Jun 3, 2019
3 Main Reasons Why People Admire Christians
This is a sequel to the article: 5 Reasons Why People Despise Christians.
I was helping a lady to place her bag in the overhead compartment of the aircraft. She then turned to me and said ‘thank you’, followed by — “you are a helpful young man, you must be a Christian”. I wasn’t sure which statement to react to — the young man part of the Christian.
That got me thinking (and chatting with her) — is being nice and kind today so rare that this makes you a “Christian”? So, I ran an Instagram poll on my stories recently asking two questions: What Do People Despise Of Christians?” and “What Makes People Love Christians”. I received a substantial amount of responses and here’s my compilation to the second question.
Note that this article generalises the term “Christian” and may or may not fit your context.
#1 — Compassion
Many people feel that Christians are compassionate in their faith. They exude kindness and offers help to where the need is. In many countries, churches are at the forefront in building schools, starting welfare homes and caring for the poor.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:27)
#2 — Fellowship and Community
The church is a tight knit group where members can depend on one another. They have cell groups in homes where selflessness and generosity are shared among one another. They “do life” together and always make themselves available for each other during difficult moments. Regular Bible studies are held so that each other can be edified and strengthen.
The writer of Hebrews say in 10:25
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
#3 — Being real and open
As one of my respondent said, Christians often “use their struggles to encourage others”. In times of difficulty, you often see Christians steadfast in their faith due to them having an anchor for their soul. The story of Mary Beth Chapman’s (wife of Steven) in her book: Choosing to See is a case in point. She wrote about how she struggled with grief after losing her 5 year old daughter, Maria — who their own son knocked down in a car accident. She wrote:
“If we keep our heads down, either out of defeat or loss or shame or tiredness… whatever the reason, we are going to miss the beautiful sun (and Son) that is right there in front of us, shining its warmth on our faces and our souls!”
