What would Jesus do? It seems cliché, but this simple question can give so much direction and meaning to your life if you ask it sincerely. As you make decisions and find yourself facing difficult challenges, here are five ways how following Jesus can make you a better person and bless your life.
1) Following Jesus helps me to love and forgive others.
Jesus is a perfect example of love and forgiveness. During His life, He taught many times about forgiveness and charity through the way He lived and treated others.
Jesus loved and served everyone, regardless of their status in society, sins, or background as a Roman, Jew, or Gentile. People of all walks of life were touched by His goodness and sincere charity. Even when society would shun and abandon them, Jesus never did.
Many people persecuted Jesus and labeled His teachings as blasphemous and offensive. Despite this opposition, He chose to forgive His enemies and to treat them with respect. The most exceptional example of His ability to forgive was demonstrated on the cross. As He hung there battered and broken, He still prayed saying, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:24). By following His powerful example, we can develop love for those around us and learn to forgive those who hurt us.
2) Following Jesus brings me peace in a world filled with confusion.
It seems that no matter where you turn, there are stories and headlines of devastating natural disasters, political unrest, and among many other problems. Jesus gives us peace by showing us that while the world is a challenging and sometimes a dark place to be, we can choose to be “in” the world and not “of” the world. Our focus can be turned heavenward, knowing that Jesus reminds us, “…take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). He has overcome the world, and so can we! As we keep our focus on Jesus, He will fill our hearts with peace, comfort, and light.
3) Following Jesus fills my life with JOY despite my trials and struggles.
There is no way to make it through life without facing personal challenges, loss, suffering, or heartache. However, when we can find perspective in our suffering and the understanding that even Jesus suffered and overcame His trials, we can find deeper access to joy. As we remember Jesus and the deep suffering He endured for us, we recognize that we are never alone, and that He understands our pain and is there to carry our burdens.
4) Following Jesus gives me hope when I make mistakes.
We all have moments when we may slip up and fall short. Jesus does not want us to feel hopeless when this happens. Instead, He reminds us that He has suffered for our sins so that we can repent and try again. There is always hope for us as we trust in His power to save us.
5) Following Jesus reminds me that I am important.
Jesus was an amazing example of seeing each person for who they really are – a child of God. Just as He healed the blind man, the leper, and caused the lame to stand, He sees you for who you are, and celebrates the good within you. He loves you perfectly and promises to never leave you.
