HEARTS LIKE JESUS
The greatest need in the church today is not more programs, larger buildings, or greater popularity. The greatest need is for believers to develop hearts like Jesus.
The Lord’s concern was never merely external obedience. He taught that the heart is the source of a person’s words, actions, and attitudes (Matthew 15:18-19).
If we are to be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29), we must learn to think, love, and respond as He did.
The Bible reveals several characteristics that marked the heart of Christ and should mark the hearts of His followers.
He was compassionate. When Jesus looked upon the multitudes, He was “moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).
The Greek word translated “compassion” refers to deep inward concern. Christ did not merely notice people’s suffering. He cared about it.
He fed the hungry (Mark 6:34-44), healed the sick (Matthew 14:14), and wept with those who mourned (John 11:35).
Christians must guard against becoming indifferent to the needs of others. Paul instructed believers to be “kind to one another, tenderhearted” (Ephesians 4:32).
Hearts like Jesus are compassionate hearts.
He was forgiving. Jesus taught forgiveness and demonstrated it. Even while hanging on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).
His teaching was consistent with His example. He commanded His disciples to forgive others from the heart (Matthew 18:35).
Forgiveness does not ignore sin, nor does it excuse wrongdoing. It chooses to release bitterness and leave vengeance in God’s hands (Romans 12:19).
A heart that refuses to forgive cannot truly reflect the spirit of Christ. Hearts like Jesus are forgiving hearts.
He was obedient. Jesus said, “I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29). His life was characterized by submission to the Father’s will. In the garden He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).
Obedience was not occasional with Christ. It was a way of life. The writer of Hebrews emphasized that He learned obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).
Modern disciples must resist the temptation to follow personal preference instead of divine instruction.
Hearts like Jesus seek God’s will above all else.
The Christian life is ultimately a matter of transformation. God does not simply want changed behavior. He wants changed hearts.
When believers develop compassionate hearts, forgiving hearts, and obedient hearts, they reflect the character of the Savior.
The goal is not merely to admire Jesus but to imitate Him (1 Corinthians 11:1). As we study His life in the word of God and submit to His teaching, we become more like the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.
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Father, help us to develop hearts like Jesus. Fill us with compassion for those who suffer, forgiveness toward those who wrong us, and obedience to Your will in all things. May our words, attitudes, and actions reflect the character of Your Son. In His name we pray, Amen.
BDD
