Are we truly living like Jesus?
Jesus is loving, kind, patient, understanding, forgiving, peaceful, gentle, and joyous, etc. This is the fruit of the “Spirit” listed in Galatians 5. Yes, this is His personality….
Shouldn’t our lives reflect the same?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-38) The two greatest commandments! Now, the first isn’t that hard, but the second commandment can be a challenge. Many of us would rather re-word this verse to exclude loving others we don’t like or those who annoy us! Jesus’ commission tells us to go into the world and spread the gospel. Yes, He’s describing those we work with every day, people in the malls, our neighbors who irritate us, people of different race and origins.
When we choose to “love” our neighbors as God has commanded, He will use our acts of the fruit of the Spirit to reach the lost and the hurting. He doesn’t want us to run from the world and the lost, but rather mingle among them with a heart to love and mentor.
“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation….” (Mark 16: 15)
We shouldn’t condemn or shove a bible in anyone’s face, but instead be the bible to the lost. The way we live and treat others will help draw the lost to Jesus. I have shared with young people over the years that our lives might be the only Bible anyone reads.
I remember the old hymn “Let Others See Jesus in You.” People without God are searching. They might not admit it, but they’re hungry for truth (Jesus) and answers. The way we act in restaurants toward those serving us, the way we treat store employees, or the patience we use while standing in long lines, etc. will be a testimony (hope) to the world. I have witnessed many Christian groups host a “random act of kindness day” where they went into shopping malls during holidays and gift wrapped presents for free, or pumped gas at stations for the elderly. If Jesus were on earth today, He would be involved in helping and serving. When we choose to love those around us, we’re giving them God because God is love!
“Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8) Today, let’s allow God to use us. Let’s choose to love those around us with kindness. Remember, your actions will speak louder than your words. Choose to be like Jesus. Choose to love. Choose to make a difference in someone’s life!
Jesus is the answer! Jesus is your answer!
