How to Be More Like Jesus
Today we will talk about how to be more like Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. Being like Christ is not merely about attending church or reading our Bibles, but it is about embodying His teachings and reflecting His character in our lives. Jesus’ life serves as our ultimate example, and by looking at His actions, we can learn how to align our lives more closely with His. As we read through God’s word, let’s meditate on how we can walk in His footsteps and bring His light into a world that desperately needs it.
The Heart of Jesus
Understanding the heart of Jesus is fundamental to becoming more like Him. The Hebrew word for heart is “לב” (lev), which signifies not just our emotions but our will and intellect. It’s the center of our being. In Greek, the term “kardia” conveys a similar meaning, highlighting the heart as the source of our desires and actions. Jesus, with His perfect heart, exhibited compassion, love, and mercy throughout His life. When we gain insight into His heart, we can begin to model our own behaviors accordingly.
Jesus’ heart was always aligned with the Father’s will, showing us that true discipleship starts with a desire to know God’s plans for our lives. In Matthew 6:33, He invites us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” indicating that our priorities should shift towards God. This simple but powerful idea emphasizes that our hearts should yearn for what God yearns for.
Furthermore, in John 15:12, Jesus commands us to “love one another as I have loved you.” To be like Jesus, we need to develop a genuine love for others. This love goes beyond mere emotions; it is demonstrated through actions. As we start loving others sacrificially, we embody the heart of Jesus, who showed His love through His life, death, and resurrection.
Reflecting the heart of Jesus also means embracing humility. In Philippians 2:5-7, we are encouraged to have the same mindset as Christ, who didn’t consider equality with God something to cling to but took the nature of a servant. By adopting this attitude, we acknowledge that our purpose is not about exalting ourselves but about lifting others up and serving them with genuine love and humility.
Developing Compassion
One of the key attributes of Jesus was His compassion. In the Hebrew scriptures, compassion is often represented by the word “חֶסֶד” (chesed), which encompasses kindness, mercy, and loyalty. The Greek equivalent, “splanchnizomai,” reflects a deep emotional response in the gut, urging us to act. This indicates that true compassion goes beyond feeling; it compels us to take meaningful action to help those around us.
In Matthew 9:36, we read that Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. This deep connection to the suffering of others washed over Jesus, motivating Him to teach and heal. To be more like Jesus, we must open our eyes to the needs of those around us and let our hearts respond with sincere compassion, just like His did.
Every act of kindness creates a ripple effect. When we demonstrate compassion, we do not only uplift individuals but entire communities. Acts 20:35 reminds us that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” The joy that comes from serving others is a reflection of how Jesus lived His life. In our daily lives, we should look for opportunities to lend a helping hand, offer a listening ear, or share words of hope and encouragement.
Moreover, we must remember that compassion is most effective when it is wrapped in grace. In Ephesians 4:32, we are instructed to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” By practicing forgiveness and extending grace, we not only imitate Jesus but create a space for transformation in our relationships, allowing others to experience His love through us.
Active Servanthood
Jesus was the epitome of servanthood. His life demonstrates that greatness in the Kingdom of God is defined by our willingness to serve others. The Greek word for servant is “doulos,” which means to bind, indicating a commitment to serving others willingly. In Mark 10:45, Jesus states, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This verse highlights that the call to serve is rooted in the very nature of who Jesus is.
Understanding this call to servanthood invites us to re-examine our priorities. As we seek to be like Him, we should ask ourselves: How can I serve those around me? This could be as simple as volunteering at a local charity, helping a neighbor with their groceries, or simply listening to a friend in need. Each act of service moves us closer to the heart of Jesus.
The beauty of servanthood is that it can also be an avenue for spiritual growth. In John 13:14-15, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, teaching us that if He, our Lord and Teacher, performed such a humble task, we should also serve one another. When we serve without expecting anything in return, we find fulfillment in aligning our actions with Jesus’ mission on Earth.
Moreover, when we practice servanthood, we embody the essence of humility. As we diminish, He increases (John 3:30). This idea presents a beautiful truth that through serving others, we create an openness for His light to shine more brightly in us, drawing others to Him. Ultimately, the impact of a servant heart embodies the very essence of living like Jesus.
Emphasizing Prayer
Prayer was an essential part of Jesus’ life. The original Hebrew word for prayer is “תְּפִלָּה” (tefillah), meaning an act of self-dedication to God, while in Greek, “proseuché” refers to bringing our requests before God. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), demonstrating His need for ongoing connection with the Father. In the same way, our relationship with God flourishes when cultivated through regular communication with Him.
As we strive to be more like Jesus, we must prioritize prayer in our daily routines. It gives us a chance to reset our thoughts, align our hearts with God’s will, and seek guidance for our lives. In Philippians 4:6-7, we are encouraged: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This shows us that prayer is not just about seeking help; it’s also about expressing gratitude for what we have and trusting that God is in control.
Moreover, Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. In Matthew 6:9-13, we find the Lord’s Prayer, which provides a wonderful template for our own conversations with God. Through prayer, we can express adoration, confess our shortcomings, give thanks, and make requests. By following Jesus’ example, we nurture a deep relationship with our Creator.
Ultimately, embracing prayer as a regular practice transforms us. It opens our hearts to receive God’s wisdom while preparing us to hear His voice. In John 15:7, Jesus reminds us, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Through prayer, we sincerely seek to understand God’s plan and purpose for our lives, which shapes us more into the likeness of Christ.
Living Out the Word
Being like Jesus also requires us to embody what is taught in Scripture. Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This implies that we actively engage with the Bible to learn how Jesus lived and taught. The written word is our guide, allowing us to align our lives to His example effectively.
In James 1:22, we are reminded not to merely listen to the word but to do what it says. This active participation engages our faith and empowers us to live as Jesus did. It’s crucial to see the Bible as a roadmap that directs us through our daily lives. The more we understand and apply the Scriptures, the closer we can walk with Christ.
Another essential aspect is engaging in regular corporate worship and fellowship with other believers. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us not to neglect gathering together, as it helps strengthen our faith and understanding. Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers fosters an environment where we can support one another in living out God’s word, allowing us to reflect Christ’s love collectively.
Additionally, putting God’s word into practice cultivates fruit in our lives. In Galatians 5:22-23, we see the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These traits illustrate characteristics that align us with Jesus’ nature. By living these out, we mirror Him to the world around us, shining brightly for all to see.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve navigated through the ways we can be more like Jesus, it becomes clear that this journey involves intentionality. It requires us to reflect on our hearts, develop compassion towards others, actively serve, engage in prayer, and live out God’s word. Each aspect we’ve discussed helps shape our character and draws us closer to the likeness of Christ.
We must remember that this process is not always easy, but it is worth it. With each step we take to embody the love and teachings of Jesus, we become living testimonies of His grace. By engaging with these principles daily, we don’t just grow in our faith but also become vessels through which God can work in the world.
Let’s commit to taking these lessons to heart, leaning into His strength, and extending His love to others, aiming to shine like city lights on a hill, reflecting His glory in every aspect of our lives.
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