8 things you’re doing that you don’t realize are deeply unchristian

It’s one thing to call yourself a Christian, it’s another to walk the talk.

We might think we’re living a good Christian life, yet certain actions and attitudes subtly contradict the teachings we hold dear.

These aren’t always the obvious, glaring mistakes but rather everyday habits and choices that can go unnoticed.

In this article, we’ll explore 8 things you may be doing that, while seemingly harmless, are actually deeply unchristian—and how recognizing them can help you realign with your faith.

1) Judging others

We’ve all been there. Someone does something we don’t agree with, and instantly, we’re casting stones in our minds.

But here’s the thing. As Christians, we’re taught not to judge. It’s not our place to determine what’s right or wrong for someone else.

This concept isn’t always easy to grasp. After all, it’s human nature to form opinions about others based on their actions.

However, the harsh reality is that when we judge others, we’re straying from our Christian principles.

Remember the words of Matthew 7:1 – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”

So next time you find yourself making snap judgments, take a moment to reflect. Are you living out your Christian values? Or are you unknowingly doing something deeply unchristian? 

2) Lack of forgiveness

This one hit me pretty hard last year.

My friend and I had a falling out over something that, in retrospect, was quite trivial. But at the time, it felt like a betrayal.

I held onto that grudge tightly for months. Every time her name came up, I’d feel a surge of bitterness. I was convinced that she was in the wrong and that she should be the one to apologize.

But then one Sunday, my pastor preached about forgiveness. And it felt like he was speaking directly to me.

“Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace,” he said. It was a reiteration of the Christian principle laid out in Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

That sermon was an eye-opener. I realized I was nursing a grudge and harboring resentment, both of which are deeply unchristian.

I reached out to my friend, we talked it out, and our friendship is stronger now because of it.

Forgiveness isn’t easy. But it’s essential to living a Christian life.

3) Neglecting the needy

In the Bible, the concept of helping those less fortunate is mentioned over 300 times. This frequency underscores the importance of charity and kindness in Christianity.

Yet many of us, in our busy lives, overlook this fundamental aspect of our faith. We may get too consumed with our own problems or simply ignore the plight of those around us.

Whether it’s ignoring a homeless person on the street or not volunteering our time to help others, these actions can be deeply unchristian.

The next time you see someone in need, remember the words of Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” Let’s strive to live up to these words.

4) Gossiping

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a juicy piece of gossip?

It’s easy to get caught up in the latest rumors and speculations. But have you ever stopped to think about how this aligns with your Christian values?

The truth is, gossiping does more harm than good. It spreads negativity and can damage relationships.

In the Bible, gossip is likened to a “choice morsel” that goes down deep into one’s body (Proverbs 18:8). It might seem harmless, but the effects can be long-lasting and damaging.

Next time you’re tempted to engage in gossip, remember James 1:26 – “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

5) Holding onto pride

Pride. It’s one of those things that can sneak up on you.

It’s easy to become prideful in our accomplishments, our status, or our talents. And while there’s nothing wrong with acknowledging our achievements, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.

Being proud can often lead us to forget that everything we have is a blessing from God. It can make us less likely to seek help when we need it and less likely to admit when we’re wrong.

As Christians, we’re taught to be humble, as echoed in Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

Let’s remember that it’s not about us. It’s about Him. Let’s strive to keep our pride in check and embrace humility instead. 

6) Neglecting prayer

There was a time when my days were so packed that I’d fall into bed exhausted, without saying a single prayer. I’d convince myself that God understood, that He knew how busy I was.

But over time, I began to feel disconnected. My faith seemed to wane, and I felt like I was just going through the motions.

That’s when it hit me. Prayer is more than just asking for things or even thanking God. It’s our lifeline, our direct line of communication with the Creator. It’s how we maintain our relationship with God and keep our faith alive.

Neglecting prayer can be a deeply unchristian habit. It’s like ignoring a friend or loved one. The relationship suffers.

Today, no matter how busy I get, I make sure to find time for prayer. Because as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 teaches us, we should “pray without ceasing.”

7) Being ungrateful

In our quest for more – more money, more success, more recognition – we often forget to be grateful for what we already have. We focus so much on what’s next that we overlook the blessings right in front of us.

This lack of gratitude goes against the teachings of Christianity. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are reminded to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Being ungrateful can be a deeply unchristian habit. It creates a sense of discontent and can lead us away from God’s path.

8) Not loving others

At the core of Christianity is love. It’s the greatest commandment, as stated in Mark 12:31 – “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

No other commandment is greater than this. Yet, many of us fail to live out this commandment. We let our differences, prejudices, and grudges prevent us from truly loving others.

Failing to love others is arguably the deepest unchristian habit one can have. It goes against everything Christianity stands for.

Love is what binds us all together. It’s what makes us Christ-like. Without love, we are nothing.

Final reflection: It’s a journey

We all fall short at times, often without realizing it, but the beauty of our faith is in the opportunity for growth and transformation.

By identifying these unchristian habits and making a conscious effort to change, we can realign ourselves with the values that truly reflect Christ’s teachings.

The journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about striving to be better each day, with grace and humility, as we walk closer to God.