Paul writes, Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
When Paul pens these words, he is encouraging the Corinthians to be tolerant of people who may have different ideas about matters of opinion. He’s telling them to be a flexible, tolerant person like He is and how Christ is.
Peter says, For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21-23). When Peter says these things, he’s speaking about how we are to join with Christ in suffering and persecution and deal with it in the way that Christ dealt with it.
Both passages tell us to look at Jesus as the way we should be. He sets the standard, and He is who we aspire to be like. Christians should be looking to imitate Jesus, the central figure of our faith in Jesus Christ. His life, teachings, and example serve as the foundation upon which our beliefs and actions are built.
Christians should strive to emulate Jesus in their daily lives, seeking to be more Christ-like in their words and deeds. In this article, let’s explore ways in which Christians can imitate Jesus Christ and live a life that reflects His teachings and values.
- Practice Love and Compassion – One of the most profound teachings of Jesus is the command to love one another. He demonstrated this love through acts of compassion, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and reaching out to those on the margins of society. Christians can imitate Jesus by showing love and compassion to those in need, whether it be through charitable acts, volunteering, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in distress. Today, I want you to mimic Jesus by looking for ways you can practice love and compassion.
- Forgiveness – Jesus emphasized forgiveness as a fundamental aspect of Christian living. He forgave those who crucified Him, and He taught His followers to forgive others unconditionally. Imitating Jesus in this regard involves letting go of grudges and resentment and seeking reconciliation in relationships. Forgiving others, even when it is difficult, is a powerful way to mirror His example. Today, I want you to mimic Jesus by looking for opportunities to forgive others and yourself.
- Humility – Jesus, despite being the Son of God, lived a life of humility and service. He washed His disciples’ feet and associated with the marginalized in society. Christians can imitate this humility by being servants to others, putting others’ needs above their own, and avoiding pride and arrogance. Today, I want you to mimic Jesus by humbly keeping yourself in check, knowing that arrogance has no place in Christianity.
- Living a life of Integrity – Jesus lived a life of moral and ethical integrity. He never compromised His values or principles. Christians can imitate Him by striving to live a life of honesty, integrity, and moral purity. This includes resisting temptation and making ethical choices in all aspects of life. Today, I want you to mimic Jesus by deciding that you will do the right thing every time; even if you are not perfect, you can and will strive to be.
- Promote Peace – In Scripture, Jesus is referred to as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and His teachings encourage peacemaking and reconciliation. Christians can imitate Him by seeking to resolve conflicts, promoting peace in their relationships and communities, and working toward social justice and reconciliation. Today, I want you to mimic Jesus by creating peace and working through conflict with the goal of peace in mind.
Imitating Jesus Christ is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, self-reflection, and daily practice. While perfection is unattainable, striving to live a life that reflects His teachings and values can lead to personal growth and a more meaningful Christian walk. By practicing love, compassion, forgiveness, humility, integrity, and peace, Christians can make a positive impact on the world and draw closer to the example set by the Savior we hold dear. Let’s mimic Jesus.
I love you,
Alex Mills