A Christian’s Character
Before the new year began, we discussed how big an impact a small change can make. We had discussed that when Abram became Abraham and Sarai became Sarah, it changed the meanings behind their names. This is true for everyone; one decision can make us a new creation. Placing our faith in Jesus Christ for our salvation makes us new. But how should we act now that we are a new creation? There are many scripture verses that describe the behaviors of a believer; however, today I want to discuss the characteristics found in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.
“13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done with love.”
These are five characteristics that every believer should have, especially as we are going into 2026. Let’s begin with the first characteristic, “watch”. When you look at the Greek word for this, it is G1127 which means “to keep awake that is watch (literally or figuratively); be vigilant wake, be watch (ful)”. Based on this we can already see that a born-again believer is called to be alert. But what does this mean? It means that we need to be diving into God’s word, so that when His word becomes true, we are aware and can use Scripture to point out Biblical events to others, which stems from the root word that G1127 comes from. G58, “to gather; properly the town square (as a place of public resort); by implication a market or thoroughfare”. We see that not only are Christians meant to be vigilant to the events occurring, but we are also called to share with everyone the implications of the events.
Next we have “stand fast in the faith”. This definition comes from G4739, which means “to be stationary that is (figuratively) to persevere”. Our faith is under attack more and more each day, but this does not mean that we give up. In fact, a true born-again believer will hold on ever tighter to the guidance and words of our Holy Savior, Jesus Christ. We cannot allow false teachings to continue; we need to be standing up for what God’s word says.
The third characteristic is to “be brave”, in some translations it will appear as “act like men” or “quit you like men”. To be honest, the phrase “quit you like men” seemed out of the ordinary for me, so I had to look into what this phrase would mean. Using this phrase would be an appeal for maturity and steadfastness, so in this passage of scripture, we can deduce that Paul is encouraging the believers in Corinth to be brave and hold to their resolve, much like soldiers in battle. We cannot allow our convictions of God’s word to waver.
Fourth, we are called to “be strong”, if you look at G2901, you see that we are called to increase in vigor. We need to continue to grow in our understanding of God because that is where our strength comes from. We cannot tell others to rely on Christ if we are not living in such a way that those around us know we follow Jesus.
Finally, we are called to do all things with love. There is no denying that the previous four characteristics give imagery of a battle, and in fact all Christians are in a battle to bring people to Christ. Our faith is attacked daily, but how should we respond? If you follow Paul’s words, it should be with love. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Now, in today’s world we have a messed up definition of love. Many, including some pastors, will tell you that to show others love, we should not point out their sins. That if we love them, we need to accept them as they are. This is not the love that is being talked about here. True scripture backed love is to continue to point out the truth to others. To be alert to God’s word so we can show them the truth. To be standing up for our faith and not wavering whenever life gets hard, this is how we show that we are set apart. To be brave and grow in God’s word, to share God’s grace through our actions. To be strong in our faith, so we can show that God provides and cares for those who are His.
Ironically, when I began this post I referenced back to the change from Abramham and Sarah. In that post, the change was adding the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet into the fifth place of Abram and Sarai’s names. I do not think it is any coincidence that Paul chooses five characeristics for the believers in Corinth (and today) to focus on. Afterall, the meaning behind the number five is grace. When we have these characteristics, we are showing God’s grace to the world.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex