1 Peter 2:17
17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
How do we distinguish a true from a false Christian? This verse gives the answer. The first test is whether a Christian treats people with respect (irrespective of races, color, social standing or background). Does he/she see the Imago Dei(image of God, the totality of a person’s being) in every human?
Another ground of testing is whether he/she loves the family of believers! Remember Apostle John, he says, a person who claims to love God but hates his brother or sister is a liar (1 John 4:20). In other words, a genuine Christian is known by his/her love for God’s household. A born-again Christian can be seen in the sincere yearning/concern for the fellowship of believers!
A born-again believer treats human with kindness and love the family of God because he fears God. He honors the name of God and so that motivates him to serve people with joy and gladness. The honoring of the King does not supersede God’s honor. In fact, in honoring the King, a Christian is hereby acknowledging God’s sovereign rule on earth.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are the only King who will reign forever. Continue to exalt yourselves in our lives and in this world for your glory, amen.
