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Christians are to Live Differently

Keywords

Christian living, faith foundation, evaluating, criticizing, friendships, fruit of the spirit, biblical guidance, marriage, parenting, spiritual growth

Forward Path with Melissa – Episode 4: Christians are to Live Differently

Episode Overview

Melissa Gendreau unpacks what it really means to “not be of the world” while still living in it. From the foundation of our identity to friendships, boundaries, and daily character, this episode is a bold, loving call to stop blending in and start shining as salt and light—especially in our homes and relationships.

Key Takeaways

  1. Our Foundation Is Different

    • Everything we do flows through the lens of glorifying Jesus.
    • We’re in the world but not of it (John 17:14–19). Jesus prayed we’d be protected and sanctified by truth while still sent into the world.

  2. God’s Way Is Always Best

    • The Bible isn’t just theology—it’s the ultimate manual on human behavior.
    • When we choose the world’s “best practices,” we’re actually choosing less.

  3. Jesus First—Even When It Costs

    • Matthew 10:34–39 – Following Jesus may divide families and friendships.
    • Loving your neighbor never means approving sin (“Go and sin no more” – John 8:11).
    • Love rejoices with the truth, not in evil (1 Cor 13:6).

  4. Evaluate vs. Criticize

    • Evaluate/Discern = carefully appraise what is right and wrong (we’re commanded to do this).
    • Criticize/Condemn = find fault, gossip, slander (we’re forbidden to do this).
    • We must know the difference so we can set wise boundaries.

  5. Friendships That Shape Us

    • 1 Cor 15:33 – “Bad company corrupts good character.”
    • 2 Cor 6:14 – Don’t be unequally yoked.
    • Three types of “friends” to limit or release:
      • The mocker who actively tries to talk you out of your faith.
      • The Christian who looks for loopholes to justify sin (“God wants me happy”).
      • The person who pressures you into ungodly behavior every time you’re together.
    • How to handle it: Have a humble, clear, loving conversation—not a ghosting.

  6. Celebrate Iron-Sharpening-Iron Friends

    • The ones who text Scripture, ask hard questions, confess instead of excuse, and love Jesus more than being liked.

  7. Live by the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–25)

    Fruit What It Looks Like in Daily Life Love Active choice—even toward the rude cashier.
    • Joy Lit from the inside; infectious even on hard days.
    • Peace Steady and grounded because you know God is in control.
    • Patience Giving people your unhurried time; making them feel seen.
    • Kindness Small, free acts that cost you nothing but mean everything.
    • Goodness Holding the line on what’s right—no gray areas.
    • Faithfulness Trusting God when you don’t have all the answers.
    • Gentleness Speaking hard truth with a soft approach.
    • Self-Control Refusing impulsiveness; choosing discipline with God’s strength.  

      → “Against such things there is no law.” When you live this way, your character will never be the source of pain—for you or anyone else.

Powerful Quotes

  • “We don’t get to escape the world, but we do get to refuse to look like it.”
  • “Loving your neighbor never means encouraging them to stay in sin.”
  • “You were never meant to blend in.”

Scriptures Referenced

  • John 17:14–19
  • Matthew 10:34–39
  • Matthew 22:37–39
  • John 8:1–11
  • 1 Corinthians 13:4–6
  • John 14:6, 15–17
  • 1 Corinthians 15:33
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14
  • Galatians 5:22–25

This Week’s Challenge

  1. Ask: Who or what is currently shaping my views on marriage, parenting, friendship, success, or happiness more than Jesus and His Word?
  2. Pick ONE area where the world’s voice has been louder.
  3. Find the clearest Scripture on it, write it out, and post it where you’ll see it daily.
  4. Every time you’re tempted to compromise, read it out loud and pray: “Lord, make me willing to look strange if I have to, but never let me love anything more than You.”

Call to Action

  • Subscribe/Follow so you never miss an episode.
  • Share this episode with one friend who needs the courage to live differently.
  • Join the Forward Path with Melissa Ultimate Forward Path Growth Bundle – courses, weekly live Q&A, daily faith/marriage/purpose prompts, private group, group coaching, and more → melissagendreau.com

Connect with Melissa

Until next Monday—keep shining, keep growing, and keep moving forward God’s way!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Living Differently as Christians
02:05 The Foundation of Christian Living
04:48 Scripture references to reinforce we are to live differently
09:56 Evaluating vs. Criticizing: A Christian Perspective
11:32 Evaluating Friendships
15:49 The Fruit of the Spirit in Daily Life
20:25 Episode Challenge
21:33 Outro