How to be a true believer is more than just saying you believe in God. It’s about a life of absolute trust in God,in your daily life, in how you treat others, in the decisions you make, and in the quiet moments when no one else is watching. It’s a journey of faith, love, and commitment, and it’s something that grows deeper with time and experience.
1. Understanding Faith
Faith is the foundation of being a true believer. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith is trusting in God even when you can’t see the outcome. It’s believing that God is with you, guiding you, and has a plan for your life.
Story: There was a man named John who lived in a small town. John had always believed in God, but his faith was never really tested until one day he lost his job. With bills piling up and no job in sight, John was worried.
He prayed and prayed, but nothing seemed to change. Days turned into weeks, and John began to lose hope. But one Sunday morning, while sitting in church, the pastor spoke about faith and trusting God even in difficult times. John felt as if the message was just for him.
He decided to trust God, no matter what. Two days later, he received a call for a job interview, and within a week, he was employed again. John learned that being a true believer means trusting God, even when things seem hopeless.
2. Living with Love
Being a true believer also means loving others as God loves us. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “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.” Love is the mark of a true believer.
Story: Sarah was a single mother of two young children. Life was tough for her, and she struggled to make ends meet. One day, she met a woman named Mary at her church. Mary was kind and always offered a helping hand, whether it was watching Sarah’s kids for a few hours or bringing over a meal. Sarah asked Mary one day why she was so kind. Mary simply replied,
“Because God loves me, and I want to share that love with others.” Mary’s actions showed Sarah what it meant to be a true believer – to love others not just with words, but with actions.
3. Walking in Obedience
Being a true believer means following God’s commandments and living according to His Word. In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Obedience is a key part of our relationship with God. It’s not about following rules for the sake of it, but about living in a way that pleases God.
Story: There was a young man named David who had a habit of lying. He would lie to get out of trouble, to make himself look better, or just because it was easier than telling the truth.
One day, during his Bible study, he came across Proverbs 12:22, which says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” David felt convicted. He realized that if he wanted to be a true believer, he needed to change. He prayed and asked God for help.
Over time, David worked on being truthful in all things, and he found that honesty brought him more peace and respect than lying ever did.
4. Growing in Faith
A true believer never stops growing in faith. It’s a journey that continues throughout your life. 2 Peter 3:18 encourages us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This means spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking to understand God more deeply each day.
Practical Steps:
- Daily Prayer: Start each day with prayer. Talk to God about your hopes, fears, and ask for His guidance.
- Bible Reading: Spend time reading the Bible. It’s God’s Word to us, and it helps us know Him better.
- Fellowship with Others: Join a community of believers. Being around others who share your faith can encourage you and help you grow.
5. Trusting in God’s Plan
Sometimes, being a true believer means trusting God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. Trusting in His plan means believing that He knows what’s best, even when we don’t understand.
Story: There was a couple, Anna and James, who wanted to start a family. They prayed and prayed for a child, but years went by, and nothing happened. They didn’t understand why God wasn’t answering their prayers.
But they continued to trust Him, believing that He had a plan. One day, they received a call from an adoption agency. A baby needed a home, and they were asked if they would consider adopting. Anna and James realized that God had a different plan for them – a plan that was perfect in every way.
6. Sharing Your Faith
Finally, being a true believer means sharing your faith with others. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gave the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Sharing your faith isn’t about forcing your beliefs on others, but about sharing the hope and love that you’ve found in Christ.
Practical Steps:
- Live by Example: Let your life be a testimony to your faith. When others see the way you live, they’ll want to know more about what you believe.
- Be Ready to Share: When the opportunity arises, share your story. Tell others what God has done in your life and how your faith has changed you.
Conclusion
Being a true believer is a lifelong journey of faith, love, obedience, and growth. It’s about trusting God in all things, loving others as He loves us, and living in a way that reflects His truth. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey.
God is with you every step of the way, guiding you, helping you, and loving you. As you walk this path, you’ll find that your faith grows deeper, your love becomes stronger, and your life becomes a reflection of the true believer God has called you to be.
