Following Jesus is more than calling ourselves Christians. God wants to change our hearts through His Spirit. He gives us a new spiritual nature and helps us leave our old ways behind. As He works in us, we begin to think, speak, and act more like Jesus.
This change starts on the inside, but it does not stay hidden. It shows in how we treat people, make choices, and respond when life is hard. We learn to listen before judging, forgive instead of holding on to anger, and choose love instead of selfishness.
Jesus showed us what God is like. He came in human form without ceasing to be God. He cared for hurting people, spoke the truth, showed mercy, and obeyed the Father. When Christ lives in us, our lives should begin to reflect His kindness and love.
How God Changes Us
- 2 Corinthians 5:17: In Christ, we become a new creation. Our old life does not have to define us.
- Romans 12:2: God changes us by renewing our minds. We learn to follow His ways instead of simply copying the world around us.
- Ezekiel 36:26: God promises a new heart and a new spirit. He replaces a hard heart with one that is open to Him.
- Philippians 1:6: God will finish the good work He has started in us. We can trust Him as we grow.
- Galatians 2:20: Christ lives in the believer. Our new life is lived by faith in Him.
A Changed Heart Shows in a Changed Life
Think of a tree. A healthy tree grows fruit. In the same way, living faith produces good actions. Faith and good works are not enemies. Helping, serving, giving, and forgiving are ways our faith becomes visible.
James and John remind us that love must be more than words. If someone needs food or clothing, kind words alone do not meet that need. When we can help, we should open our hearts and do something.
Prayer matters, but it should not become an excuse to avoid caring. Sometimes a person needs both our prayers and a meal, a ride, a listening ear, or our time. We can pray with faith and serve with love.
Today, let us ask: Are my words kind? Am I willing to say sorry? Is there someone I can help? With God’s help, we can choose patience, fairness, and love. As His Spirit changes us within, others can see more of Jesus in the way we live.
Personal Reflection
This message makes me look at my own life. Do I listen before I judge? Are my words kind? Am I willing to say sorry and help when I can? I want my faith to show in how I treat others, not just in what I say.
Several years ago, someone asked me, “Are you always this kind?” The question surprised me. Looking back, I believe that kindness was a fruit of the Spirit that had grown in me over the years. It reminds me that God’s work in our hearts can show in simple, everyday moments.
I still have room to grow. Each day gives me another chance to choose patience, fairness, and love. With God’s help, I want to keep growing on the inside so that my actions show more of Christ on the outside.
Minister A Francine Green, November 2026