. We read this in Matthew 7:1–2 as follows:

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

The Apostle Paul also addressed the same issue in Romans 14:10–13 by saying:

“But WHY DO YOU JUDGE YOUR BROTHER? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: ‘as I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore, LET US NOT JUDGE ONE ANOTHER any more, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”

The Apostle James also delves into this issue in James 4:11–12 by stating as follows:

“Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF A BROTHER AND JUDGES HIS BROTHER, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one lawgiver who is able to save and destroy. Who are you to judge another?”

So there you have it: Judgment should be left to God alone and no one else.

Conclusion

This article covered part 1 of our discussion about how a born-again Christian should behave. To read part two of the article, click on the link provided below. Finally, as born-again Christians, we are called to be imitators of Christ, as penned by Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:1

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.”

I hope this was helpful. Thank you.

Related Post: How should a born again Christian behave Part 2

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Are you a born-again Christian? If not, kindly say the following prayer from the bottom of your heart, and you will get saved.

Prayer to become a born again Christian

“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and hereby ask for your forgiveness;

I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you are the only begotten Son of the living God;

I believe that you were sent of your Father to the earth to save sinners like me;

I now accept you as my personal Lord and Savior.

Come into my heart and baptize me with The Holy Spirit;

Thank you for saving me.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

Amen!”

Congratulations friend! You are now a born again Christian!

Welcome to the Family of God!

Benediction

“The LORD bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.”

(Numbers 6:24-26)

Shalom.

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/