Saying we are a Christian, wearing clothes with Christian messages, and a large cross, gains attention. However, the bible teaches that the way we live and love as we share the gospel is the true identifier of those who follow Jesus. It can beam without saying a word.

When we are committed to living for Christ instead of for ourselves, the Holy Spirit changes how we feel and act, character, priorities, and ways of interacting with others. Our new life in Jesus is intended to represent Him while we point others to Him, as if God was making his appeal through us.   

The Apostle Paul says, “Therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Love God and others, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Serve others, be compassionate, merciful, and help the less fortunate.

Be merciful and forgiving, just as God is merciful, and forgive those who wrong you. Live out the Golden Rule. Treat others as you would want them to treat you. Be a light to others. Let your actions reflect your faith and be a positive influence on the world.

Do not judge. Avoid judging others; instead, focus on being a loving influence. Keep your word. Be honest and truthful in your commitments. Pray for others. Pray for those who persecute you and for more workers to spread the gospel.

Three core things God desires from people are to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. These actions, outlined in the book of Micah (Micah 6:8), encapsulate acting fairly, showing compassion and forgiveness to others, and maintaining a continuous, humble relationship with God.

To determine what Jesus might tell Christians today, one must draw from her/his core teachings in the Gospels and apply them to modern issues. The central and consistent themes are love for God, selfless love for one’s neighbor, and establishing the Kingdom of God on Earth.

Jesus consistently sided with the marginalized and the poor rather than aligning with a political party or power structure. In today’s highly polarized political landscape, those are the very people we consistently beat up on a daily basis.