I am always grateful that God has given me the chance to be one of his disciples. As such, I strive to follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ to the best of my ability. I do not look down upon non-Christians; instead, I show them respect and accept them as my brothers and sisters in Christ, despite our differing beliefs and cultures. This embodies the essence of being a disciple of Christ. While I evangelize my Catholic faith, I do so without stepping on the religious beliefs of others.
—Lilia Garcia
Being a disciple of Christ goes beyond simply believing in him; it requires a deeper level of commitment. The essence lies in actively engaging in a transformative journey, following him closely, learning from his teachings, and imitating his character. While many Christians may merely acknowledge Christ as their Savior, I know I believe in him deeply. Throughout the trials and ups and downs of my life, Christ has been my armor. He is the one I call upon daily, guiding me through hardships and reminding me that I am never alone. Although my faith in Christ is strong, I hesitate to label myself a disciple of Christ due to my commitment level. I aspire to embody the distinct attitudes and characteristics of a true follower.
—Jam Melendez General
One key difference between being a disciple of Christ and being a casual believer is the level of commitment involved. A true disciple is dedicated to following Christ’s mission, willing to learn God’s Word and spread the Good News to others. Most importantly, a disciple deeply commits to obeying, learning, following, loving, and serving the Lord. In contrast, casual believers may attend Mass but quickly return to their routines without taking on any responsibilities for serving God or sharing his teachings with others.
— Rosario Gonzalez
The disciples of Christ share core commitments in following Jesus, undergoing transformation by him, and participating in his mission. As I grew older, I faced numerous trials and difficulties that led me to question everything. In those moments of confusion, I fervently prayed to God for guidance and help, fully entrusting myself to him. Today, I follow Jesus with confidence, being committed to his mission by reaching out to those in need, preaching his words, performing charitable works, and engaging in various acts of service.
— Edlynne Rose R. Magalong
Shallow commitment often leads to a loss of interest. As a server of the Lord, I recognise a significant difference between merely believing and being fully committed. I have encountered individuals whom I admire deeply for their dedication to serving the Lord, even amid hardships. I will be honest—I am not a perfect disciple of Christ. However, I am fully committed to my service through loving others, practicing his teachings, and spreading the Word of the Lord.
— Ruby Magtoto
To me, what truly sets Christians, or disciples of Christ, apart is love. Even when Christians are mistreated, they do not harbor hatred; instead, they pray for those who wrong them. Love serves as the defining characteristic of Christians, aligning perfectly with God they follow. Their love is not half-hearted but wholly dedicated. Even in the face of mistreatment, insults, or ostracism, they continue to love their neighbors, as taught in Mark 12:30-31. Christian love knows no boundaries and stems from the profound love that God showed by dying on the Cross. This unconditional love is what distinguishes Christians from others.
—Bro. Leo Sugianto Lingga, Order of Carmelites, Seminarian
