7 habits of people who genuinely live out their faith

Living out your faith is a journey that goes beyond just believing. It’s about daily habits that mirror your beliefs.

The difference lies in action. Simply holding faith is akin to owning a beautiful instrument but never playing it. Truly living out your faith, however, is like creating a symphony with your life’s actions.

Living out faith isn’t about preaching loud and clear, but about demonstrating your beliefs through actions. The genuine ones know that there are certain habits that help them embody their faith every day.

Here are seven habits of people who genuinely live out their faith. The intention is not to judge, but to inspire and maybe help others on their spiritual journey.

1) They practice gratitude

True faith isn’t hidden in the corners of churches or temples. It is seen in everyday actions, and one of the most common habits among people who live out their faith is practicing gratitude.

These individuals understand the significance of appreciating life’s small and big blessings. Gratitude, for them, isn’t an act but a lifestyle. It’s like a lens they wear to see the world.

Think about it. The act of saying a simple ‘thank you’ for meals, for health, for a good day. These small acts of gratitude add up and reflect their faith in a higher power’s benevolence.

When life gets tough, instead of grumbling, these people choose to focus on their blessings and express gratitude. This not only strengthens their faith but also spreads positivity around them.

However, it’s essential to note that practicing gratitude isn’t about dismissing problems or difficulties but rather acknowledging the good amidst them.

So if you aim to live out your faith genuinely, it might be worth cultivating a habit of practicing gratitude every day.

2) They serve others selflessly

Selfless service is another common trait I’ve noticed among people who genuinely live out their faith. And personally, I’ve found this to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of my own faith journey.

For instance, a few years ago, I started volunteering at a local soup kitchen. Initially, it was an act of faith – something I felt called to do. But as time went on, I realized it wasn’t just about serving food. It was about serving love, compassion, and understanding.

I learned to see the face of humanity in everyone who came through our doors – the homeless, the unemployed, the lonely. My faith went beyond prayers and became intertwined with these acts of service.

This selflessness is not about gaining merit or recognition. It’s about embodying the principles of love and compassion that lie at the heart of all faiths.

So if you’re looking for ways to genuinely live out your faith, consider how you can serve others in your everyday life. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures. Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

3) They maintain integrity

Integrity is the cornerstone for those genuinely living out their faith. It’s about aligning your actions with your beliefs, even when no one is watching.

Interestingly, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who had strong religious beliefs were more likely to return extra change given to them by mistake. This shows how faith can manifest as honesty and integrity in everyday situations.

These individuals strive to be their true selves, not only in public but also in private. They understand that living out their faith isn’t about putting on a show for others, but about being consistent in words and deeds.

So, if you want to live out your faith genuinely, maintaining integrity in all aspects of life is key. It’s about being the same person you are in the light when you are in the dark.

4) They prioritize prayer or meditation

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to get caught up in our routines and forget about our spiritual needs. However, people who genuinely live out their faith place a high priority on prayer or meditation.

Prayer or meditation is like a lifeline for them, connecting them to their spiritual roots. It’s not just about asking for things or seeking help in difficult times. It’s also about expressing gratitude, seeking wisdom, and finding peace amidst chaos.

These individuals often start or end their day with a moment of quiet reflection or prayer, setting the tone for the rest of their day. This spiritual practice serves as a reminder of their faith and its guiding principles.

So, if you’re aiming to genuinely live out your faith, creating a regular prayer or meditation routine could be a beneficial habit to cultivate. It’s about making time for silence and reflection amidst the noise of daily life.

5) They forgive and let go

Forgiveness is a tough one. Believe me, I know. I’ve had my share of personal battles with this one. There was a time when someone I deeply trusted betrayed me. The hurt was so intense that forgiveness seemed impossible.

Yet, as I delved deeper into my faith, I realized that harboring resentment was like carrying a heavy burden. It was hindering my spiritual growth and robbing me of peace.

People who genuinely live out their faith understand the power of forgiveness. They know that it’s not about condoning wrong actions but about freeing oneself from the chains of bitterness and resentment.

They understand that everyone makes mistakes and that holding on to anger only hurts them in the end. Through their faith, they find the strength to forgive and let go, making way for peace and healing.

So if you’re on a journey to live out your faith genuinely, remember, forgiveness isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength and spiritual maturity.

6) They show love and kindness

Love and kindness are the universal languages of faith. Regardless of religion or belief system, those who genuinely live out their faith strive to treat others with love and kindness.

They understand that their faith isn’t just about personal salvation or enlightenment. It’s also about making the world a better place by spreading love and kindness.

These individuals don’t limit their love and kindness to their friends and family. They extend it to strangers, to those in need, and even to people who may not have treated them well.

So if you’re seeking to genuinely live out your faith, consider how you can show more love and kindness in your daily life. Remember, every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a difference.

7) They live with purpose

At the heart of genuinely living out your faith is purpose. Those who truly embody their faith have a clear sense of why they are here and what they want to contribute to the world.

They use their faith as a compass, guiding their decisions and actions towards fulfilling their life’s purpose. This purpose isn’t about personal gain or recognition. It’s about making a difference, serving others, and leaving the world a little better than they found it.

Living with purpose means that every day, every action, every decision is fueled with intention. It’s what gives life depth, meaning, and fulfillment.

So if there’s one thing you should know about genuinely living out your faith, it’s this: live with purpose. Let your faith guide you towards your true calling and make every moment count.

Final reflection: It’s about the journey

The essence of living out your faith lies in the journey, not the destination. It’s about how these habits shape us over time, bringing us closer to our spiritual roots and guiding us towards a purposeful life.

Consider the words of renowned spiritual author C.S. Lewis, “Faith… is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.”

Genuine faith, then, is not about ticking off a checklist of habits. It’s about an ongoing journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Each habit we’ve explored – from practicing gratitude to living with purpose – contributes to this journey in its unique way.

As you embark or continue on your own faith journey, remember that it’s less about perfection and more about progress. It’s about striving each day to align your actions with your beliefs.

In the end, the aim is not just to believe in something greater but to become a reflection of that greatness in everything we do.