One way to discern whether or not someone loves Christ is if they demonstrate a love of the brethren.
John 13:35
"35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”"
If there appears to be superficial religiosity without concern for others as a matter of lifestyle, that is only a clue but a very big one that this person was never born again.
A love of scripture and truth, while enjoying teaching and correction is a sign that one loves God's word so much they cannot stand the thought of violating His heart.
An uncomfortable attitude toward the Word of God may show that a person was never born again. Many people play church without any desire for Christ.
An attitude of rebellion when corrected with the Word of God is another important clue. Born again believers are not intimidated or embarrassed to hear or speak the things of God even if there is a rebuke or correction involved. Commonly those who are born again act humble and agree with those correcting. The believers I know would be more likely to confess a wrong attitude or action before anyone confronts them. They have a sensitive conscience that hates to harm anyone else.
Another clue is the attitude of dominance and intimidation to control others. When we see someone like this we are witnessing a false Christianity of power grabbing. The need to control others is not godly, in fact it is against everything Christ taught.
Matthew 10:33
"33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Embarrassment at the mention of Christ shows a covert denial of Him.
2 Timothy 2:12
"If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;"
We teach, we train, we love and we sacrifice of ourselves, this is the common lifestyle of the born again believer.
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