Be a Good Christian, a True Christian, a Better Christian

Be a Good Christian, a True Christian, a Better Christian

This is the season in which Christians celebrate Easter – Jesus’ resurrection from the dead after his crucifixion. What is the significance of this celebration, not only for Christians but for all people everywhere? How have the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba illuminated the meaning of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection in the lives of Christians who have come to know him? These two questions have prompted this cover story.

To fully appreciate the story of Easter, we must start with the fact that Jesus was born into the culture and religion of the Jewish people over 2,000 years ago. According to the first book in the Jewish Holy Scriptures, humanity was originally created by God in a state of purity and blissful intimacy with God:

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…” So God created man in his own image… male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number… I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food…” God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

This state was known as “the Garden of Eden.” But man developed ego and self-will, and “fell” from grace and purity and was sent out of the Garden. God promised to send the Jewish people an “Anointed One” (“Christ” in Greek or “Messiah” in Hebrew, the language of the Jews) to save humanity from this plight. Christians believe that Jesus was this “Anointed One”, the “Christ” sent by God.

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Since the name “Jesus” is Greek for the Hebrew name Joshua, which means “the Lord saves,” he became known as Jesus Christ – “the anointed one who saves,” who would restore humanity to its original state of purity and intimacy with God.

Jesus was born of a virgin, Mary, in very humble surroundings near their capital city of Jerusalem. He had a distinct mission, which Sathya Sai Baba describes this way:

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Jesus was to shatter the darkness that had enveloped the world… to spread the light of love in the heart of man and councils of humanity.

In order to carry out his redemptive mission, Jesus had to correct mistaken ways of thinking, which he did through teachings such as:

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You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evil person. If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Jesus gave spiritual teachings and performed many miraculous healings for the people of his time, as Sathya Sai Baba relates:

Jesus taught simple, practical lessons in spiritual advancement for the good of mankind. He manifested Divine powers to instil faith in the validity of his teachings. He marked out the path that can confer on man the sweet nectar of Divine bliss (ananda). He exhorted people by precept and example to cultivate the virtues of charity, compassion, forbearance, love and faith. These are not separate and distinct qualities; they are only the many facets of the Divine in man, which he has to recognise and develop. (24 December 1972)

In the course of his ministry and miracles, even raising people from the dead, certain religious and political leaders felt challenged and threatened by Jesus’ popularity. Sai Baba tells us:

Jesus was the epitome of compassion and the refuge of the poor, needy and forlorn. But, many people tried to create troubles for Jesus, since they did not like his sacred teachings and activities. Their hatred for Jesus increased day by day. Even the priests turned against Jesus as they became jealous of his growing popularity. Many people out of jealousy laid obstacles in his path and even tried to kill him. (25 December 2000)

Jesus foretold what was to happen to him – that he would be crucified and then rise from the dead on the third day. After three years of ministry, Jesus was going to Jerusalem for an upcoming Jewish holy festival, the Passover Feast, and a great crowd heard that he was coming:  

A True Christian – A Life Of Love, Faith, And Selfless Service

A True Christian is not known only by words, rituals, or outward identity, but by the love and purity reflected in daily life. Christianity, at its heart, teaches compassion, forgiveness, humility, sacrifice, and service. A person may attend church, read scripture, and speak about faith, but the real test of spiritual life is seen in conduct. When love becomes action and faith becomes kindness, the message of Christ begins to shine through human life.

The life of Jesus Christ was a living example of divine love. He showed compassion to the poor, healed the suffering, forgave sinners, and comforted those who were rejected by society. His message was not limited to one group of people; it was meant for all humanity. He taught that God is love and that man must love God with all his heart and love his neighbor as himself. This simple teaching contains the essence of spiritual life.

a True Christian follows the path of love even when life becomes difficult. It is easy to love those who love us, but Christ taught a higher way: love even those who hurt us. Forgiveness is one of the strongest signs of inner strength. A forgiving heart does not hold hatred, revenge, or bitterness. It understands that anger destroys peace, while forgiveness heals both the giver and the receiver.

Faith is another important quality in Christian life. Faith does not mean that problems will never come. It means trusting God even during trials. Every person faces pain, loss, confusion, and disappointment at some point. But faith gives courage to continue with hope. A heart rooted in God does not break easily, because it knows that divine grace is present even in silent moments.

a True Christian also lives with humility. Humility does not mean weakness; it means freedom from pride. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples to show that greatness lies in service, not in position. A humble person does not look down on others. Such a person respects everyone, speaks gently, and serves without expecting praise. True greatness is found in a heart that bends down to lift others.

Service is one of the clearest expressions of faith. Feeding the hungry, helping the poor, visiting the sick, comforting the lonely, and supporting the weak are all sacred acts. Prayer is powerful, but prayer must also flow into action. When hands serve with love, they become instruments of God’s mercy. A life spent only for oneself becomes narrow, but a life spent for others becomes meaningful.

a True Christian understands that love must be practical. It should be visible at home, at work, in society, and in every relationship. Speaking kindly, being honest, keeping promises, caring for parents, respecting children, and helping neighbors are simple ways to live the message of Christ. Spiritual life is not separate from daily life. Every moment gives a chance to practice patience, goodness, and truth.

The teachings of Christ also remind us to avoid judgment. Many people carry hidden pain and struggles. It is easy to criticize from outside, but a loving heart tries to understand. Jesus showed mercy to those whom society condemned. He looked beyond mistakes and saw the possibility of transformation. This does not mean supporting wrong actions; it means correcting with compassion and guiding with love.

a True Christian does not use religion to create pride or division. The purpose of religion is to bring man closer to God and closer to fellow beings. When religion becomes a reason for hatred, its true spirit is lost. Christ’s message was peace, not conflict; love, not separation. A sincere believer respects goodness wherever it is found and sees every human being as a child of God.

Inner purity is also essential. A person may appear religious outside, but God sees the heart. Thoughts, intentions, and desires must become clean. Jealousy, greed, anger, and ego slowly weaken the soul. Through prayer, self-control, repentance, and good actions, the heart becomes pure. A pure heart becomes a place where God’s presence can be felt deeply.

a True Christian carries hope in the world. In times of darkness, such a person becomes a light for others. A smile, a kind word, a helping hand, or a forgiving gesture can change someone’s life. The world does not only need speeches about faith; it needs living examples of faith. When people see love in action, they understand the power of Christ’s message.

The cross itself teaches sacrifice. Jesus accepted suffering for the welfare of others. This reminds every believer that love often requires patience and sacrifice. Parents sacrifice for children, friends support each other in pain, and good people serve society without selfish motives. Sacrifice done with love becomes holy. It purifies the heart and brings one closer to God.

a True Christian finally means becoming Christ-like in thought, word, and action. It means choosing love over hatred, forgiveness over revenge, humility over pride, and service over selfishness. The real beauty of Christian life is not in outward display, but in a transformed heart. When faith becomes compassion and devotion becomes service, life becomes a blessing. Such a life silently spreads peace, inspires goodness, and reflects the divine love that Jesus came to teach.

Baba is a Perfect Jnani