What a privilege it is to be able to call one another brothers and sisters in Christ!  That phrase alone speaks volumes.  In the eyes of many, the perception or understanding of Christianity is often referred to as a religion, and there is truth to that because religion is the service and worship of God and/or a system of religious beliefs and practices.  So as we believe in Jesus Christ and practice his holiness, I guess it would make us religious. 

    Personally I look at Christianity as a relationship more than a religion.  It is a relationship with our Creator, Lord and Saviour.  Relationships are based upon knowing one another.  If I don’t know my Lord, then I have no relationship with him.  The amazing part of Christianity is that the Lord knew us and all of our unrighteousness, and yet still desired a relationship with us.  He made Himself present in our lives through many different channels.  After our acknowledgement and understanding of His existence and excellence and our unworthiness, He is willing to forgive and pardon all of our sins, iniquities, and transgressions to establish a relationship. 

    This is not your typical relationship.  In most situations relationships are usually not established with those who are offensive.  Could you imagine yourself reaching out to someone else who has offended you?  Not likely to happen.  After all, we seldom reach out to other Christians (brothers and sisters) who have offended us, let alone a perfect stranger. 

    In other religions, it is the individual with the religious belief who reached out to whatever (or whoever) it is they believe in.  It wasn’t the god who reached out to them.  That’s what makes Christianity different.  We have a God who draws us to Him through the Spirit, cleanses us for Him by His Son, and empowers us to serve Him.  We have a God who reaches out to us. 

    As we go through this life, we fail Him.  We are guilty of sin and at times shame the name of Christ; but through humble acknowledgement and confession, He forgives, cleanses, comforts, and loves us.  That is a relationship that supersedes any other. 

    For us to be so-called “practicing Christians”, we should practice Christianity.  That entails forgiving, serving, comforting, and loving one another; and when we humanly cannot find the ability, we must spiritually overcome.  That is Christ in us. 

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; . . .

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”  I John 4:7-8