Jesus: Becoming Like Jesus in Every Relationship

Key Text: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

After studying Judas, Thomas, Peter, and John, one truth becomes unmistakably clear. The real lesson was never about them. It has always been about Jesus. Every one of these men responded differently to Him, yet Jesus remained consistently Himself. Judas betrayed Him, but He remained loving. Thomas doubted Him, but He remained patient. Peter failed Him, but He remained forgiving. John loved Him, but He remained humble. One of the greatest signs of spiritual maturity is refusing to let people’s behavior dictate your character. Never allow a Judas to turn you into a bitter person, a Thomas into an insecure person, a Peter into a cynical person, or even a John into a proud person.

Life will constantly test your ability to respond like Christ. Some people will misunderstand your motives. Others will disappoint your expectations. A few will celebrate your victories, while others may secretly wish you would fail. You cannot choose every person who enters your life, but you can always choose the spirit with which you respond. Anyone can be kind to kind people. The true test of Christlikeness is remaining gracious when grace is undeserved. After all, traffic lights do not stop working simply because impatient drivers are honking. They remain faithful to their assignment. So should we.

Perhaps the greatest relationship principle is this. Do not spend your life trying to change everyone around you while neglecting the work God wants to do within you. We often pray, “Lord, remove every Judas from my life,” while God is praying, “Become more like Jesus.” Character is God’s greatest miracle. Titles impress people, gifts attract people, but character sustains every relationship God entrusts to you. If you become like Christ, you will know how to handle every Judas, every Thomas, every Peter, and every John that God allows to cross your path.

Prayer and Confession
Father, conform me to the image of Christ. Let my responses be governed by Your Spirit rather than by people’s actions. Teach me to love with wisdom, forgive with sincerity, exercise discernment without bitterness, and remain faithful regardless of how others treat me. May my life reflect Jesus in every relationship. In His name, Amen.

Reflection
Which of these four relationship types has influenced your character the most? What one Christlike quality is the Holy Spirit asking you to develop as you respond to people from this day forward?

Further Reading: Romans 8:29, Ephesians 4:31-32, Colossians 3:12-14, 1 Peter 2:21-23