You’ve been making efforts to apply Jesus’ teachings to your life, but how can you be sure you’re on the right path?
This is a question many believers grapple with.
The teachings of Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament, provide a moral compass for Christians worldwide, guiding actions, decisions, and interactions with others.
But sometimes, it’s hard to gauge if your life truly reflects these teachings.
The good news is, there are distinctive signs that indicate you’re successfully incorporating Jesus’ teachings into your life. Although they may not be grand or dramatic shifts, they’re profound and meaningful nonetheless.
In this article, we will delve into these 9 changes that act as markers of successful application of Jesus’ teachings.
Significance of observing changes in one’s life
Observing changes in one’s life as they apply Jesus’ teachings is a fascinating and rewarding pursuit. These changes are tangible proof that you’re not merely reading or listening to the words of Jesus, but actively working to incorporate them into your everyday life.
Such changes can manifest in various ways. They could be as subtle as a shift in attitude towards adversity, or as noticeable as an improvement in how you interact with others. Regardless of their nature, these changes are significant because they serve as evidence that Jesus’ teachings are influencing your life in positive ways.
The importance of these changes goes beyond personal spiritual growth. They also have a profound impact on those around you. As you continue to apply Jesus’ teachings to your life, you become a living testament to the transformative power of His wisdom, inspiring others around you to embark on their own spiritual journeys.
By identifying and understanding these changes, you can better appreciate your spiritual progress and remain motivated on your path of faith. Each change is a milestone worth celebrating—an affirmation that you are truly walking in the footsteps of Jesus.
1. Increased sense of peace
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
If you’ve been applying Jesus’ teachings effectively, a significant change you’ll notice is an increased focus on promoting peace.
This isn’t about fleeting moments of calm, but a deep-rooted tranquility that permeates your life, even amid turmoil.
Jesus taught about the importance of peace numerous times in the scriptures. He promised peace not as the world gives, but a peace that surpasses all understanding (John 14:27).
When you find yourself consistently exhibiting this kind of peace, it’s an indication you’re effectively applying Jesus’ teachings.
This isn’t to say you won’t have moments of stress or worry – we’re all human after all.
However, you will find these moments less overwhelming, and your overall disposition more serene.
And you know what?
This inner peace is not just a personal benefit. It also influences how you interact with others, promoting harmony and fostering positive relationships, reflecting Jesus’ love in your everyday life.
2. You demonstrate greater forgiveness
The second change that often indicates the effective application of Jesus’ teachings is an increased capacity for forgiveness.
We all know that holding grudges or harboring resentment is a heavy burden. And Jesus taught the importance of forgiveness in numerous passages (Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25).
When you find yourself forgiving more easily, it’s a clear sign that you’re internalizing and living out Jesus’ teachings.
You may even surprise yourself with the level of forgiveness you can extend to others, especially those who’ve caused you pain.
This doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning wrongdoings. Instead, it’s about releasing the desire for revenge and allowing love and grace to guide your actions.
Exhibiting such forgiveness not only relieves you of negative emotions but also fosters reconciliation, and healing and promotes healthier relationships.
It’s not always easy, but the ability to forgive is a powerful testimony of the transformative impact of Jesus’ teachings in your life.
3. You experience genuine joy in service
The next change may seem a bit counter-intuitive.
You might find yourself experiencing a deep sense of joy in serving others.
While society often promotes self-preservation and personal gain, Jesus’ teachings emphasize the importance of selfless service (Mark 10:45).
And here’s the surprising part:
Engaging in acts of service, even when they require personal sacrifice, can bring about a profound sense of joy and fulfillment.
This isn’t about seeking recognition or rewards but about experiencing the innate satisfaction that comes from helping others.
Let’s be honest: Serving others can be challenging.
It requires patience, humility, and sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zones.
But when you start to feel joy in these acts – no matter how small – it indicates that you’re internalizing and applying Jesus’ teachings in a meaningful way.
This joy in service doesn’t just make you happier — it also makes you a beacon of Jesus’ love to those around you, further extending the reach of His teachings.
4. You exhibit increased empathy
One of the core teachings of Jesus is to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31).
This principle fosters empathy, making us sensitive to the feelings and experiences of others.
As you successfully apply Jesus’ teachings to your life, you’ll notice a growth in your capacity for empathy.
You start to understand and share the feelings of others, even if their experiences are vastly different from yours. You’re not quick to judge or dismiss people based on their actions or circumstances.
Instead, you take the time to put yourself in their shoes, understanding their perspectives and appreciating their struggles.
This change may reflect in various aspects of your life:
- You’re more patient with people, giving them the benefit of the doubt.
- You’re more willing to forgive others, just as Jesus taught us to forgive (Matthew 6:14).
- You’re more compassionate, seeking ways to alleviate the suffering of others.
Insight: The Greek word for this kind of selfless love is “Agape”, which is often used in the New Testament to describe God’s unconditional love for humanity.
5. You practice humility
Humility is another key teaching of Jesus.
In Matthew 23:12, He said, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
As you begin to embody Jesus’ teachings more fully, you’ll notice yourself becoming more humble in your interactions with others.
You no longer feel the need to always be right or to have the last word.
You’re comfortable admitting when you’re wrong and are open to learning from others. You’re not driven by a desire for recognition or praise but find satisfaction in doing good for its own sake.
This shift towards humility doesn’t mean that you undervalue yourself or let others take advantage of you. Rather, it means recognizing that every individual has worth and that we all have something to learn from each other.
Being humble also means being honest about your shortcomings and accepting them as part of your journey of growth and self-improvement.
This humility, where you acknowledge both your strengths and weaknesses, is a sure sign that you’re incorporating Jesus’ teachings into your life.
6. Greater reliance on prayer
A heightened dependence on prayer is yet another clear sign that you’re successfully applying Jesus’ teachings. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), emphasizing the importance of communication with God.
This increased reliance on prayer may manifest in several ways:
- More frequent prayer sessions.
- Longer durations of prayer.
- Deeper, more intimate conversations with God.
What’s more, you may find yourself turning to prayer not just in times of trouble but also in moments of joy and gratitude.
You might begin to see prayer less as a last resort and more as a first response, a natural part of your daily life.
This shift towards a prayer-centered life reflects a deepening relationship with God, echoing Jesus’ own commitment to regular communion with the Father.
It’s a beautiful testament to the transformative power of Jesus’ teachings in your spiritual journey.
7. Growing resilience in the face of trials
Imagine this scenario:
You’re facing a significant challenge – perhaps a job loss, a health issue, or a broken relationship.
It’s a situation that would have previously caused you great distress. But now, you find yourself responding with an unexpected resilience.
This kind of resilience in the face of trials is another change indicating that you’re successfully applying Jesus’ teachings to your life.
Jesus promised His followers that they would face troubles in this world, but He also assured them of His victory over the world (John 16:33).
Developing resilience doesn’t mean you won’t feel the pain or difficulty of these trials. It means you have a firm belief in Jesus’ promise, giving you the strength to endure and overcome.
8. You feel a deeper connection with the community
Jesus’ teachings encourage us to love one another and to serve our communities selflessly.
As you successfully apply these teachings, you’ll begin to feel a stronger connection with the community around you.
This could manifest in different ways. You might find yourself volunteering more frequently, or you might be more aware of the needs of those around you and look for ways to help.
You might take more interest in local events or issues and contribute your time, resources, or skills to address them.
It’s not about grand gestures or public recognition. It’s about genuinely caring for your community and doing what you can to make it better.
This sense of connectedness and commitment to service is a clear sign that you’re applying Jesus’ teachings to your life.
9. You strive to live a life of integrity
Finally, Jesus’ teachings place a high emphasis on integrity. He urged people to be honest, trustworthy, and to keep their word, right?
So, if you begin to notice that you’re making more conscious efforts to live a life of integrity, this is a clear sign that you’re successfully applying Jesus’ teachings.
Living with integrity means being honest, even when it’s hard. It means keeping your promises and being reliable. It’s about having your actions match your words, and living in a way that aligns with your beliefs and values.
This change might be subtle and personal. You might notice that you’re more conscious of little decisions – whether to keep a promise, whether to tell a white lie, or whether to take responsibility for a mistake.
Striving for integrity in all aspects of life demonstrates a commitment to the principles Jesus taught, and is a sure sign that His teachings are impacting your life profoundly.
Living out the teachings of Jesus
Incorporating Jesus’ teachings into our lives is a transformative process. It’s not about instant perfection, but gradual growth and consistent effort.
These 9 changes are not just indicators of spiritual growth. They are milestones in your faith journey.
But this is just the beginning.
The journey of faith is a lifelong one, filled with continuous learning and growth.
The next step is to deepen your practice. And guess what?
One effective way to deepen your practice is to share it with others.
This could mean discussing Jesus’ teachings with friends or family members, or it could involve more formal settings like church groups or Bible study classes.
In either case, remember that this transformation is not just about personal spiritual growth. It also serves as a beacon of Jesus’ love, inspiring others to embark on their own spiritual journey.
