How To Be Like Jesus
Today we will talk about How To Be Like Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. Being like Jesus is often seen as the ultimate goal for Christians, symbolizing a life of love, compassion, humility, and obedience towards God. As we embark on this journey together, let’s keep our hearts open to learn how we can embody not just His actions, but also His heart. By examining scripture and the life of Jesus, we can gain insights into how we can reflect His love and light in our everyday lives. Let us meditate on God’s word as we seek to live according to His ways.
Emulating His Love
To be like Jesus means to embrace His love wholeheartedly. Love is not just an emotion; it is a commitment to seek the well-being of others. Jesus exemplified this love in His teachings and actions throughout His ministry. The Greek word for love is “agape,” which speaks to selfless, unconditional love. In the Hebrew context, “chesed” denotes steadfast love or mercy. Both encapsulate the essence of Jesus’ love—unfailing, generous, and wise.
In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” This scripture teaches us that our love for others is a testament to our faith in Jesus. When we act in love, we mirror Christ’s character.
Moreover, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 elaborates on the nature of love, portraying it as patient, kind, and not self-seeking. To be like Jesus is to show these qualities. Reflecting His love in our interactions can lead to healing, reconciliation, and unity. How can we express this love practically? It begins with how we treat our family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers, always prioritizing grace and kindness.
For instance, consider how Jesus treated the marginalized and sinners. In Luke 19:10, He says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Emulating Jesus’ love means reaching out to those who might feel cast out or alone. By doing so, we can create an environment where everyone feels accepted, valued, and loved, just as Christ intended.
We must also remember that love must extend beyond feelings and into action. In James 2:17, we read, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Actions must follow love—whether it’s helping others in distress, providing for those in need, or simply lending an ear to a friend struggling. Our lives should be filled with acts of kindness that echo Jesus’ love for us.
Practicing Humility
In today’s world, humility is often undervalued. Yet, to be like Jesus, we must understand the strength found in humility. Jesus demonstrated radical humility, which is evident in Philippians 2:5-8 where Paul writes, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant.” Here, we see that Jesus chose servanthood over status, putting others’ needs above His own.
In ancient cultures, humility was not a prized trait; people often sought power and recognition. Jesus flipped this idea on its head by showing that true greatness comes from serving others. In Matthew 23:12, He teaches, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” This verse emphasizes that God honors those who practice humility and servitude.
To embody Jesus’ humility means recognizing our limitations and embracing our dependency on God. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” When we depend on God, we acknowledge that His wisdom is greater than ours and that we need His guidance in our lives.
A practical way to practice humility is through acts of service. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, helping a neighbor, or simply being available to support a friend in need, each act becomes a reflection of Christ’s humility. Additionally, adopting a listening attitude by the example set in James 1:19 helps us to value others’ perspectives more highly than our ego. A humble heart is also open to correction and learning, which aligns with the teachings of Proverbs 12:1, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge.”
In order to grow in humility, we need to intentionally seek opportunities to serve and pray for a heart like Jesus’—recognizing that every act of kindness and service is an expression of His humble spirit. Practicing these moments daily can be transformational, not only for us but for all those we encounter, allowing us to spread Christ’s love through our humble attitudes.
Being Obedient to God
To be like Jesus means embracing a life of obedience to God. Jesus Himself showed perfect obedience to the Father, highlighted in John 14:31 where He says, “But I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.” Jesus’ life was a testament to the deep connection between love and obedience.
The Greek word for obedience is “hypakoe,” which denotes listening that leads to action. The foundation of Jesus’ obedience stems from love—He understood that obedience was a means to honor His relationship with God while fulfilling His purpose on earth. This finds a profound reflection in 1 Samuel 15:22 which states, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Here, we see that God desires hearts aligned with His will over mere rituals and traditions.
To truly imitate Jesus’ obedience, we need to actively pursue God’s will in our own lives. This can come in many forms—reading scripture daily, praying for guidance, and examining our hearts for His direction. Romans 12:2 urges us to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” As we digest God’s word, our understanding of His will becomes clearer, leading us towards greater obedience and a life that mirrors Christ’s heart.
Obedience also means applying what we learn. In John 15:10, Jesus shares, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” When we follow through on God’s instructions, we remain in full communion with Him, enjoying the peace and joy that come from living in accordance with His will.
Furthermore, we can find encouragement in Hebrews 5:8, which notes that even though Jesus was the Son of God, He learned obedience through what He suffered. This reinforces that obedience can come through trials, challenging us to trust God’s plan even when we cannot see it clearly. Our willingness to endure hardships while remaining faithful reflects the likeness of Jesus in profound ways, solidifying our connection to Him.
Practicing Forgiveness
To be like Jesus, we must learn the art of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a central theme of Jesus’ teachings, exemplified through His actions leading up to His crucifixion, when He prayed for forgiveness for those who were crucifying Him (Luke 23:34). The Greek word for forgiveness, “aphesis,” implies a release or sending away of guilt. This principle reflects the core of Jesus’ ministry—releasing others from the burdens of past wrongs.
In Ephesians 4:32, we are called to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” When we grasp the enormity of God’s forgiveness towards us, it makes it easier to extend that same grace to others. Additionally, Matthew 6:14 reinforces this teaching: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Here, we see that our willingness to forgive is closely tied to God’s willingness to forgive us, reflecting the relational aspect of grace.
Forgiveness is not merely dismissing someone’s wrong; it is a choice to let go of resentment and the right to retaliate. Colossians 3:13 reminds us, “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” This scripture serves as both a challenge and encouragement, reminding us that forgiveness can strengthen our relationships and heal wounds.
Practically, to embody forgiveness like Jesus means recognizing our shared humanity. In Romans 3:23, it’s clear: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Acknowledging that we, too, are imperfect helps us approach forgiveness with a spirit of compassion rather than judgment. As we practice forgiving, it gradually transforms our hearts, making way for healing and renewal in our relationships.
Forgiveness is not a one-time act but a continual process. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, to which Jesus replies, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” This illustrates that grace must abound as we reflect Christ’s readiness to forgive us, nurturing our hearts towards greater empathy and understanding.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, embodying the life of Jesus is a journey that calls us to love unconditionally, practice humility, embrace obedience, and extend forgiveness. Through these principles, we can reflect Christ’s heart and character in our daily lives. Jesus showed us what it means to live a life dedicated to others, seeking to honor God in all we do. As we meet challenges and opportunities, we can always strive to be more like Jesus.
Let us encourage each other to study and meditate on scripture, seek guidance through prayer, and demonstrate practical love to all we encounter. By doing this, we not only grow in our own faith but also contribute to a community that honors God’s love and grace.
Ultimately, being like Jesus is about transforming our lives to reflect His. May we continually seek to improve in following these virtues, and in turn, may our lives bring glory to God and shine His light in the world.
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