Setting the Stage for That Age-Old Question
Picture this, okay? You’re in line at a super busy coffee shop, and guess what? The person ahead of you is short a dollar. What’s your move? Maybe you help them out, or, like, maybe you just kind of look the other way.
But wait, let’s raise the bar a little: What if that person is actually being, you know, a little rude or just flat-out demanding? It’s in these tiny, everyday moments when our character really gets put to the test. That’s exactly when it’s worth hitting pause and asking, “Hey, what would Jesus do here?”
This classic little phrase, “WWJD,” has, in a way, nudged so many people to really stop and think about how Jesus’ life connects to our everyday struggles. But, like, how do we even begin to live like Him in the world we’re dealing with today?
Let’s sort of dig into how Jesus’ example could nudge us toward a life that’s big on kindness and meaning.
Getting to Know Jesus as Our Go-To Role Model
Jesus wasn’t just out here tossing around lessons; He really, truly lived out the things He taught. His life? It’s basically this hands-on guide to loving and living with purpose. Like, take Zacchaeus for instance—the guy was a tax collector, and not exactly loved by the crowd (Luke 19:1-10).
But when Jesus saw him, instead of dishing out guilt trips or pointing fingers, He chose to hang out at Zacchaeus’ house. That simple act of kindness? It flipped Zacchaeus’ world upside down.
Then there’s that time when an angry mob dragged a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, thinking He’d join in on the shaming (John 8:1-11). But Jesus? Nah, He’s like, “If you’ve never messed up, go ahead and throw the first stone.” Spoiler: No one did. Mercy over judgment—that’s the vibe He’s teaching us.
Finding Compassion in Today’s Wild World
Dealing with Life’s Curveballs
Let’s not sugarcoat it—life’s kind of messy. Social media squabbles, global drama, personal struggles—it’s all a bit much sometimes, isn’t it? But here’s the thing: these are the moments when we’re really called to step up and do the Jesus thing—spread a little compassion where it’s needed most.
Remember when Jesus said, “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat” (Matt 25:35-40)? That’s not just pie-in-the-sky stuff; it’s the kind of thing we can actually do every day.
Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus
So how do we, like, bring this compassion thing to life? Here’s a few ideas:
- Volunteer Your Time: Whether it’s helping out at a food bank or lending a hand at a shelter, even a little time can mean the world to someone else.
- Give What You Can: Maybe it’s a bit of cash, or maybe it’s just being a good listener. Whatever you’ve got, share it (2 Cor 9:7).
- Show Some Empathy: Instead of judging, why not ask, “Hey, how can I help?” Small kindnesses can go a long way.
- Living Out Purpose in the Everyday
Figuring Out Your Thing
Here’s the deal: Jesus’ disciples weren’t, like, some superhero squad. They were regular folks—fishermen, tax guys, just your average people. But when Jesus said, “Follow Me,” they dropped everything (Matt 4:18-22). So what’s that mean for us? It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being willing.
Ask yourself:
- What gets you fired up or makes your heart ache?
- How can you show up for others in the everyday stuff?
These little questions can nudge you toward something bigger. And seriously, even the tiniest steps can add up.
Purpose Right Where You Are
You don’t need a big flashy plan to live with purpose. Start small, start local. Maybe it’s giving someone at work a pep talk or being extra patient with family. Jesus said, “You’re the light of the world” (Matt 5:14). Shine a bit where you’re at.
Forgiveness: The Real Freedom Move
Learning from Jesus
Here’s a big one: when Jesus was on the cross, He prayed for the people who put Him there. “Father, forgive them,” He said, “they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34). Forgiveness isn’t just about being nice; it’s like this weight-lifting thing that helps you move on. Carrying grudges? That stuff’s heavy.
Trying Forgiveness Out
- Pray About It: Ask God to help you let go of the hurt.
- Start Small: Let those tiny annoyances roll off your back.
- Have the Hard Talks: When it’s possible, try to hash it out with the person who hurt you.
Shining Your Light When It’s Dark
Doing What Jesus Would Do
Jesus called Himself the “light of the world” (John 8:12), and He’s passing the torch to us. Whether it’s sharing your faith, being there for someone in a rough patch, or standing up for what’s right, we’ve all got a role to play.
Practical Tips for Being That Light
- Find Your People: Hang out with folks who lift you up and keep you grounded.
- Lift Others Up: Sometimes a kind word is all it takes to make someone’s day better.
- Stick Close to Scripture: Let the Bible guide your steps (Ps 119:105).
Wrapping It Up: Back to the Big Question
Living like Jesus? It’s not always the easiest route, but it’s 100% worth it. When you stop for a second and ask, “What would Jesus do?” you’re making room for God to show up in your choices. And don’t worry—Jesus isn’t asking for perfect; He’s looking for hearts that are up for it.
So start small, be kind, forgive when it’s hard, and live with a bit of purpose. And when you’re not sure what’s next, just think about His example. Like Paul says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5).
Now, go ahead and do your thing—with compassion and a little purpose—just like Jesus would.
