Are We Reflecting the Character of Christ?

Many people claim the name of Christ but do not reflect His character—especially in areas like mercy, love, humility, and compassion. Jesus Himself warned about this, and the Bible gives clear indicators of what a true Christian should look like.

1. True Christianity is More Than Just a Label

Many people claim to be Christians but do not actually follow Jesus’ teachings.

Matthew 7:16-20 – "You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit."

Luke 6:46 – "Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?"

Mere words are not enough—our actions and attitudes must reflect the transformation Christ brings.

2. Lack of Mercy is a Sign of a Hardened Heart

Jesus constantly emphasized mercy and compassion:

Matthew 5:7 – "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."

James 2:13 – "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

If someone claims to follow Christ but lacks mercy, they are missing a key element of His teaching.

3. The Danger of Hypocrisy

Jesus frequently warned against religious hypocrisy—people who appear outwardly religious but lack true love and humility.

Matthew 23:27-28 – "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

A person can have Bible knowledge, church attendance, and religious habits but still be far from God in their heart.

4. True Christians Will Exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit

Paul describes what a true, Spirit-filled believer should look like:

Galatians 5:22-23 – "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

If someone’s life is characterized by harshness, pride, or cruelty rather than love, kindness, and patience, it’s a sign that they are not being led by the Spirit.

5. Many Are Deceived About Their Own Spiritual Condition

Some people think they are Christians simply because they attend church, know theology, or live a “moral” life. But true faith requires a heart transformed by Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:5 – "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves."

Titus 1:16 – "They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work."

It’s important for each of us to examine whether we are truly following Christ or just going through the motions.

6. What Can Be Done?

Instead of just being discouraged by the hypocrisy of others, here’s what we can do:

Pray for them – Only the Holy Spirit can truly change a person’s heart (Ezekiel 36:26).

Model Christ-likeness – Rather than just pointing out what’s wrong in others, we should reflect Jesus’ love and mercy in our own lives (Matthew 5:16).

Speak truth in love – If we have an opportunity, we should gently and lovingly challenge those who claim to follow Christ but do not reflect Him (Ephesians 4:15).

Focus on our own walk with Christ – Instead of becoming bitter about others’ failures, we must ask God to help us stay faithful and grow in Christ-likeness (Philippians 2:12-13).

It is deeply troubling when people claim to follow Jesus but act in ways that contradict His teachings. But Jesus Himself warned that there would be wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30)—true believers and false ones growing together. Ultimately, God will separate the genuine from the false. In the meantime, we are called to be faithful, merciful, and truthful in our own walk with Him.

If you are thinking deeply about how to respond in a Christ-like way, let’s look at some specific situations where you might encounter people who claim to follow Christ but act in ways that contradict His teachings, and how you can respond biblically.

1. When Someone Lacks Mercy and is Harsh or Judgmental

Example: A Christian you know is very harsh in how they treat others, showing little mercy or compassion. They may be quick to judge, criticize, or condemn, even when Jesus calls us to love and restore.

Biblical Response:

Matthew 7:1-5 – Jesus warns about judging others while ignoring our own faults.

Galatians 6:1 – "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness."

James 2:13 – "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

What You Can Do:

✔️ Model mercy and kindness yourself.

✔️ Gently challenge their attitude: “I understand your concern, but Jesus also calls us to be compassionate. How can we show love in this situation?”

✔️ Share Scripture about God’s mercy to help them see their need to reflect Christ’s character.

2. When Someone is Hypocritical (Preaches but Doesn’t Live It)

Example: A Christian speaks about holiness, but in their private life, they gossip, treat others poorly, or indulge in sin.

Biblical Response:

Matthew 23:3 – "So do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice."

1 John 2:6 – "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."

What You Can Do:

✔️ Avoid gossiping about them—pray for them instead.

✔️ If appropriate, lovingly confront them: “I know you want to follow Christ, but I’m concerned because this doesn’t reflect His character. Can we talk about it?”

✔️ Lead by example—live out integrity and humility yourself.

3. When Someone is More Focused on Rules Than on Grace

Example: Some Christians emphasize legalism—strict rules and judgment—rather than God’s grace and the gospel.

Biblical Response:

Matthew 9:13 – "Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Romans 14:1 – "As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions."

What You Can Do:

✔️ Show grace yourself, avoiding arguments about non-essential issues.

✔️ Encourage them to focus on Jesus and His grace rather than just rules.

✔️ Share stories from Jesus' life where He showed love to sinners (John 8:1-11, Luke 15:1-7).

4. When Someone Spreads False Teaching or Believes Lies

Example: A Christian is embracing false doctrine or conspiracy theories instead of biblical truth.

Biblical Response:

2 Timothy 4:3-4 – "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions."

Acts 17:11 – The Bereans "examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

What You Can Do:

✔️ Encourage them to compare everything with Scripture.

✔️ Ask questions rather than argue: “Where do you see that in the Bible? What do you think Jesus would say about this?”

✔️ Direct them to trustworthy Bible teachers and resources.

5. When a Christian is Unforgiving or Bitter

Example: Someone claims to follow Jesus but refuses to forgive others, holding onto anger or resentment.

Biblical Response:

Colossians 3:13 – "As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Matthew 6:14-15 – Jesus warns that those who do not forgive will not be forgiven.

What You Can Do:

✔️ Remind them that forgiveness is an act of obedience to God.

✔️ Help them see how much God has forgiven them.

✔️ Encourage them to pray for the person they struggle to forgive.

Final Encouragement: How to Stay Faithful Despite Others' Hypocrisy

Seeing hypocrisy in others can be frustrating, but here’s how you can stay faithful:

✅ Keep your focus on Jesus, not people. – People may fail, but Jesus never does (Hebrews 12:2).

✅ Pray for those who misrepresent Christ. – Only God can change hearts (Ezekiel 36:26).

✅ Stay in the Word. – This keeps you discerning and anchored in truth (Psalm 119:105).

✅ Live out Christ’s love. – Be the example that others may lack (Matthew 5:16).

 

I hope that this was helpful to you. I hope that you care deeply about truth and about living out your faith in a way that honors Christ. Keep standing firm in His Word, showing grace, and seeking wisdom.

If you ever want to discuss more specific situations or need encouragement, I’m here for that. In the meantime, may God bless you with discernment, strength, and a heart full of His love! 🙏😊