Someone asked me this week how to tell if a person is a Christian or not?  INTERESTING!!   Bottom line, when a person comes to faith in Christ, things change.  Spiritually speaking, they are raised from death to life, and that new life comes with visible signs.  Romans 12, describes some of these.

1. Christ's love has a transformative effect on them –

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor… be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (verses 9-13)  The love of Christ serves as a powerful and visible testimony to others.  A growing believer displays genuine love.  They manifest that love by honoring others over themselves.  They're becoming zealous for good works - looking for opportunities to serve the Lord. 

2.  They treat people they once avoided in a new way –

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.  Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly… If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”  (verses 14-18)   Our greatest example of how to interact with others is Jesus.  During His earthly ministry, He treated people in a way that amazed them.  “And the Pharisees and their Scribes grumbled - saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”  And Jesus answered, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”   (Luke 5:29-32)

3.  They're overcoming evil, instead of being overcome by it -

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”  If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink…  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”   (verses 19-21)  If you truly believe in Christ, there will be evidence of that belief in your life.  I believe Romans 12 teaches us that Christ's love will have a transformative effect.  This is more than just an improved character.  This is evidence that you've actually been taken from death and brought to life through Jesus.