Answer:
Understand what it means to be a good Christian we have to first understand the word "Christian" and what it means. The word Christian is derived from the word Christ which in Hebrew means "The Messiah".
Jesus Christ whilst He was on earth had 12 disciples whom He taught the ways of God. He also encouraged them to teach others to follow His principles. These principles are referred to by some theologians as the Kingdom Principles. Because Jesus and His disciples taught extensively on the Kingdom principles, their way of life stood out. Soon after His death and resurrection, it was recorded in Acts 11:19-30 that in Antioch, the body of people who followed Christ's teachings and principles became categorised as Christians.
It was recorded in Matthew 7:22 that Jesus Himself taught that it would be easy to know those who are true Christians and those who are not. This means (as can be inferred from the topic) that there are good Christians and bad Christians). Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-20 that the way to distinguish between the good and bad Christians was to observe their fruits. Fruits here means attitudes, character, or habits. Not just the profession to belong to a particular class of people. He also taught that the only way to fully truly embody these fruits or attitudes of godliness is to receive a new Spirit. The bible teaches in Galatians 5:22-23 that the fruits of the Holy Spirit are Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
Therefore, if anyone claims to be a good Christian, they must exhibit all the above qualities.
All the qualities listed above are fairly easy to understand. However, the one quality which the Holy Scripts defines clearly and separately is Love. According to I Corinthians 13 if anyone claims to have Love for their neighbor, they must:
- Be Patient: to be patient means to be content knowing that what one desires will not come immediately and that there is no need to cut corners in order to get there fast. It also connotes bearing with other peoples failings until they are able to get past it;
- Be Kind: To be kind means to go out of one's way to help others. And they don't have to deserve it for us to give it.
- Not be envious: It's not bad to aspire to be like other people or to be motivated to achieve better things or a higher quality of life. When this desire becomes laced with discontentment over one's present status and jealousy over another's achievements, it has become envy. There is no love in it.
- Not be boastful: These days people want to project a certain kind of aura or perception about them. So they boast of their achievements and the things that they have. Inherent in this attitude is selfishness. It's not an attribute of Love.
The Bible passage above continues to say that Love is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
In conclusion, Christ came to teach how one can embody the attitudes of God. He promised that He will send the Helper who is the Holy Spirit - another dimension of God. He said when the Holy Spirit comes on anyone, they will exhibit all the above attitudes. Anyone whose behaviour is consistent with all the virtues listed above is the one who qualified to be called a good Christian. 1 John 4:7 says,
"7 <em>Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 </em><u><em>He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.</em></u>"
Cheers!
