What was Jesus like? What are the attributes we should be imitating? If we are to do everything in his name, what does that look like? As a fun and helpful exercise, I asked several people to give me single words that described Jesus. Think about that for a minute or two. What words pop into your head? Here are a few that came up:
Humble Righteous Selfless
Obedient Submissive Trustworthy
Welcoming Encourager Example
Comforting Redeemer Eternal
Faithful Loving King
Amazing Sacrifice Savior
Perfect Sinless Patient
Forgiving Merciful Just
Kind Complete Compassionate
Holy Honest Infinite
Almighty Omniscient Leader
Teacher Servant Friend
Now, there are several here that I can mark off the list that I will never be. We’ve already established that I’m not perfect. I’m pretty sure I’m not omniscient, righteous or eternal. And, unless I buy an island somewhere and name myself supreme leader of that land, I’m fairly confident I will not be a king at any point in my lifetime.
But, what I can imitate are attributes like showing compassion and kindness, being humble and faithful. I can be honest, merciful and patient. I can strive to live a life of servanthood and sacrifice. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he said:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
These are the characteristics Jesus displayed in his years on earth. These are the characteristics we should be imitating in our daily lives.
Almost all these words that describe Jesus can be summed up in one word: Love. Jesus himself said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
(Taken from Married to Jesus, Chapter 1, To Be Like Jesus)
