To be a believer often puts oneself in strange situations. As an example, consider the scenario Jesus faced as recorded in the eighth chapter of John when He stared down a crowd in defense of a woman who had committed adultery. Or earlier in John when He turned water into wine in order to keep a bridegroom from being embarrassed at his wedding reception. Hardly what would normally be identified as elements of Christ the only-begotten Son of God and Savior of those who believe. Yet there it is.
To be a believer means seeing the element in every person that declares they were created in God’s image, thus equally worthy of His sacrifice on the cross. No matter how angry one becomes at the sin in the life of someone else, their foolishness and/or arrogance and/or pride and/or evildoing, the believer can never let slip from their heart and mind the truth. No one is outside the reach of God. No one is unworthy of His grace. No one is undeserving of His love. No one.
Does this mean we meekly accept everyone as they are? No. It is imperative we get out the message of Christ, being His hands and voice in this world, demonstrating through deed and not just word His compassion and care. Sometimes this takes the form of helping those who need help, be it with food or clothing or shelter or caring and sharing. Sometimes this takes the form of proclaiming His Word without hesitation regardless of how it may be received. Sometimes this takes the form of unfailing resistance to the sinfulness of others, confronting them with the truth about themselves. Sometimes chewing someone out is as much a demonstration of love as offering the open hand. It depends on why you’re doing it.
To be a believer means taking stances that are on the surface mystifying in the extreme. The spiritually aware believer reminds one and all that even though any given celebrity has zero hesitation in giving their body which was meant to be a temple of the Holy Spirit to the drooling dogs lapping up every nude and/or nearly nude exploit for the camera, they are still to be treated properly and with respect. Despite their not treating themselves in such a manner.
To be a believer means you do the right thing regardless. And when you fail to do the right thing – it will happen, guaranteed – you get up and keep going. Every single time. No matter how scared or hurt or empty or angry you may be. You keep going, trusting that God will see you through. And He will.
This is some of what it means to be a believer.
