Christian Character

Dear Victorious,

Is there one characteristic of Christians that you think stands out among the rest? I mean is there one thing about Christians that is so different from non-Christians as to be unmistakable?

Kalen N. - Duncanville, TX

Dear Kalen,

Yes, I think there is. In fact, I think there are several. They're such remarkable features or personality traits because they're so uncommon in our society as a whole.

First and foremost would be the ability to hold your tonuge. Proverbs 10:19 tells us not to speak too much. Ironically it is a human trait to want to be heard, to want to share our thoughts. But the supernatural contols its tongue and spends way more time listening than it does talking.

The second one that comes to mind is forgiveness. Matthew 18:21-35 describes an inexhaustible level of forgiveness. Turn the other cheek and forgive seventy times seven would be the hardest level of forgiveness to offer. Jesus was in effect saying that we may have to keep forgiving and forgiving the same offensive behavior in others. But never are we to get to a place where we say, "That's enough. I'm not forgiving you any more." This isn't possible on a human level. The pain can run too deep and the desire for justice too strong. But the supernatural never stops forgiving. It doesn't matter what the offense.