Living Like Jesus: Loving, Praying, and Serving as the End Draws Near

Summary

The Christian life is defined by loving others as Jesus loved, actively, sacrificially, and consistently, because the end is near. Believers prepare by praying with clear minds, loving one another earnestly, and forgiving freely. Love is a deliberate commitment that covers sin rather than exposing it. Through hospitality and the faithful use of God-given gifts, every Christian is called to serve others so Christ is seen and God is praised.

Living like Jesus

What did you do last week that only a Christian would do? The goal of the Christian life is living like Jesus and loving as Jesus did. That means actively, self-sacrificially helping those who are undeserving.

That is a priority because the end is near. The judgment of which 1 Peter 4:5-6 speaks is at the door. It could appear in an eye blink.

Does that reality affect your daily behavior? If, for example, Jesus were to return in one minute, would He find you with an unforgiving spirit?

The Bible does not identify the time of the end. Instead, it announces the end is near.

Loving Others in Light of the End

Always be prepared for it. You do that by praying for, loving, and ministering to other believers.

Preparing Through Prayer and Self-Control

Prayer requires preparation. To pray effectively, you must think clearly, be self-controlled, and alert. Prayer is the mental work you must do to be more like Jesus.

Through prayer, you acknowledge your need and grasp God’s abundant grace for yourself and others. The context suggests you should pray for fellow believers to live morally excellent, God-glorifying lives.

Earnest Love That Endures Offenses

Choose to love believers eagerly and earnestly. God’s love is an epoxy glue commitment to others that temporarily hurt feelings can’t break. It continues when feelings fluctuate.

It’s about giving enthusiastically, not feelings. Nothing is more important (above all, 1 Peter 5:8). Is loving other believers your highest priority?

It has too much competition in my life. You can probably say the same about yourself.

Love That Covers Sin, Not Spreads It

“Love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV). Do not stir up sins and burn the telephone lines, social media, or the backyard fence with the latest gossip. Instead, silently forgive others’ shortcomings because God forgives your sins.

Hospitality as Practical Love

In the first century, hospitality was a concrete way to express love to other Christians in a world without modern inns, motels, or hotels. Hospitality is opening our hearts and homes to others. The goal is to serve, not impress them.

Hospitality isn’t a one-way ministry. Every Christian can and should minister to others.

Using God-Given Gifts to Serve Others

Do you believe that strongly enough to do it? Are you using the natural and supernatural gifts God has given you to help others?

Are you trusting God’s abundant strength to exercise your gifts? If you are, those you help will see Jesus in you and praise God for the help they receive. See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.

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God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 7,590 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 17,681 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting. 

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