I am a big fan of baseball. During the summer, my favorite thing to do is watch the Seattle Mariners play. When sitting in the Mariners’ stadium with other fans, it’s easy to feel vibrant and excited. Almost everyone in that stadium is there to cheer for the same thing: a Mariners victory. However, I live in Denver, and there aren’t many Mariners fans in Denver. When I wear Mariners gear, I definitely stick out. But I still do it, because I am a fan, and I support my team. 

Living out your faith is similar to being a sports fan. When we are at church or summer camp, living out our faith is easy because we are surrounded by people who think and act like us. But when we are at home or school, it can be harder because we aren’t sure how to practically live out our faith. What does “being a Christian” look like every day? How can we live out our faith in practical ways? 

1. Love God and Love Others

John 13:34-35 (NIV) says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV) says, “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 

God wants us to love Him and love others. The simplest way to show others what Christianity means is to love them. When we love others, we look out for them. We put their needs higher than our own. We want what is best for them. Jesus said that they will know that we follow Him because we love one another (John 13:35). 

Loving others is not always easy. Sometimes, people can be hard to love. But each of us was made in God’s image and He loves each one of us, and He wants us to love His children as well. When that’s hard, He’s there to fill us with His love. We do not have to do it on our own—He is with us every step of the way. 

Showing love to others does not only look like big gestures shown in the movies. When I have a rough day, my friend Harryette gives me $5 to get a Diet Coke. My friend Shevaun makes me gifts every year for my birthday because I love homemade gifts. My friend Anthony listens to me when I need to make a tough decision and process my thoughts. None of these are dramatic, or even difficult for them to do. But the love I feel from each action is immense. 

2. Speak Up

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9, NIV). 

When people are being treated unfairly, we need to speak up for them. Not only because it is the right thing to do, but because God expects us to. God has given us a voice to use. We can speak up for those around us, particularly those who are silenced. Whether that means making a friend with the lonely kid at school, standing up to bullies in the school hall, or being vocal about not participating in something that harms others; these are ways that we can show God’s love for them to those around us.  

3. Keep Quiet

“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity” (Proverbs 21:23, NIV). 

Knowing when to be quiet seems like an odd way to show that you are a Christian, especially following my earlier point. After all, doesn’t God want us to talk about Him with others? Yes. But James 3 talks about taming the tongue. There come times in our lives when we want to speak rashly. Maybe someone is spreading rumors about you. Maybe you are tempted to lie. When I was a teen, swearing was a big thing. Everyone swore and if you didn’t, then you could not be “cool.”  

But we have to ask ourselves, “Is what I am about to say strengthening or weakening my Christian witness?” If we lie to others, then why should they believe us when we tell them that Jesus loves them? If we constantly say mean things, how can we align ourselves with 1 Corinthians 13, the passage that says “Love is kind”? Our words and actions will show what God’s love is like. We need to ensure we are not projecting a bad image. 

It can be very hard to control our tongues. Anger slips out before we can catch it. I have a friend named Jen. I can’t recall hearing her say one mean thing, ever. Instead of letting her mouth hurt others, she chooses to not say anything. And while other people complain, she chooses to find the blessing in her situation. She is an amazing verbal preacher, but the most impactful sermon she has ever given has been the life of kindness she leads. 

4. Keep Trying

I haven’t mastered any of the above ways to practically live out my faith. At times, I am bad at loving people. I get busy or overwhelmed with my own life and do not have the capacity to add anyone else’s worries to my plate. I retreat instead of stand up for those who are oppressed. I make excuses: I don’t know them, or there are too many bullies, or that I can’t make a real difference. I  struggle with keeping my mouth shut. I feel as if I have to vindicate myself and tell my side of the story, even if I am going to hurt someone in the process. 

These are all ways that God is still working in my life. 

But I do not allow my imperfections to get the best of me. When I fail, I ask God (and anyone I have hurt) for forgiveness and start again. God does not expect us to perform perfectly. He expects us to be obedient. He wants our lives to be an example of grace, perseverance and love. Where our ability ends, His mercy flows abundantly. 

Now What?

Love God, love others. Simple acts of love can go a long way to showing others that Jesus loves them. Speak up. Jesus spoke up for those who were oppressed or treated unfairly. We should do the same to the best of our ability. Be quiet. Our words should be spoken with love and kindness. You’d be surprised at how an encouraging word can make someone feel so loved. Ultimately, a central piece of living out your faith is leading by example and being a beacon of light for your community. This list is not an exhaustive way to accomplish that, but it is a wonderful place to start.  

This article was originally titled “All His Love” in the November 2024 issue of Peer.