The term “Christian” was first used about believers in Antioch (Acts 11:26-B). “Chrisian” was a term of derision that meant… “Little Christ.” It was applied to early believers because they conducted themselves like their Savior… Jesus Christ. They were true to live like Jesus.
What does a “Little Christ” look like in their conduct and lifestyle? They are…
Compassionate… kind… humble… meek… patient… forgiving… loving… harmonious… peaceful… thankful to God for all things (Colossians 3:12).
Not quarrelsom… but kind to everyone. They are able to teach God’s Word. They patiently endure evil. They correct their opponents gently (2 Tim 2:24).
They turn the other cheek when insulted. They go the extra mile. They give when they see a need. They are “Little Christs.”
What I ask myself is this… Do those passages describe ME? My attitude? My demeanor? My conduct? My thought life? And if not… I am in need of repentance!
Being a Christian is more than believing things… it is living them from the heart.
Colossians 3:12 Put on then… compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, & patience, 13 bearing with one another &, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him…
2 Tim 2:24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness.