Living Like JesusSample

Treat others the way Jesus would treat them. 

So, we’ve talked about how one of the best ways to share Jesus is to live like Him. But that’s easier said than done. Living like Jesus is hard—mainly because it involves loving people like Jesus. And loving people sounds easy, but it’s hard to do. Because if we’re going to love people like Jesus, that means loving every person like Jesus—including the people you don’t like. 

Jesus didn’t say to only love people who are kind to you. He said to love all people—especially your enemies! 

When you were a kid, you may have heard about The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. It’s a great idea. Jesus’ own idea, in fact! But what about when we think they don’t deserve it? Even when they’re being unkind to us? Even when they’re just so annoying you can’t even? The Golden Rule still holds. When we’re rude, annoying, or undeserving, don’t we want others to forgive us and show us grace? Yup. You know it’s true. And Jesus asks us to show the same forgiveness and grace we want others to show us—even though it can feel almost impossibly difficult to do. 

In fact, Jesus said the greatest law was to love God and to love people. It’s really important to Jesus—no loopholes or getting out of it. 

So, how can we love others when it doesn’t come naturally to us? We’ve got to change the way we see them. First, we’ve got to realize that we’re all made in the image of our Creator. Think about that for a second. You—and every person you know—was hand-crafted by God. And all of us are created in His image. Isn’t that mind-blowing? 

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we’re God’s masterpieces. So, first, believe that about yourself. God created you exactly the way He wanted you. And when you believe that, it’s easier to extend that kind of love and acceptance to others. Secondly, if everyone is a masterpiece, that means every time you say something negative to someone, you’re insulting God’s most beautiful creation. It stops you cold, right?

James—the brother of Jesus—had some powerful words about this, too. He wrote the book of James in the Bible, and he said that with our mouths we worship God and then with those same mouths—we curse people around us who are made in God’s likeness. Ouch. When you worship God on Sunday, are you turning around and tearing people down on Monday? 

Let’s change the way we see the “others” in our lives. Let’s start seeing them as significant. And then let’s start treating them the way Jesus would treat them. So, the next time you’re tempted to speak or act harshly to someone around you, consider this: How would Jesus treat this person? Then do that. 

Pray: Jesus, I need Your help. Sometimes, it can feel impossible to love everyone around me. God, give me eyes to see people the way You see them. Help me to love people the way You would love them and to treat people the way You would treat them. In Jesus’ name, amen.