The word "conversation" here doesn't just mean our talk. It means the whole course of our life, our entire way of living in this world. The Greek word refers to how citizens conduct themselves. And so we are commanded—as citizens of the New Jerusalem—to live in a way that matches the gospel of Christ.

What does that look like? First, the gospel is wonderfully simple. So Christians should live with simplicity too. In our manners, our speech, our dress, our whole way of life—there should be that simplicity which is the very soul of beauty.

The gospel is pre-eminently true. It's gold without dross. And a Christian's life will be lustreless and valueless without the jewel of truth shining through it.

The gospel is fearless! It boldly proclaims truth whether men like it or not. We must be equally faithful and unflinching.

But the gospel is also gentle. Mark this spirit in its Founder: "A bruised reed he will not break." Some professors are sharper than a thorn-hedge—such men are not like Jesus. Let us win others through the gentleness of our words and actions.

The gospel is profoundly loving. It's the message of the God of love to a lost and fallen race. Christ's final command to his disciples was this: "Love one another." O for more real, hearty union and love to all the saints! For more tender compassion toward the souls of the worst and vilest of men!

And we must never forget: the gospel of Christ is holy. It never excuses sin. It pardons sin, yes, but only through an atonement. If our lives are going to resemble the gospel, we must shun not merely the grosser vices, but everything that would hinder our perfect conformity to Christ.

For his sake, for our own sakes, and for the sake of others watching, we must strive day by day to let our conversation be more in accordance with his gospel.