Matthew 16:24-25 Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.
The book “In His Steps” by Rev. Charles Sheldon, published in the 1900s became the best seller and popularized the catch phrase “What Would Jesus Do”? Both young and old wear WWJD bracelets and use the acronym “WWJD” in text messages to convey the profound message – ‘Do what Jesus would do’. The response to ‘WWJD’ would be ‘HWLF’ – “He Would Love First”. Jesus would not judge, condemn or react in anger. He would love, forgive and respond.
“What Would Jesus Do? Is an intriguing question that should stop us to think before we reply to a condescending email, insult or criticism. WWJD is a thought-provoking question to ‘respond’ and not ‘react’ to an assault, violation or bigotry. Our immediate reaction would be anger and hate but Jesus would respond with compassion and mercy.
Envious Jewish fanatics falsely accused Stephen, a zealous disciple of the early church, and stoned him to death. Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people (Acts 6:8). The scholars could not stand before Stephen who was powerfully anointed and full of divine wisdom. Hence, they spread slanderous rumours against him, seized and killed him. Stephen not only preached the “goodnews” of the gospel until his last breath but also did what Jesus did. He forgave the people who killed him as he gave up his life. “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:60b). Stephen did what Jesus did on the cross by forgiving the vile, envious and callous generation who nailed Him on the cross.
WWJD – What would Jesus Do?
1. Love: HWLF (“He Would Love First”) – Jesus would love first. Love should be our first response to haters, slanders and oppressors. Jesus said, “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27-28).
2. Let-Go: Jesus would forgive even before the offender asks for forgiveness. Forgive those who hurt you is easier said than done. The best technique to press past the painful feelings and forgive is to pray for those who hurt us. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:44).
3. Leverage: Jesus would leverage godliness and not grumpiness through the pain and suffering. Don’t entertain depression to inflict you but let the love of God influence your thinking. Leverage love not resentment and forgiveness not bitterness.
WWJD – What Would Jesus Do? Is a question that we must ask ourselves before making a decision, judgement or opinion.
1 Peter 2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, help to walk in our footsteps and do only what you would do at all times. Amen.
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