Christians should excel in the manifestation of Christ's character. The mind
which was in Jesus, should be in them. They should consider His character as
a model of their own; and be conspicuous for their poverty
of spirit, meekness, gentleness, and love.
It is matter of surprise and regret, that many people seem to think that Christianity has nothing to do with character! And that provided they are free from gross sins, and have lively feelings in devotional exercises, they may be as petulant, irritable, and implacable as they please! This is a dreadful error, and has done great mischief to the cause of God!
A sour, ill-natured Christian, is like a lamb with a wolf's head! Or like a dove with a vulture's beak!
If there be any one word which above all others should describe a Christian's character, it is that which represents his divine Father; and as it is said, that 'God is love', so should it be also affirmed, that a Christian is love; love embodied, an incarnation of love! His words, his conduct, his very looks should be so many expressions of love!
It is matter of surprise and regret, that many people seem to think that Christianity has nothing to do with character! And that provided they are free from gross sins, and have lively feelings in devotional exercises, they may be as petulant, irritable, and implacable as they please! This is a dreadful error, and has done great mischief to the cause of God!
A sour, ill-natured Christian, is like a lamb with a wolf's head! Or like a dove with a vulture's beak!
If there be any one word which above all others should describe a Christian's character, it is that which represents his divine Father; and as it is said, that 'God is love', so should it be also affirmed, that a Christian is love; love embodied, an incarnation of love! His words, his conduct, his very looks should be so many expressions of love!
[John Angell James]
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Philippians 2:5 ... Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
John 13:34-35 ... A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Ephesians 4:31-32 ... Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. ❤
