There’s a big difference between being genuinely good and just pretending.
Pretenders often show off their good deeds while hiding their true selves.
Christianity values authenticity, urging us to be sincere in our actions and intentions.
It offers clear guidance on what being good truly means.
Let’s explore 7 behaviors that might reveal if someone isn’t as good as they seem, according to Christian principles.
1) They don’t practice what they preach
Christianity places a high importance on authenticity, sincerity, and living out one’s beliefs.
One of the telltale signs that someone might not be as good as they appear, according to Christianity, is when they don’t practice what they preach.
It’s easy to talk about love, forgiveness, and kindness. But when it comes to actually exhibiting these qualities in day-to-day life, some individuals fall short.
This kind of hypocrisy is something that Christianity strongly discourages.
In the biblical book of Matthew, Jesus himself criticized those who put on a show of religiosity but failed to live out their declared values.
We all have our shortcomings, the key here is consistency.
If someone regularly fails to live up to the standards they set for others, it might be time to question their authenticity.
2) They lack compassion
Compassion is a cornerstone in Christianity; it’s about understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it.
I remember a time when I was faced with an individual who had no compassion.
A friend of mine was going through a tough time, dealing with a breakup and financial issues.
We were part of the same church group, and everyone knew what he was going through.
One day, I overheard another group member, let’s call him John, speaking about my friend’s situation.
Instead of showing empathy or offering to help, John was dismissive.
He even went as far as saying that my friend deserved his misfortune because he ‘didn’t work hard enough.’
John’s lack of compassion shocked me.
It was contrary to the Christian teachings of love and empathy that we were supposed to uphold.
His behavior was a clear indication that he wasn’t as good-hearted as he portrayed himself.
Compassion isn’t just about feeling sorry for someone; it’s about extending a helping hand when you can.
3) They’re quick to judge others
In Christianity, judgment is reserved for God alone.
Yet, it’s not uncommon to encounter individuals who are quick to judge others without knowing the full story.
The Bible itself warns against this kind of behavior.
In the book of Matthew, it’s written: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
It’s interesting to note that research has shown people who are quick to judge others often do so to feel better about themselves.
It’s a form of ego defense—they highlight others’ faults to distract from their own.
Christianity encourages mercy, understanding, and leaving the judgments to God.
4) They’re ungrateful
Gratitude is another key value in Christianity.
It’s about acknowledging the blessings we have and being thankful for them.
But what about those who always seem to want more, never satisfied with what they have?
This constant discontentment and lack of gratitude can be a warning sign.
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Being grateful doesn’t mean you can’t aspire for more or seek improvement.
But constantly focusing on what you don’t have, instead of appreciating what you do have, shows a lack of contentment and gratitude.
5) They’re unforgiving
Forgiveness is a fundamental teaching in Christianity.
It’s about letting go of anger, resentment, and thoughts of revenge.
I’ve been in a situation where I had to wrestle with this teaching.
My sister once did something that deeply hurt me.
She apologized, but I found it hard to forgive her. It felt as though doing so would mean what she did was okay.
But holding onto that resentment started impacting my own peace of mind.
I realized that forgiveness wasn’t about condoning her action, but about freeing myself from the burden of anger and bitterness.
When I finally forgave her, it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.
Unforgiveness can be a sign of a hardened heart; Christianity promotes forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation.
6) They’re self-centered
Christianity emphasizes selflessness and love for one’s neighbor.
It encourages us to consider the needs of others and not just our own.
But what if you come across someone who only thinks about themselves, their wants, and their needs?
Someone who constantly prioritizes their own interests over others might not be as good a person as they seem.
This behavior contradicts the Christian teaching of ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’
A genuinely good person according to Christianity values others and shows concern for their well-being.
7) They lack humility
In Christianity, humility is highly valued. It’s about recognizing our own limitations and understanding that we’re not superior to others.
The Bible says in Proverbs: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
If someone is arrogant and sees themselves as better than others, it’s a clear sign they’re not as good a person as they portray.
Genuine goodness, according to Christianity, involves humility and acknowledging the worth of others.
Humility isn’t about belittling oneself, but about maintaining a balanced view of oneself and others.
It’s about respect, understanding, and equality.
Final thought: It’s about love
When it comes down to the core of Christianity, it’s all about love.
The Bible says in 1 John: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Christianity teaches that good behavior isn’t just about avoiding negatives but actively embodying love in our actions and interactions.
We all have moments of weakness, but Christianity emphasizes grace, forgiveness, and growth.
Reflect on whether you’re showing love daily—being patient, kind, forgiving, and humble.
A good person isn’t perfect but strives to grow in love and virtue.
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.
