I remember sitting in a Starbucks on a Friday afternoon, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air, and contemplating my own faith journey. As someone who is writing about Christianity, am I truly living out what I preach. Am I embodying an authentic faith, or am I just going through the motions? This question kept swirling in my mind: “What are the signs of authentic faith?”
Is it just the obvious things like attending church regularly, praying before meals, or participating in Bible studies? While these practices are important, I began to realise that authentic faith goes much deeper. It’s about a genuine transformation that reflects in every aspect of our lives. So, what does authentic faith really look like? Here are eight signs that can help us reflect on our own spiritual walk and strive for a more genuine relationship with God.
1. Embodying Love and Compassion
One of the most evident signs of authentic faith is embodying love and compassion. It’s easy to say we love others, but true love is shown through our actions. 1 Corinthians 13 gives us a beautiful picture of what love looks like: it’s patient, kind, not envious or boastful, and it rejoices in the truth. This kind of love goes beyond mere words; it’s about showing genuine care and concern for those around us.
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:3-16 further expands on this idea. The Beatitudes describe the blessedness of those who embody humility, mercy, and a pure heart. These qualities reflect a deep, compassionate love that seeks the well-being of others. When we embody these traits, we not only live out our faith but also shine as a light in a world that desperately needs compassion.
In our daily lives, embodying love and compassion might look like forgiving someone who has wronged us, volunteering our time to help those in need, or simply being present for a friend going through a tough time. It’s these tangible actions that demonstrate our faith in a real and impactful way.
2. Devotion to Prayer
Prayer is more than a ritual; it’s a lifeline, a constant communication with God that nourishes our soul. The Apostle Paul urges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to “pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This continual prayer is a testament to our reliance on God for guidance, strength, and wisdom.
In Luke 18:1, Jesus tells His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. This speaks to the perseverance in prayer, the kind that keeps us grounded in faith even when life gets tough. Ephesians 6:18-19 encourages us to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. It’s a reminder that prayer isn’t confined to certain times or places; it’s a constant, open line to our Heavenly Father.
In practical terms, devotion to prayer means setting aside dedicated times each day to connect with God. It might look like starting your morning with prayer, whispering prayers of gratitude throughout the day, or ending your evening by lifting up your concerns to God. It’s also about being mindful of His presence in every moment, making prayer a natural part of your daily rhythm.
3. Living According to Christian Values, Even When it’s Difficult
This means adhering to the principles and teachings of Jesus even when the world pressures us to do otherwise. Paul urges us in Romans 12:1-2 to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” A transformed mind helps us to think and act differently, expressing genuine love and respect for others, including those in authority as outlined in Romans 13:1-7.
Holding to the truth about Jesus is another critical aspect. In 2 John 4 and 3 John 3-4, we are encouraged to walk in the truth and to rejoice when others do the same. This truth is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life that reflects Jesus’ teachings. Jude 3 reminds us to defend our faith, to contend earnestly for the truth handed down to us.
Practically, living according to Christian values might mean standing up for what is right, even when it’s unpopular, or showing integrity in situations where compromise is easy. It’s about being honest, kind, and loving, reflecting Christ in our actions and decisions. When we face challenges or temptations, our commitment to these values is a testimony to our authentic faith.
4. Putting Faith into Action
James 2:14-17 challenges us with a profound question: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” Faith without action is dead. Authentic faith compels us to carry out works of faith and compassion, to actively seek ways to serve others and meet their needs.
Controlling our tongues and speaking wisdom is another way to put our faith into action. James 3:1-11 speaks about the power of the tongue and how it can both bless and curse. Speaking with wisdom, as mentioned in James 3:13, means choosing our words carefully, using them to build up rather than tear down, and to convey God’s love and truth.
Experiencing victory in our Christian walk and the transformation of life are also essential aspects. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here! This transformation is evident in how we live our lives, making choices that reflect our new identity in Christ. It’s about seeing tangible changes in our behaviour, attitudes, and actions as we grow closer to God.
5. Humility and Forgiveness
A vital sign of authentic faith is embracing humility and practising forgiveness. In Philippians 2:1-4, Paul encourages us to imitate Christ’s humility by not looking to our own interests but also to the interests of others. This kind of humility means setting aside our own desires and ego to serve and uplift those around us. It’s about recognising that our worth comes from God, not from our accomplishments or status.
Forgiveness is closely tied to humility. It requires us to let go of our pride and the desire for retribution. When we forgive, we reflect God’s grace and mercy. Jesus’ teachings are clear on this—He calls us to forgive others as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness is not about condoning wrong actions but about freeing ourselves from the burden of anger and bitterness. It’s an act of trust, leaving justice in God’s hands.
In everyday life, humility and forgiveness can be practised in various ways. It might mean admitting when we’re wrong, asking for forgiveness, or extending grace to someone who has hurt us. It’s about putting others first, being willing to serve without seeking recognition, and letting go of grudges. These actions demonstrate a heart transformed by faith, one that seeks to emulate Christ’s love and humility.
6. Consistent Growth in Faith
This growth is often reflected in the display of the Spirit’s fruit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-26. The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As we grow in our faith, these qualities become more evident in our lives, showing a transformation that goes beyond superficial changes.
Spiritual growth involves a continual process of learning and maturing. In Luke 8:15, Jesus talks about the seeds that fall on good soil representing those with a noble and good heart who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Similarly, in John 15:1-6, Jesus describes Himself as the true vine and His followers as the branches. To grow, we must remain connected to Him, for apart from Him, we can do nothing. Ephesians 4:12-16 speaks to the goal of spiritual growth, which is to attain the whole measure of the fullness of Christ, growing in every way into Him who is the head.
Practically, consistent growth in faith means actively seeking opportunities to deepen our relationship with God. This might involve regular Bible study, participating in small groups, or engaging in personal reflection and prayer. It’s also about being open to correction and willing to change when the Holy Spirit convicts us. As we nurture our faith, we become more resilient in facing life’s challenges, and our lives increasingly reflect the character of Christ.
7. Spreading the Word of God
Another hallmark of authentic faith is the desire and effort to spread the Word of God. When we truly experience the transformative power of faith, it’s natural to want to share it with others. This involves enjoying fellowship with Christ and His redeemed people, where we encourage one another, share our testimonies, and grow together in faith.
Authentic faith acknowledges that Christ is the only way to salvation. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This belief propels us to share the gospel, as we understand the profound importance of this truth. We become motivated by love and compassion for those who have not yet encountered Christ, wanting them to experience the same hope and joy we have found.
Fellowship with other believers strengthens our faith and equips us to reach out to others. Acts 2:42-47 describes how the early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This community life not only nurtured their faith but also attracted others to join them. When we gather with fellow Christians, we build each other up and become more effective in our witness.
8. A Genuine Relationship with God
The ultimate sign of authentic faith is a genuine relationship with God. This relationship is marked by a deep love for God, as expressed in Psalm 42:1: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” It’s a longing to know Him more and to be in His presence. Our love for God should surpass all other loves, as highlighted in Luke 10:27: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.”
Hunger for God’s Word is another indicator of a genuine relationship with Him. 1 Peter 2:1-3 encourages us to crave pure spiritual milk so that we may grow up in our salvation. This hunger drives us to seek out Scripture, meditate on it, and apply it to our lives. It’s through His Word that we come to understand His will and character more deeply.
Maintaining a clear conscience is also essential. In Acts 24:16, Paul speaks about striving to keep his conscience clear before God and man. This means living in a way that aligns with our beliefs, avoiding hypocrisy, and being honest about our shortcomings. It’s about constantly evaluating our actions and motives, ensuring they reflect our commitment to God.
Conclusion
As I sat in that Starbucks on a Friday afternoon, pondering the depth of my own faith, I realised that the journey towards authentic faith is an ongoing process. It’s not about reaching a point of perfection but continually striving to live a life that reflects the heart of Jesus. Authentic faith is visible in our love and compassion, our devotion to prayer, our steadfastness in living according to Christian values, our actions, our humility and forgiveness, our consistent growth, our eagerness to share the Gospel, and most importantly, in our genuine relationship with God.
One key takeaway from this reflection is that authentic faith thrives in the ordinary moments. It’s not just about the grand gestures or the public displays of piety. It’s in the quiet acts of kindness, the silent prayers, the unseen sacrifices, and the daily choices that align our hearts with God’s will. Authentic faith is cultivated in the hidden places of our lives, where only God sees, and it’s these moments that shape and define our spiritual journey.
As you consider your own walk with God, remember that it’s the authenticity of your faith in these ordinary, often unnoticed moments that truly matters. Let your faith be a genuine expression of your love for God, allowing Him to transform you from the inside out. In doing so, you not only deepen your relationship with Him but also become a living testimony of His grace and truth to the world around you.
About New Covenant Community
New Covenant Community Church is a non-denominational church based in Sentul, Malaysia. Our church family strives to love Jesus more, connect people to God and to reconnect the disconnected. Whether you are looking for a church, want to know some new friends or get connected with people, we are the place to be. Drop us a message or visit us on Sunday at Sentul Boulevard, Kuala Lumpur.