What it means, to be Christ-like.

What it means, to be Christ-like.

This is a statement or question that always seem

to be mentioned a lot in churches and is specifically aimed at

seasoned Christians. And in all said mentions it always seems

 to be presented with different parts of the bible mentioned as

 their factual basis. Not to say that they are wrong, but what

seems to be discussed on having Christ-like character has rather

been on the actions that can be physically shown to the entire

world. The phrase "actions speak louder than words" come to mind

but it is at this time that I questioned whether the actions truly

mean something or not.

Being compelled to do things that resemble Christ is not true Christ-like

behavior, in my opinion at least. It sounds like as if if we are forced to do

something and if we had a choice, we would not do it. When Jesus gave

 himself up to save us from our sins, he did so willingly. In this I am 

referring to 1 Timothy 2 verse 6. It said "He gave himself a ransom to all" 

(King James version). The three words "He gave himself" is in 

my understanding that he himself decided to be that sacrifice and 

the reason he did so, was because he loved us so much, so 

unconditionally, that he did so willingly (John 3 :16).

Which leads to the hardest thing asked of us when we are to

have Christ-like behavior. I am speaking of unconditional love,

 and it is in my opinion the hardest characteristic to be gained 

and probably the least shown in a world like now. But with it,

I believe it is much easier to have other character traits of

Christ, like the willingness to serve.

I know, who am I to say these things? I am just a college student after

all. I may be wrong, and I am more than willing to be proven wrong.

How did I end with such a conclusion? It was when I had an argument 

with my oldest friend, which ended with me considering to give up on

 being the way I am around that person, when I realized that it wasn't very

Christ-like of me to just be cold and unreceptive because of a disagreement.

People just don't see much of the care that Christ gave when he was around

 anymore. He took the sins of people who wanted him dead, is it not proof 

enough that he held unconditional love for everyone?

With that as a result, I realize that holding on to unconditional love is 

indeed a rare sight to see. And it is hard to care for someone who doesn't 

care the way that you do.