How to Get Closer to Jesus
Today we will talk about how to get closer to Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. Getting closer to Jesus doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a beautiful journey of growth and understanding. As we read through God’s Word, we’ll uncover different steps we can take to strengthen our relationship with Him. This relationship is not only about knowing facts about Jesus, but also about feeling His love, guidance, and presence in our daily lives. So let’s embrace this time of reflection and see what the Bible teaches us about forming a deeper bond with our Savior.
1. Building a Foundation Through Prayer
Prayer is an essential practice for anyone wanting to nurture their relationship with Jesus. The Hebrew word for prayer, “tefillah,” reflects a concept of connection—it’s not just about asking for things, but rather developing a conversation with God. In Greek, “proseuchomai” emphasizes the idea of worship and supplication. When we pray, we invite Jesus into our lives and lay out our hearts before Him. This helps strengthen our connection, make our burdens lighter, and receive His love.
The Bible encourages us to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This doesn’t mean we have to be on our knees all day, but rather cultivate an attitude of prayer. We can pray while brushing our teeth, driving to work, or even during a quiet moment alone. Jesus Himself often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16), showing us that prayer is key to spiritual sustenance. It’s through these moments of communion that we truly get to know Him and His will for us.
Moreover, through prayer, we can express our worries, joys, and gratitude, just like Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us. As we pour our hearts out, we can expect to feel peace—a signal of Jesus’ presence among us. Our prayers can be as unique as our thoughts. Whether spoken, written, or simply felt in our hearts, what’s important is authenticity. Matthew 6:6 encourages us to seek a private space for sincere prayer, emphasizing intimacy in our approach to God.
Let’s remember, prayer is not just a monologue; it’s a dialogue. Listening for God’s voice is just as important as speaking to Him. We can find His guidance in the quiet moments of reflection or through the Scriptures. By incorporating prayer into our daily habits, we find ourselves growing closer to Jesus, knowing Him better as we share life’s experiences with Him.
2. Immersing Yourself in the Word of God
The Bible is not just a book; it’s God’s love letter to us—a collection of truths, stories, and teachings meant to help us navigate life. The term “Word” in John 1:1 implies more than just text; it refers to a relationship with Christ, who is the essence of God’s message. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we open the door to deeper knowledge of who Jesus is and what He desires for us.
Reading the Bible should not feel like a chore; rather, it should be an exciting adventure. Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as “alive and active,” indicating that it has the power to change our hearts. When we spend time in the Word, we allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds and soften our hearts. This can often lead to moments of self-discovery, conviction, and encouragement.
We might consider starting with a manageable plan. For instance, reading one chapter a day or a specific book can be an excellent way to develop a habit without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, surrounding ourselves with community can enhance our understanding—through study groups or discussions with fellow believers. Proverbs 27:17 beautifully captures this idea, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” By sharing insights and perspectives, we grow together in faith.
Let’s also not forget the importance of memorizing Scripture. When we hide God’s Word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11), we carry His promises and truth with us throughout our day. Having Scripture readily available in our minds can help guide our actions and attitudes, especially during challenging times. Engaging with the Bible is a continual process—every time we read, we discover new layers of meaning, and we find ourselves becoming more and more attuned to Jesus.
3. Engaging in Community and Fellowship
Jesus never intended for us to journey through faith alone. Being part of a community of believers is crucial for our spiritual growth. Greek words like “koinonia,” meaning fellowship or partnership, emphasize the importance of connection among believers. Philippians 1:5 reminds us of partnering in the gospel, as a shared mission brings us closer to one another and to Jesus.
Through fellowship, we find encouragement, support, and accountability. Acts 2:44-47 speaks of the early church gathering together regularly, sharing meals, engaging in prayer, and learning from one another. Their intentional actions created a close-knit family—a living example of Christ’s love in action. Being involved in a church or small group can replicate this experience today; it offers a space to share praises, pray for each other, and study God’s Word collectively.
Moreover, service is an essential aspect of community. 1 Peter 4:10 encourages us to use our gifts to serve one another. When we serve, we reflect the character of Christ, strengthening our connection with Him and our brothers and sisters in faith. Volunteering in church activities, outreach programs, or simply helping a neighbor provides opportunities to live out our faith practically. Such actions can amplify our love for Jesus and His people, fostering a deeper relationship.
It’s important to remember that not all community experiences will be perfect. Sometimes disagreements may arise. However, learning to navigate those moments with grace and love can be a significant part of growing in Christ. We’re called to love and forgive one another, emulating Him (Ephesians 4:32). Embracing the beauty of imperfect community can profoundly help us understand God’s unconditional love.
4. Having a Heart of Worship
Worship is an integral element of being closer to Jesus. It goes beyond singing songs or attending Sunday services; it’s a posture of our hearts toward God. The Hebrew word for worship, “shachah,” means to bow down—indicating reverence and surrender. Acts of worship invite us into a space where we express our love and devotion to God, aligning our lives with His purpose.
Colossians 3:16 encourages us to let the message of Christ dwell among us as we teach and admonish one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This reflects the notion that our worship should resonate both personally and communally. Music can be a beautiful way to connect with Jesus emotionally, allowing us to express our joys, sorrows, and gratitude creatively. However, worship can take on many forms—art, prayer, service, or even simply quiet reflection in nature.
Broadening our idea of worship can help us engage wholeheartedly. Romans 12:1 urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is our true and proper worship. When we initiate that kind of lifestyle, we cultivate a consistent relationship with Jesus that transcends Sunday mornings. Worshiping in our daily lives—through our actions, thoughts, and relationships—allows us to invite Jesus into every moment.
In worship, we also encounter God’s presence and beauty. Psalm 100:4 encourages us to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. These moments can lead to transformative experiences, as we realign our lives in recognition of His greatness. Be it in joyful celebration or through quiet surrender, committing to worship can draw us nearer to the heart of Jesus and allow us to encounter His love, grace, and mercy in powerful ways.
5. Living Out Your Faith Through Action
A relationship with Jesus naturally inspires action. The Greek word for faith, “pistis,” implies trust, commitment, and action. In James 2:17, we’re reminded that faith without works is dead. True belief results in a transformed life that desires to serve others and share the love of Christ. When we love Jesus, our actions reflect that love.
Engaging in acts of kindness, showing love to those in need, and living with integrity in our workplaces amplifies our faith. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus encourages us to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good deeds and glorify God. As we actively demonstrate our faith, we model a living example of Jesus’ love for the world.
Moreover, sharing our testimonies can be an impactful way to draw ourselves closer to Jesus and encourage others. Revelations 12:11 speaks of overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimonies. By sharing how Jesus has affected our lives, we validate His work, encourage others, and enrich our faith journey.
Additionally, we should be mindful of aligning our actions with God’s Word. 1 John 2:6 teaches us that whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. This means actively pursuing righteousness, compassion, and love, reflecting Jesus’ nature to those around us. Our lives become a testimony of Christ’s transformative power, providing a tangible way for others to understand Him. Acting upon our beliefs creates a ripple effect that not only draws us closer to Jesus but also invites others to experience His love.
Final Thoughts
In our endeavor to grow closer to Jesus, we’ve explored crucial aspects that can shape our spiritual journey. Starting with heartfelt prayer, we open ourselves to conversation with God, sharing our deepest concerns as well as our praises.
Engaging with Scripture allows us to understand the profound nature of Jesus and His teachings. Through community and fellowship, we cultivate relationships that support our faith and allow us to serve effectively. A heart of worship transforms our ordinary moments into sacred encounters with Jesus, reminding us of His greatness.
Finally, living out our faith through action is a natural expression of our love for Christ, strengthening both our relationship with Him and our witness to the world. May we all seek to be closer to Jesus, incorporating these practices into our everyday lives, embarking on a beautiful journey of growth and connection with our Savior.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4