what would jesus do?

What Would Jesus Do?

Today we will talk about what would Jesus do? Many Christians do not know what this means. The phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” (often abbreviated as WWJD) encourages individuals to consider the actions and teachings of Jesus Christ in their daily lives. It’s a call to reflect on His life as the ultimate example of love, compassion, and integrity. The origins of this phrase trace back to the late 19th century, but it was popularized in the 1990s, reminding believers to align their decisions with the values that Jesus exemplified. As we ponder this question, let’s meditate on God’s word and how His principles guide us in forming our character and actions as Jesus would.

Understanding the Life of Jesus

To understand what Jesus might do in various situations, we need to look closely at His life—how He interacted with others, His teachings, and what He stood for. Jesus was not just a miracle worker; He was a teacher, a servant leader, and the embodiment of love. In the Greek language, the word for love is “agape,” which refers to selfless, unconditional love. Jesus modeled this love in His relationships, demonstrating generosity not just to friends but also to strangers and even enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Historically, Jesus lived during a time of political unrest and religious regulation. His ministry challenged the norms of the day, promoting a message of grace, redemption, and inclusivity. He reached out to the marginalized—tax collectors, sinners, Samaritans, and the sick—showing us the importance of compassion and open-mindedness. Thus, when asking ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” we can start by examining how He treated others, especially those society deemed unworthy.

Moreover, Jesus often taught through parables, simple stories designed to illustrate moral or spiritual lessons (Matthew 13:34-35), encouraging listeners to think critically about their lives and their relationship with God. This method of teaching is profound, inviting us to explore the depth of each message rather than accepting them at face value. It challenges us to reflect on our motives and actions.

The Importance of Prayer in Decision-Making

Before making decisions, Jesus often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16). Prayer was central to His ministry, providing guidance, strength, and communion with God the Father. When we ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” incorporating prayer into our lives becomes crucial. Prayer allows us to align ourselves with God’s will and seek His wisdom rather than acting on impulse or assumption.

The act of praying is not merely a ritual; it’s a relational connection where we can openly express our struggles, receive comfort, and gain insight. In John 15:7, Jesus encourages us by saying, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” This highlights the importance of cultivating an intimate connection with Christ to understand His desires for our lives.

As believers, it is essential to focus on being in His presence and listening to His voice. Just as Jesus took time away from His ministry to pray, we also need to prioritize this practice amidst our busy lives. In seeking divine guidance, we’ll be better equipped to emulate Jesus in our choices, honoring both our own personal struggles and the needs of others.

How Love Guides Our Actions

Love was the central pillar of Jesus’s life and teaching. Everything He did came from a place of love—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and forgiving sins. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands His disciples to love one another just as He loved them. By this, everyone will recognize them as His followers. It’s remarkably simple yet unbelievably challenging at times.

When we face tricky situations in our lives—conflicts at work, misunderstandings between friends, or struggles with forgiving someone who has hurt us—we can ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” We would try to respond out of love, just as He did. This often means setting aside our pride, offering kindness, and being patient even when it’s difficult. Love is not a feeling but a choice—an intentional decision to act for the well-being of others, sometimes at the expense of our own comfort.

This principle is reinforced in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, where Paul describes love as patient, kind, and not self-seeking. The measure of how Christ acts through us is how well we demonstrate these qualities. By reflecting on how Jesus lovingly approached people of all backgrounds and situations, we can better understand the loving response we should aim for in our lives.

Forgiveness: The Jesus Way

Another fundamental aspect of Jesus’s ministry was forgiveness. He extended grace to those who sinned against Him, offering forgiveness countless times throughout His life (Luke 23:34). The challenge of forgiveness takes root when we’ve been wronged or hurt deeply. However, understanding “What would Jesus do?” in these painful moments can lead us to a path of healing and restoration.

When Peter asked Jesus about forgiveness, wondering if seven times was enough, Jesus responded with a staggering answer: “Seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22). This indicates an infinite willingness to forgive, reflecting God’s grace toward us. Since we have received such unconditional love and forgiveness, we are called to extend the same grace to others.

Choosing to forgive isn’t easy. It often takes time and prayer, just as Jesus demonstrated (Matthew 26:39). However, it’s necessary for our healing and growth. Unforgiveness can lead to bitterness, which only harms us in the long run. Following Christ’s example means making the conscious decision to release that burden of anger and pain.

Servanthood: Leading By Example

Jesus taught servanthood through actions and parables, primarily exemplified during the Last Supper when He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). This act of humility showcases the servant heart Jesus has toward humanity. When faced with leadership or authority, instead of seeking power, Jesus demonstrates leadership as an opportunity to serve others, flipping conventional definitions of greatness on their heads.

For us today, servanthood is a principle we should practice in every area of our lives—be it with our families, communities, workplaces, or churches. Rather than asking, “What can I gain?” we should ask, “How can I help?” That means volunteering our time, offering support to those in need, or simply being a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. True greatness in God’s eyes is often found in humble acts of service. This recalls Matthew 20:26-28, where Jesus teaches that greatness is defined by serving others.

As we inquire into our daily actions, the question “What would Jesus do?” can guide us toward a life of serving and loving others selflessly. Just as He gave up His life as a ransom for many, we can focus on how we could put others’ needs above our own in whichever way we can, exemplifying His heart for the world.

Embracing Humility

Jesus embodied humility, remaining grounded in an attitude of service despite His divine status. Philippians 2:5-8 tells us how He didn’t cling to His royal position but took on the form of a servant. This teaches us that humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. When we live with a humble heart, we acknowledge the worth and dignity of others. We learn to celebrate their successes, support them in trials, and offer grace instead of judgment.

In a world that often values pride and self-promotion, asking “What would Jesus do?” guides us toward a humble approach in our interactions. This doesn’t mean we diminish our value or capabilities; rather, it places emphasis on recognizing that we’re part of something larger than ourselves, called to uplift one another.

Proverbs 11:2 states that humility comes before honor. When we choose to live humbly, we often find ourselves given respect, and our relationships flourish. This kind of living leads us toward a lifestyle of serving others, showing appreciation, and living authentically as we follow Christ’s example.

Final Thoughts

As we reflect on the various aspects of Jesus’ life, it’s evident that asking “What would Jesus do?” could transform our decision-making and relationships. By focusing on His love, forgiveness, humility, and service, we nurture a heart that mimics His character. It’s a personal journey—one we embark upon daily through prayer, scripture study, and genuine connection with God.

The challenge lies in practicing these values in real-life situations. It’s about putting our learned principles into action, not only in easy times but also in moments of challenge and tension. By remembering Jesus’ behaviors and values, we position ourselves to become beacons of light in our communities, radiating love and kindness to those around us.

Ultimately, what would Jesus do? He would love, forgive, serve, and remain humble. As we continue to ponder this question in our lives, may we find strength in embracing these values and living in a way that would make Him proud.

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