18 Characteristics of True Christianity

I don't know a better roadmap for Christian character than what is presented in Romans 12. The Bible is crystal clear about what a true Christian lifestyle should look like. These twelve verses, I call them the twelve from twelve, are a great tool and guide. Write them on the walls of your home. Memorize them with your family. Choose eighteen days of the month and focus on one characteristic each day.

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. ​

Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:9-21

Love genuinely. Hold on to the good in life. Honor one another. Serve God. Rejoice. Be patient. Pray consistently. Contribute to the needy. Show hospitality. Bless your persecutors. Live harmoniously. Associate with the lowly. Think about and do the right thing. Live in peace with everyone. Meet the needs of your enemies. Overcome evil with Good!

A simple roadmap for your journey that speaks volumes as a witness to unbelievers.

18 Characteristics of True Christianity:

1. ​Let love be genuine
2. Hold fast to what is good
3. Love one another
4. Outdo one another in showing honor
5. Serve the Lord
6. Rejoice in hope
7. Be patient in tribulation 
8. Be constant in prayer
9. Contribute to the needs of the saints
10. Seek to show hospitality
11. Bless those who persecute you
12. Live in harmony
13. Associate with the lowly
14. Give thought to do what is honorable
15. Live peaceably with all
16. If your enemy is hungry feed him
17. If he is thirsty give him something to drink
18. Overcome evil with good

One of the 18 characteristics of true Christianity is to live in harmony. This post, Living ​Peaceably With All, expands on that thought, and you will also read here about one of the simplest ways I know of to overcoming evil with good.

These 18 characteristics are a simple roadmap for your journey that speaks volumes as a witness to unbelievers. Would you consider choosing eighteen days this month and focus on one characteristic each day?