What Would Jesus Do? Film
Today we will talk about the film “What Would Jesus Do?” Many Christians may not fully grasp the significance of this phrase or its origins. This question isn’t just a catchy slogan; it is a way of life that challenges us to reflect on our decisions and actions through the lens of Jesus’ teachings. The essence of this inquiry invites us to ponder how Jesus might respond in our daily situations, urging us to embody love, compassion, and kindness in a world that often lacks these virtues. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word, allowing His teachings to guide us.
Understanding the Meaning Behind “What Would Jesus Do?”
The phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” (often abbreviated as WWJD) serves as a moral compass for believers. It encourages self-reflection and guides our behavior in various situations. Rooted in the Gospels, we observe how Jesus interacted with others, modeling grace, forgiveness, and love. By considering what Jesus would do, we align our choices with biblical principles, striving to live out our faith in practical ways.
The Hebrew term for “to do” is “asah” (עָשָׂה), which translates to “to make” or “to accomplish.” This emphasizes not just intent but action. Likewise, the Greek equivalent used in the New Testament is “poieo” (ποιέω), meaning “to make” or “to do.” Both of these words underline the importance of our actions in relation to our faith. As James 1:22 reminds us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Our faith must be manifested through what we choose to do.
The historical context of this phrase dates back to the late 19th century when Charles Sheldon wrote a novel titled “In His Steps.” The story narrates the challenges faced by a group of Christians who commit to asking, “What Would Jesus Do?” before making decisions. This reflection sparked a movement that has encouraged countless individuals to live intentionally and faithfully, making choices that reflect Christ’s character in their lives.
Throughout the Bible, we can see how Jesus operated from a place of love and service. He healed the sick (Matthew 4:24), fed the hungry (John 6:1-14), and offered forgiveness to sinners (Luke 7:48). These acts were not done for fame or recognition but were driven by His compassion for humanity. When we ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” we are prompted to act in ways that might mirror His love and servitude towards others.
The Call to Action: Living Like Jesus
As believers, we are called to embody the principles Jesus lived out. This means actively loving our neighbors (Mark 12:31), serving those who are less fortunate (Matthew 25:40), and extending grace to others (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus exemplified the highest form of love as seen in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
When we say, “What would Jesus do?” we are encouraged to take action. This doesn’t mean that we should try to imitate His exact actions; after all, we aren’t capable of performing miracles like He did. Instead, we are prompted to reflect His loving attitude and the compassion He showed in every situation. In every encounter, we have the precious opportunity to represent Christ to others, framing our actions in the light of His teachings.
This idea connects beautifully with Galatians 5:22-23, where Paul outlines the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Each of these attributes serves as a guide for how we should act in our daily lives. When faced with challenges and decisions, let us ask ourselves how we might exhibit these fruits in our interactions and choices.
Moreover, the Bible encourages us to seek wisdom in our decision-making processes. James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who generously gives to all without reproach. By seeking divine guidance, we approach our queries of “What would Jesus do?” with humility, recognizing our need for His guidance and holiness.
Jesus was also a master of asking questions, prompting those around Him to think critically and reflectively. He often responded to inquiries with a question, inviting deeper discussion and reflection (Mark 10:51, Luke 9:20). Asking “What would Jesus do?” in any situation invites us into a richer understanding and engagement with our faith. It is not merely a statement but a call to dialogue with God, to reflect on the teachings of Christ, and to let those teachings color our choices and interactions.
Challenges to Practicing WWJD in Today’s World
For instance, we might feel overwhelmed when witnessing injustice, prompting us to become consumed by anger rather than responding with patience and love. Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Thus, a Christ-like approach would acknowledge our emotions but also encourage us to respond through prayer and constructive action.
Another challenge lies in our relationships with others. We may have colleagues, friends, or family members who provoke us or whose behavior is hard to understand. In situations of conflict, we could remember Matthew 5:44, which urges us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. By asking ourselves how Jesus would respond, we can learn to cultivate peace and grace in our interactions, leading to healthier relationships and a deeper understanding of God’s love.
Additionally, social media and technology can influence our perspectives drastically. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others, leading to envy, judgment, or even bitterness. Philippians 4:8 reminds us, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” In these moments, we can ask ourselves what Jesus would focus on and shift our thoughts toward positivity and worship instead of negativity and division.
Each challenge we face presents an opportunity for growth. By intentionally asking “What would Jesus do?” we can harness the Spirit’s guidance to navigate our lives in a manner reflective of His teachings. Every moment is an invitation to engage with Christ’s love, serving as a source of strength in all areas of our lives.
Sharing the Love: How to Make WWJD Impactful
To genuinely live out the WWJD philosophy, we must first embody it ourselves. Jesus calls His followers to be His hands and feet in the world, so we need to explore how this can play out in our day-to-day lives.
One powerful way to do this is through acts of service. Galatians 6:9 urges us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Simple acts such as helping a neighbor, volunteering at local shelters, or offering a listening ear can have an exponential impact on those around us. These actions not only spread kindness but also resonate with the heart of Jesus’ ministry on earth.
Additionally, we play a vital role in sharing God’s love and messages through our words. Philippians 2:15-16 encourages us to shine as lights in the world. By being vocal about our faith in everyday conversations, we can truly embody the teachings of Christ. Sharing what Jesus means to us can open doors for discussions that lead others closer to faith.
Supporting those who are struggling or marginalized is essential as well. Jesus reached out to the outcasts of society (Luke 19:10), and as followers, we are called to do the same. Whether it’s advocating for social justice or simply reaching out with kindness, we reflect Christ’s love in practical and meaningful ways. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus states, “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Our acts of service directly impact our relationship with Christ.
As we implement the WWJD approach, we should also focus on building up our spiritual life. Spending time in prayer and engaging with scripture are essential to understanding deeply what Jesus would do. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” We can seek His guidance, wisdom, and strength to help align our hearts and minds with His.
In living out this principle, it’s important to remain humble. In Philippians 2:3, we are reminded, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Jesus washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:5), demonstrating a humble servant’s heart. When we approach life with humility, we open ourselves to be Christ-like in all our actions.
Final Thoughts
Engaging with the idea of “What Would Jesus Do?” transforms our everyday decisions into opportunities for growth and reflection. We discover that being a Christian involves active choices and a commitment to live in a way that honors Christ’s teachings. As we let these principles guide our interactions with others, it enhances our understanding of love, kindness, and service.
In a world that is often chaotic, asking ourselves “What would Jesus do?” can be our lighthouse, illuminating the pathway as we navigate our lives. By practicing this approach, we not only enrich our relationship with God but also become beacons of hope and light for those around us. Each time we choose compassion over anger or servitude over self-interest, we embody Jesus’ heart.
Let us take this challenge to heart, allowing it to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. May the love of Christ motivate us, inspire us, and empower us to live in ways that reflect His character daily. As we continue to ponder “What Would Jesus Do?” in our own lives, may we encourage others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of kindness and love 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