The Verdict is In

If you were going to be placed on trial for being a Christian, would you be found innocent or guilty?

Well, there’s only one way to find out. Here is a list of the criteria for living the Christian lifestyle (the following list was taken from Romans 12:9-21):

1. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
2. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 
3. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
4. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 
5. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
6. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 
7. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
8. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 
9. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
10. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
11. Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.
12. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

So, what was your verdict? If you didn’t successfully meet every criterion on the list, that’s okay. There is no such thing as a perfect human being or a perfect Christian. This list shows us what is possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides and directs us in order to live a fruitful and fulfilled life.

How does one have the Holy Spirit in his or her life? Don’t worry, Jesus is always willing to accept new believers into His kingdom. He stands at the door of every heart and waits to be invited in (Revelation 3:20). Remember, we are saved by grace (unmerited favor) through faith in the work of Jesus’s death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. We didn’t do anything to deserve this grace (Ephesians 2:8). Living the Christian life is never easy, but it’s rewarding and it provides the key to engaging in an abundant lifestyle.

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. – Romans 10:13