I Didn’t Know You Where a Christian

As believers, our faith in Christ should be evident in everything we do. If anyone ever says to you, “I didn't know you were a Christian,” it should give you pause. Such a statement suggests that something is missing in the way you live out your faith. Christianity is not just a set of beliefs to be held in private; it is a life to be lived openly, reflecting the character and love of Christ in a world that desperately needs Him.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” This verse reminds us that our actions are a testimony to our faith. The way we speak, behave, and treat others should make it clear to everyone that we belong to Christ. Our light—our faith, love, and good works—should shine so brightly that it naturally draws others to recognize and glorify God.

But what does it mean to let your light shine? It means living in a way that is consistent with the teachings of Jesus. It means showing kindness when others are harsh, offering forgiveness when others hold grudges, and living with integrity even when it costs you. It means being a person of peace in a world filled with conflict, and showing love to those who are often overlooked or rejected by society.

If someone can spend significant time with us and not realize we are Christians, it may be because we are hiding our light under a basket (Matthew 5:15). Perhaps we are too concerned with fitting in, afraid of standing out, or hesitant to share our faith openly. But Jesus calls us to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-14), to be distinct and to make a difference wherever we go.

The Apostle Paul also encourages us to live in a way that is worthy of our calling as Christians. In Ephesians 4:1, he writes, “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.” This means that our daily lives—our actions, words, and attitudes—should reflect the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.

Moreover, in John 13:35, Jesus says, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Love is the defining characteristic of a Christian. If our lives are marked by genuine love—love that is patient, kind, humble, and selfless—people will recognize that we belong to Christ, even before we say a word about our faith.

So, if anyone ever says, “I didn't know you were a Christian,” it’s a call to reflect on how we are living. Are we allowing the light of Christ to shine through us, or are we dimming it with fear, compromise, or neglect? Let us strive to live in such a way that there is no doubt about our allegiance to Christ. Let our lives be a clear and shining testimony to the grace and power of God, so that others may see and be drawn to Him.

Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling.  I live by 1 Corinthians 9:16, Ephesians 3:7-8, and Colossians 1:28-29. In my retirement, I focus on studying and teaching God’s Word. Besides writing this Blog I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God.  Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com