What Sort of Things Will Faithful Followers of Jesus Do?

Introduction

Those who have faith in Jesus are called to live according to His teachings and commandments. This article explores what sort of actions and behaviors these followers should exhibit based on the teachings found in the Bible, highlighting the importance of loving others and following Jesus' example.

Following in Jesus' Footsteps

The Bible teaches us that those who follow Jesus should do what He did and what He commanded His followers to do. For instance, Jesus Himself said, 'I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities because for this I was sent' (Luke 4:43). He also emphasized the importance of spreading the gospel, stating, 'And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations and then the end will come' (Matthew 24:14).

Furthermore, He said, 'And just as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me’ (Matthew 25:40, NIV). This highlights the responsibility of believers to love one another and show mercy, just as Jesus showed mercy.

Commandments and Principles

Jesus reinforced the importance of loving God and loving one’s neighbor. He declared, 'If you love me, keep my commands' (John 14:15, KJV). The Bible further elaborates, stating, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment' (Matthew 22:37, NIV).

Additionally, Jesus taught, 'And the second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." There is nothing greater than these' (Matthew 22:39, NIV). These principles guide believers to prioritize love and kindness in their relationships and actions.

Living a Disciple’s Life

To be a true disciple of Jesus, one must follow His example of living a life of sacrifice and obedience. Jesus said, 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me' (Matthew 16:24, KJV). This calls for surrendering one’s own will to God’s will and embracing the call to follow Him.

Praying and Obedience

Prayer is another key aspect of a Christian’s life. Jesus taught, 'Lord, teach us to pray' (Luke 11:1, KJV). Praying not only helps believers communicate with God but also strengthens their faith and dependence on Him.

Obedience to God and His commandments is also crucial. As Jesus said, 'If you love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15, KJV). This includes reading and understanding the Bible, which is God’s word to us, as He said, 'Have you not read?' (Matthew 22:31, KJV).

A Call to Love and Mercy

There’s a stark contrast between how Christians should behave and the actions of those who misuse their faith. True followers of Jesus should love and forgive others, just as He did. Christians should not lie, cheat, or manipulate others, nor should they pressure others to believe as they do. They should avoid imposing their will on others or being intolerant of differences.

Instead, followers should strive to show mercy and forgiveness. As Jesus said, 'Go and sin no more' (John 8:11, KJV). This encourages believers to continually seek to do better and to repent of their sins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the actions and behaviors of faithful followers of Jesus should reflect the love, mercy, and obedience found in the teachings of the Bible. Following in Jesus' footsteps means loving God, loving one's neighbor, and intimately following His example and commandments. This not only strengthens one's own faith but also brings glory to God and inspires others to follow the same path.