Our Christ-like Identity: How to Be a Light to Others

Everyone knows a person who makes the room light up and helps everyone feel at ease. I’m sure you can picture that person right now. They are such a blessing in our lives! Their presence is like a warm hug and a pep-talk all at the same time. You’re always happy when you are around them and you feel blessed when you leave.

The interesting thing about people who are such a joy to be around is that they all seem to have similar characteristics. In breaking these characteristics down it allows each of us to be able to focus on the areas that we need to develop. As all of us have the ability to be the light for others.

I wrote about humble confidence not too long ago. I describe it as a person who is at ease with who they are because they have come to know their identity in Christ. And because they are confident with their identity, they don’t flaunt their accomplishments or seek accolades.

How to get it:

• Seek God’s word.
• Learn your worth in God’s eyes.
• Know your talents and gifts.
• Focus on positive self-talk.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Joy from Within

A person who exudes joy from within loves God, themselves, and the people around them. Their focus is on God! They understand the depths of God’s love and the grace He continually pours out for us. Joy from within comes from embracing that love and living life in awe and wonder.

How to get it:

• Immerse yourself in God’s word to understand the love He has for you!
• Take the time to better understand God’s grace. The book Transforming Grace is amazing!
• Look at the beauty of nature to get your ‘awe’ back.

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:10-12 (NIV)

Positive Attitude

A person who has a consistently positive attitude knows that God is in control and He has a path for each one of us. They are able to look at the world from a macro lens rather than struggling with the micro, day-to-day struggles.

How to get it:

• Practice setting positive faith-filled intentions for each day.
• Start a gratitude journal to thank God daily for the blessing He has given.
• Try to find the silver lining is all situations.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Empathy for Others

A person who exudes joy and is a light for others truly cares for the people around them. Their focus is on encouraging and supporting people to know God and understand their worth in His eyes. Empathy doesn’t mean agreeing with what the people around you are doing. It means to understand why it is happening and then helping the person to live a better life. This is our calling as believers in Christ.

How to get it:

• Seek God’s word in how He wants us to love others.
• Pray for God’s guidance in who to comfort.
• Practice viewing situations from different perspectives.
• Ensure you are participating in self-care to avoid empathy fatigue.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Non-judgmental

A person who is non-judgmental meets everyone where they are and encourages growth lovingly without criticism. They understand that we are not called to judge as none of us are deserving of that role.

How to get it:

• Acknowledge and be aware of your own sinful nature.
• Remember that you are no better than anyone else.
• Understand that we all have battles to fight and issues to overcome.
• It is by God’s grace alone that you are in your current situation.

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. James 4:11 (NIV)

I pray that this post helps you to develop and strengthen areas in your life so that you can shine your light for others around you!