Many people claim to be Christians. However, not all who claim to follow Jesus Christ actually do what He commands them.
The mark of a true Christian is their faith in God and how they live out that faith through obedience to His Word. It’s easy to say “I’m a Christian, ” but it’s another thing entirely to live like one.“You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16)
A true follower of Christ ought to produce fruit consistent with someone living for Him. They should show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another”John 13:35
Loving others as ourselves characterizes the lifestyle of one following Christ’s path. True followers aren’t exempt from facing challenges; however when faced with life trials and temptations they handle things differently than those who don’t have an intimate relationship with our Lord “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” – Romans 12:2a
Intrigued? Read on below or watch sermons via various ministers online for guidance.They always have a Bible on hand
If there is one thing that true Christians are known for, it’s their unwavering faith in God. A surefire way to tell if someone is truly a Christian is by seeing if they make the effort of carrying around the Word of God with them wherever they go. This means that even when traveling or heading out for just an hour-long errand run, they would not think twice about bringing their trusty Bibles with them.
“The greatest joy I receive each day comes from reading and living according to what I find within its pages.”
For believers, the word of God can provide answers to all life’s challenging questions while also helping individuals navigate different situations as they journey through life. Carrying it at all times gives them comfort knowing that should any problem arise; they can refer back to their Bibles and seek guidance therein. Furthermore, having a Bible on hand shows dedication towards building their relationship with The Almighty Father continually.
“I always carry my Bible because I never know when will be called upon to share bread or verse.”
In addition, possessing such knowledge enables true Christians also to witness others by sharing Biblical truth without any hesitation along the path of life whenever possible yield opportunities. Carrying a physical book may seem obsolete in this digital age where most people read material off electronic devices like smartphones or tablets but those who have accepted Jesus Christ understand how much value lies between these pages. “The words penned down take readers into another dimension full of love hope peace spiritual blessings wisdom discernment understanding mercy grace and freedom”, says Evangelist Jim Roberts.
Therefore, carrying the Bible everywhere acts like an unrelenting statement among other things saying “God’s Word holds perpetual power”, which conveys significant importance to true believers conducting themselves according to His will.Even if it’s just the Bible app on their phone
When we talk about being a true Christian, the first thing that comes to mind is their relationship with God. A true Christian has an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which means they would have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior.
But how can you tell if someone truly has this relationship? One way is to look at their daily habits, including what kind of media or content they consume. It might not seem like much, but having a Bible app on their phone could be a sign of a true Christian.
“If indeed the Word of God dwells in you…you will be able to test and approve what is pleasing to God.”– 1 John 2:14-17 (NIV)
The Bible tells us that true Christians are those who actively seek out the Word of God so that they may grow closer to Him. By reading Scripture every day, whether through physical books or digital apps, believers can gain knowledge and insight into God’s character and teachings.
Apart from just owning the app itself, another way you can gauge someone’s sincerity in using it consistently. Do they use it regularly for devotionals? Do they share verses or thoughts from these devotionals online or offline?
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”– Matthew 6:21 (ESV)
This verse highlights how our actions reflect our hearts’ desires – so anyone who treasures time spent in reading God’s word must surely value strengthening their faith above all else!
In conclusion – while having a particular habit alone does not guarantee one’s salvation; seeing regular engagement with seeking truth via engaging spiritually uplifting resources like the Bible, can provide an indication of the state of another’s relationship with Jesus.
They know all the words to “Jesus Loves Me”
Being a Christian is a way of life, and it’s important to distinguish true Christians from those who might just go through the motions. One way you can tell someone is a true Christian is if they know all the words to “Jesus Loves Me.”
“The song ‘Jesus loves me’ holds great significance for many Christians because it reflects one of the fundamental beliefs in Christianity- that Jesus loved us enough to die for our sins, “
The simple children’s hymn has been sung by generations of believers and speaks volumes about their faith. Knowing this classic song isn’t just an indicator of having attended Sunday school; rather, it represents an understanding at the core belief system of Christianity.
A real Christian knows that loving God means following His word, staying faithful no matter what comes your way, and walking hand-in-hand with Christ daily. They also understand how much God loves them personally: bigger than any obstacle or challenge they face throughout their lives.
In the words of 1 John 4:19: We love him because he first loved us.
The Bible tells us that as followers of Christ we must have childlike faith:“Truly I tell you unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew18:3True Christians embrace simplicity while holding tight onto powerful yet straightforward truths—such as found within “Jesus Love’s me”. Such knowledge often stems from years spent refining personal relationships with God via prayer discussions – which usually brings growth beyond religion mere practice. Regardless If adult converts learn songs later in life or sing them during corporate worship time (or even hum), hearing such timeless melodies always stir memories held precious since childhood. The message of “Jesus Loves Me” is one that penetrates the heart and soul, reminding believers of their distinct identity as Children Of God despite life’s daily struggles.
Conclusion
Pride comes before a fall; therefore let us not judge anyone based on any particular factor we see which might indicate whether they are true Christians or not. However, it is essential to recognize genuine Christianity traits by our fellow believers in this ever-changing world.And they’re not afraid to sing it in public
You can often tell if someone is a true Christian by their actions and behavior. A true follower of Christ will exhibit certain qualities that set them apart. They earnestly seek the Lord in everything they do, love God with all their heart and soul, and treat their neighbor as themselves.
A true Christian shows evidence of forgiveness towards those who have wronged them or hurt them. They try to live peaceably with everyone regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Jesus taught us to show unconditional love and compassion towards others. This means even loving our enemies without expecting anything in return. True Christians also show humility which enables them to admit when they are wrong and apologize for errors committed while trying hard to avoid repeating similar mistakes; something ungodly persons find impossible to fathom or do.
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.””
The Bible inspires believers daily by providing guidance regarding how we should conduct ourselves each day through teaching about effective stewardship which involves taking care of every little thing around us according honor toward God instead of saying no big deal its just material stuff, showing kindness whenever possible thereby reflecting Christ-like nature within (Colossians 3:12-14)
A sign that someone is a genuine believer is when they praise God fervently both in private devotions but also publicly, joyfulness spurs forth from deep down till worship flows naturally during congregational singing service making such people confident rather than bothered about impressing anyone including some secret fault-finders among the congregation who are eager to critique their singing style.
“Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”
A true follower of Jesus Christ is not necessarily perfect, but they strive daily to live for God’s glory and seeks His kingdom first. They know that by living according to the will of God while here on earth brings blessings upon themselves marked by unadulterated joy from serving Him wholeheartedly willingly without grumbling or arguing.
They never miss a church potluck
A true Christian is someone who believes in Jesus Christ and follows His teachings. But how can you tell if someone is living up to those beliefs?
One way to identify a true Christian is by observing their actions, particularly when it comes to attending church events like potlucks.
“When I see members of my congregation eagerly signing up for the next potluck or picnic, I know they truly value community and fellowship. It’s not about the food, but rather the chance to connect with fellow believers, “ says Pastor John.
A true Christian sees church gatherings as more than just social occasions; they view them as opportunities to strengthen their relationship with God by engaging in meaningful conversations with other Christians. They understand that building relationships within the church helps create a sense of belonging and support system during difficult times.
Attending every church event isn’t necessarily required to determine whether someone is a true believer or not, but showing enthusiasm and commitment towards these types of activities provides insight into one’s character.
“I’ve noticed that individuals who frequently miss church events tend to also struggle with staying consistent in their faith.”
Making an effort toward joining in fellowship with others show signs of spiritual growth because Christianity focuses on being part of something larger than oneself: Eucharist or body (community) where all work together serving each other sharing love.When Christians participate joyfully without grumbling at functions such as annual meetings retreats Bible studies this reflects obedience which leads back into discipline.Encouraging patience diligence gentleness humility yet strengthens leadership skills personal connections developing trustworthiness thus offering experiences inspire understanding empathy compassion qualities Essential Being True Christian would possess. No matter how busy life gets, prioritizing time for communal worship nurtures the Christian’s relationship with Christ- which truly witnesses their faith.
In conclusion, consistent and enthusiastic participation in church events is a strong indication of whether someone is a true Christian or not.
And they always bring their famous deviled eggs
When it comes to identifying a true Christian, one can look for certain qualities and actions. According to the Bible, faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is essential (Romans 10:9), but there are also expected behaviors that accompany genuine belief.
A true Christian seeks to follow God’s commands and live according to His will (John 14:15). This means loving others sacrificially (1 John 4:7-8), forgiving those who have wronged us (Matthew 6:14-15), serving those in need (Galatians 5:13), sharing the gospel with others (Mark 16:15) and being humble instead of prideful (Philippians 2:3).
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
Jesus himself said that our love for each other is how people will recognize us as his followers. True Christians reflect the character of Christ by exhibiting compassion, generosity, kindness and selflessness towards all people regardless of race or status.
In addition to displaying godly traits, a true Christian also values scripture highly and prioritizes spending time in prayer and worship with fellow believers. Attending church regularly, participating in small group studies or volunteering at ministries are ways we can strengthen our faith while encouraging others.
“Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another.”
The writer of Hebrews encourages believers not only to gather together but also build each other up through fellowship.
Finally, a true Christian understands the importance of repentance from sin when we fall short. Genuine remorse leads to turning away from sinful habits back towards spiritual growth in Christ. This process of sanctification is a continuous journey in our Christian walk, and it requires consistent prayer and reliance on God’s strength.
So while bringing famous deviled eggs to a gathering may seem like an insignificant detail, the actions that accompany this gesture reveal much about one’s heart posture towards others. True Christians embody humility, love, forgiveness and service amidst their daily encounters with others.
They’re pros at the “turn to your neighbor and say…” part of the service
The “turn to your neighbor and say” tradition is a very common one in most Christian services. It is designed for congregants to interact with each other as well as spread God’s message through conversation.
If you want to tell if someone is a true Christian, observe their reactions during this segment of the service. A genuine follower will be happy to turn to their fellow worshipper and actively engage them in conversation while sharing insights about faith or discussing scripture passages.
“A Christian who truly believes that Jesus came down from heaven not only feels sincere joy, but finds it impossible not to share what they think about life.”
A person who fidgets around uncomfortably when asked by the speaker or shows reluctance or disinterest altogether can indicate a lack of enthusiasm towards evangelizing.
Being willing and able to connect with others on matters related to religion clearly proves that harmony exists between an individual’s beliefs and their actions too. The heart behind connecting shows caring beyond oneself which is why it’s considered as evidence of being devoted rather than just attending religious gatherings.
“If Christianity means anything substantively, then there must be something happening here different than we are used it feeling; Something more – inside us.”
All things said: demonstrating real love, fascination, honesty isn’t always easy especially since people come from all walks of life. However challenging along the way maybe turned out great because once members understand how near this practice gets them–they learn deep trust unlike any before experienced!
In conclusion, The “turn-to-your-neighbor-and-say” activity provides insight into an individual’s willingness to converse about God freely among their peers showing fervor towards evangelizing. If the person seems open to dialogue about faith and displays sincere interest, they could be a genuine believer trying their best to connect with others within an environment where Jesus is professed as Lord.Even if they have to turn to a stranger
In today’s society, it can be challenging to distinguish true believers from those who pretend or only show up on Sundays for appearances. However, there are some clear signs that someone is a genuine Christian.
1. Their actions speak louder than words.A person may say all the right things about faith and religion but fail to live it out in their day-to-day life. A real Christian will strive to embody Christ-likeness through acts of love, kindness, humility and selflessness towards others.
2. They bear witness without judgment.“A Christian should share his faith with non-Christians not because he feels he has an obligation to do so, but because he truly believes in the power of Jesus Christ.”
The Apostle Paul once wrote, ” I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both wise and foolish.” (Romans 1:14)
A true Christian understands that sharing their belief isn’t judging one another; instead, it’s bearing witness by testifying with gentleness and respectfulness – this way wishing others would come closer to God as well.
3. They stay connected with God through prayer and scripture reading.“Prayer is essential in our relationship with God – it helps develop intimacy and shows us how dependent we need Him”.
The Bible says that “man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4).
This means each sincere believer needs more than just physical sustenance; spiritual nourishment such as devotions help them remain faithful even when outside temptations arise.
4. They continuously renew and transform their minds.“True Christians are constantly learning, developing their faith and allowing God to change them.”
The Apostle Paul once wrote, ” Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2).
A Christian must go beyond only accepting Christ as his Lord; he or she needs to surrender worldly desires, break sinful habits and focus on striving towards personal holiness.
In Conclusion
True Christianity isn’t a label one can wear because they attend Church every week instead, a state where believers regularly work at growing in faith while reflecting Jesus’ character through actions, deeds which softly testify for Him, consistent prayer-life that sustains our relationship with God & an open heart/mind focused on being redeemed from past lifestyle choices.
And even if they’ve heard the same greeting every Sunday for years
A true Christian is someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They believe that He died on the cross, rose from the dead, and offers salvation to all who trust in Him.
One way you can tell if someone is a true Christian is by their behavior. As it says in James 2:17, “Faith without works is dead.” A believer will demonstrate their faith through good deeds such as caring for others, being honest, and forgiving others just as God forgives us.
“True religion…is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” -James 1:27
A person’s attitude toward sin also reveals whether or not they are truly saved. Do they have a desire to turn away from sinful habits? Are they striving for holiness? These are markers of genuine repentance which leads to transformation through God’s grace.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things are made new.” -2 Corinthians 5:17
The genuineness of one’s faith cannot always be determined simply because they attend church regularly or participate in religious activities. People may hear about Jesus many times but never actually respond to His call. Therefore, we must examine our own hearts and ask ourselves these same questions–are we living out our beliefs daily? Are we allowing God’s Spirit to work within us?
In Matthew 7:16-20 Jesus talks about recognizing those who belong to Him based on the fruit (good deeds) produced by their lives saying, “You will know them by their fruits…”
It is important to remember that being a true Christian is about more than just knowing the right things or going through religious motions. It’s an ongoing transformation of our thoughts, attitudes and behaviors as we grow in relationship with Christ.
They have a fish on their car
The Christian fish symbol, also known as the Ichthus, has become an iconic representation of Christianity. Many devout believers display this symbol proudly on their cars, clothing or jewelry.
However, just because someone displays the fish symbol does not necessarily mean that they are a true Christian. The appearance alone is not enough to guarantee one’s spiritual beliefs or faith in God.
“It takes more than wearing a cross to be a good Christian.”– Dolly Parton
A true Christian lives by the word of God and strives to follow Jesus Christ every day. They prioritize time for prayer and attending church services regularly.
“You cannot be half a saint; you must be a whole saint or no saint at all.”– St. Therese of Lisieux
Besides leading exemplary personal lives, true Christians work towards serving others with compassion without any expectation of reward or recognition. In Mathew 25:40 Jesus said “Truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”.
“A new commandment I give unto you – That ye love one another, as I have loved you”– John 13:34-35 (KJV)
This means taking care of those who are less fortunate financially, physically disabled or suffering from mental illness etc.
Therefore glowing symbols painted onto automobiles won’t ensure piety and fundamentally doesn’t decide whether people would strictly adhere to religious principles nor it could measure how much trust is put into our inner convictions but it’s by actions we can depict what kind human being we really are inside.And they’re not talking about a pet goldfish
When it comes to Christianity, people have difference in opinions on if someone is truly a Christian or not. However, there are certain characteristics that can help identify true Christians.
“A genuine Christian would be known for his love.”
This statement suggests that selfless love is the key attribute of a true Christian. They should exemplify the sacrificial love displayed by Jesus Christ and no amount of hostility from others will stop them from showing kindness to those who need it most. True Christians believe in displaying their genuine affection towards fellow beings without expecting anything in return.
“You know you’re around a real one when people feel uplifted just because he’s near.”
A real Christian radiates positivity wherever they go and brings smiles on faces through their good deeds. When people observe such humility and compassion, they realize this person has an unshakeable faith which provides enough hope and strength even during tough times.
“True followers of God will keep His commandments”
In John 14:23-25 Jesus says “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching”. This scripture teaches us how important obedience is within our act of worship as well being humble while seeking His counsel throughout daily life. A true Christian always strives to uphold holy principles mentioned in the Holy Bible including living honestly, practicing forgiveness, caring for others’ needs above personal wants etc..
The greatest signifier might simply lie with intentionality; whether we do things consciously knowing how much impact it may grow into something positive (or negative). Putting all these together emphatically represents what differentiates true believers from latter-day saints.
They always have a smile on their face
A true Christian is often recognized by the way they handle different situations in life. Even when facing difficult moments, Christians find comfort through prayer which allows them to tackle every challenge with confidence.
You can easily identify a genuine believer not just from how they carry themselves but also by the joy that radiates from within them. True Christians have an inner peace that makes it impossible for anyone around them to miss their infectious smiles – regardless of what goes on in their daily lives.
“True religion is about loving God and others.”Joel Osteen
This serenity possessed by authentic believers in Christ creates calmness amidst chaos. Their unwavering faith reminds us of something greater than ourselves and helps us understand why things happen the way they do – even if there seems to be no logical explanation at times.
While life could sometimes feel overwhelming, those who follow Jesus take comfort in His promises knowing He has already overcome all tribulations big or small. They share this knowledge enthusiastically along with inspiring words and actions which continuously spreads hope among people as long as they encounter true believers’ smiling faces wherever they go.
“The Bible tells us ACTS 16:31 – Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Billy Graham
Genuine Christians recognize that happiness doesn’t come from material possessions or worldly recognition but rather pouring love into everything we say or do while nurturing good thoughts towards our fellow human beings uplifts one’s spirit beyond any expectation; fulfilling both earthly desires and eternal needs alike. Through such efforts, the faithful followers exude positivity flourishing its benefits throughout their surroundings resulting inevitably displaying warm friendly presence etched permanently across each happy grin on real believer faces.
Even when the sermon runs long or the choir hits a wrong note
Attending church can sometimes be challenging. It may happen that during service, things don’t go as planned. The message might seem too long, and the choir may hit some incorrect notes while singing hymns.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
In these moments, we need to remember why we came to church in the first place. Attending worship services means being part of a Christian community and getting closer to God through prayer and studying His word. We should never focus on superficial circumstances like how well-performed songs were or how entertaining sermons appeared.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
A true Christian isn’t someone who attends church solely because they enjoy fantastic music performances or engaging talks. A genuine believer goes there with an open heart and mind ready to learn more about Jesus Christ’s teachings.
“But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them”.-1 John 2:5a
We all aim towards perfection by following biblical guidance; however no human being is perfect, including Christians attending different churches worldwide Therefore instead of giving attention imperfections observed at Church engagement into reflecting Our attitude On Salvation issues challenges often faced helping ourselves And Others press on towards our heavenly goal seeking forgiveness Personally through reconciling With God As we await Christ’s second coming and eternal life rejoicing in his Love.
They’re quick to forgive and slow to judge
A true Christian is known by their actions. Christians are commanded in the Bible to love one another, treat others with kindness and compassion, and extend forgiveness. Forgiveness is a key attribute of a true believer because they understand that nobody’s perfect.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” -Ephesians 4:32
If someone is always carrying anger or holding grudges against people who have wronged them in the past, it suggests they haven’t truly let go of these issues. A person who has experienced the healing power of Jesus’ forgiveness will be more likely to extend grace towards others.
The hallmark characteristic of a real Christian isn’t perfection but how quickly they can forgive when offended. People who walk with Christ are loving like he is and make an effort not only for themselves but also provide opportunities wherever possible for those around them so that all can experience what it means to live forgiven lives.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Therefore, Real believers don’t hold onto things; instead, they show unconditional forgiveness willingly since every human being requires mercy at some point( Matthew 18). Also And we must follow Jesus Example Luke23:34 “ Father forgive them for thy know Not What They Do” Hard feelings following arguments easily lead us away from our focus on living out faith relationships every day.
Judging whether somebody else is holy enough does not belong in moments where brokenness abounds everywhere. We’re reminded again Which reads “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Genuine belivers don’t render judgment on others in a harsh fashion; instead, they show concern through action. Matthew7 warns,
“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For by the standard which you measure it shall be measured to you.” -Matthew 7:1-2
Around us today are many people struggling with their journeys and can experience from those around them life-changing support systems of forgiveness.
Just like Jesus would do
The words “Christian” and “true Christian” are often used interchangeably. While being a Christian is relatively easy these days, being a true Christian could be challenging. Many people claim to follow Jesus blindly, but one can only tell who the real Christians are by assessing their character.
A true Christian practices what they preach:A genuine follower of Christ will always try to emulate His teachings in their daily lives. This means that someone claiming to be a Christian should have characteristics similar to those found in the Bible: love for others, humility, honesty, kindness and forgiveness among many other good traits mentioned throughout Scriptures.
True Christians put God first:If you desire personal satisfaction at work or material things all day long without considering your relationship with God first then you cannot claim yourself as a True Christian. Worshiping God each day through prayer and observing holy sacraments preached in church speak volumes on how much we honor Him above everything else.
“What does it profit us if we gain the whole world yet forfeit our own soul?” (Mark 8:36)Never stops learning from what’s written:
An authentic believer know better than anyone else about righteousness because he never forgets his scripture where Jesus teaches them learn more about him meanwhile keep following his Commandments after reading The Holy Scripture..
“Study the scriptures diligently.”(John 5:39)Therefore A well-defined spiritual foundation that reflects an undeniable bond between oneself & almighty determines whether someone may truly project themselves as Christians rather than just spoken wordings.Rather find out how best they conform thereto-based idea Preach What You Practice over practice What You Preach itself!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that someone is a true Christian?
A true Christian can be identified by several other things. A person who confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and believes in his heart that God raised him from the dead is considered a genuine believer. Additionally, they strive to keep the commandments of God, love others, spread the gospel message, serve humanity with sincerity, exercise humility and demonstrate spiritual fruit such as peace, patience and joy.
Can true Christians make mistakes and still be considered genuine believers?
All people commit sins at one time or another. True Christians are not exempted from making errors but understand how repentance allows them to reconcile their relationship with God each time they fall short of His expectations. Their response separates them from non-believers
How important is it to attend church regularly in order to be a true Christian?
The Bible encourages us to meet together for fellowship because this strengthens our connection not just among ourselves but also importantly with God himself – being part of a community helps nurture growth even outside Church activities! It’s exciting meeting new friends who will support you on your journey while encouraging more senior members who may have already walked down same path providing insight along way regardless if physical gatherings becoming difficult due schedules commitments elsewhere offering no substitute needed for daily prayer devotionals living-out Word wherever leads!
Is it possible for someone to claim to be a Christian but not truly believe in God?
A person can willingly declare themselves as Christians without sincerely being so since Christianity encompasses more besides confession – Jesus taught that obedience was primary measuring stick others knowing if follower true-he/she stand firmly on truth with unwavering commitment meaning social environments no longer play any grandiose caricature role idolizing other ideas while disregarding what rooted knowledge come directly from scripture fervently praying relying exclusively upon faithful Lord’s direction whole-heartedly rather than ego-massaging self-serving purposes only! Lifelong learners see distinguishable results over time fidelity grow patience perseverance ultimately aligning-one’s-self realization gratitude unconditional love