Being a Christian isn’t always easy. Our calling is to try to imitate Christ in our daily lives.
What does this mean, and how can we do it?
The first thing we have to do is to understand who Jesus was, what his teachings are, and what He would do if He was in our situation.
When we look at who he was and his behavior in Biblical stories, we can find a model of how we’re supposed to act as Christians. The basis of it all is kindness, and its effect can be profound.
1) Deepened sense of empathy
One of the cornerstones of Jesus’ teachings is the principle of love and compassion towards one’s neighbor.
But Jesus hasn’t just called us to practice regular kindness, he’s called us to be extraordinarily altruistic.
This means going above and beyond whenever we can.
It means not turning a blind eye to the people around you who are suffering. It means entering into it even when it hurts.
This increased empathy can extend beyond your immediate circle, making you more aware of the struggles and needs of others in your community and the world at large.
You may find yourself moved to take action to help others in tangible ways, embodying the love that Jesus taught us to have for our neighbors.
2) Enhanced inner peace
Jesus says, “Do not be anxious about your life, seek first the kingdom of Heaven.”
One of the greatest surprises, when you live by Jesus’ teachings, is the profound sense of peace that envelops you. This peace isn’t dependent on external circumstances but springs from the internal alignment with spiritual principles.
This doesn’t mean you won’t face challenges or hardships. But, even amid trials, you’ll find a calm assurance, a stillness that helps you navigate life’s storms with grace.
This inner peace can become your anchor, providing stability in an ever-changing world. You’ll notice that things that used to upset you or cause stress don’t have the same effect anymore.
Why?
Because you’re drawing from a deeper source of peace that is rooted in faith and trust in God’s providence. It’s a change that influences your mental and emotional well-being, contributing to a more serene and balanced life.
3) Shift in priorities
As we become more aligned with Jesus’ teachings, an interesting shift occurs in our priorities.
What once seemed essential loses significance.
What we may have overlooked before becomes paramount.
This isn’t about abandoning our responsibilities or pursuits. Instead, it’s about reevaluating what truly matters in the light of spiritual wisdom.
Jesus taught us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
This teaching shifts our focus from worldly concerns to a balanced perspective that places spiritual growth at the forefront.
We begin to place higher value on virtues such as love, kindness, forgiveness, and integrity.
4) Increased resilience in the face of adversity
Have you ever wondered why some people remain calm and composed even in the face of adversity while others just panic?
A big change you’ll notice when you apply Jesus’ teachings daily is increased resilience during difficult times. This is because you can rely on Him to help you carry your burdens.
Jesus says:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
What do you think he meant by this?
Jesus didn’t promise a life free of trials. Instead, he said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
When you internalize these words, you develop a resilience that comes from a deep-seated faith. You start viewing challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for growth.
This doesn’t mean hardships become easy. It means that in the midst of difficulties, you find a strength you didn’t know you had. You become better equipped to handle life’s storms, knowing that they are temporary and that God is with you through it all.
5) Genuine humility
Humility is at the heart of Christianity.
Humility is a recurring theme in Jesus’ teachings. He encouraged his followers to be humble and demonstrated this through his own actions. As you incorporate Jesus’ teachings into your life, you’ll notice a shift towards genuine humility.
This doesn’t mean self-deprecation or a lack of self-esteem. It’s about recognizing our dependence on God, acknowledging our shortcomings, and being open to learning and growing.
Genuine humility can manifest in several ways:
- Being more open to feedback and criticism
- Expressing gratitude more often
- Putting others’ needs before your own
This shift towards humility can lead to improved relationships, as humility fosters understanding, patience, and respect. It can also enhance your spiritual growth, drawing you closer to God’s heart.
6) A strong sense of community
Jesus’ teachings emphasize love for one another, and this plays a significant role in building a strong sense of community. People aren’t meant to journey through life alone, and when we start living by Jesus’ teachings, we realize the importance of community.
We start seeking meaningful connections, valuing the strength that comes from unity. We understand that everyone has a unique role to play and that we are stronger when we support one another.
This sense of community doesn’t just remain confined to our immediate circle. It extends to all of humanity, reflecting Jesus’ teaching to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
This shift not only enriches our social interactions but also deepens our commitment to serve and uplift those around us. We become more inclined towards acts of kindness, generosity, and service, fostering a community spirit that echoes the teachings of Jesus.
7) Greater capacity for forgiveness
Imagine a situation where someone has wronged you.
Maybe they lied to you, betrayed your trust, or hurt you in some way. Your natural reaction might be anger or resentment. But when you start applying Jesus’ teachings in your life, you find an enhanced capacity to forgive.
Jesus taught us to forgive, “not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22).
This may sound like an uphill task, but as we grow in our spiritual journey, we find that forgiveness becomes easier.
Despite the misconception, it isn’t about letting people walk over us or ignoring wrongdoing. It’s about releasing the burden of resentment and bitterness that hinders our own growth.
As we learn to forgive, we experience a sense of liberation and peace that has profound effects on our mental and emotional well-being. This surprising change is yet another testament to the transformative power of Jesus’ teachings.
Living out Jesus’ teachings
Make no mistake. If you live out Jesus” teachings, your life will transform.
The transformative power of Jesus’ teachings, when applied daily, is nothing short of remarkable. It’s about realigning our lives with the principles Jesus lived by and seeing the world through a lens of love, compassion, and faith.
- Practice forgiveness regularly
- Value humility and empathy
- Prioritize spiritual growth over worldly pursuits
These changes are not overnight miracles but gradual transformations that shape us into better versions of ourselves.
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.
