Jesus was a revolutionary figure who challenged the traditions, religion and beliefs existing at that time. In Mark 7:9 He said to some religious leaders, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.”
Years later, His mission, what is known as Christianity, now inspires the world. If Christianity be worthy of admiration on account of the sublime mysteries it reveals, it is no less so on account of the pure morality it inculcates.
For those whose minds are ready to be expanded and whose hearts are yearning to be touched, whether Christian or non-Christian, the life lessons of Jesus will help them grow in their ability to reflect the character of Jesus.
Here are 9 life lessons anyone can learn from Jesus:
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” -Matthew 5:40-42
When we are being confronted, it’s human nature to fight back. But, when we pull them closer to us instead of pushing them back, imagine the surprise. There would also be less conflict. Besides, it’s more rewarding to love those who cannot love us back. Be forbearing and love those who criticize you.
And, if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” - Matthew 5:40-42
Always go the extra mile - in your career, in your business, in your relationships, in your service, in loving others, and in everything you do. Pursue excellence in all your undertakings. Always go beyond what is required.
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For, in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you - Matthew 7:1-2
If you measure others’ success based on their finances, chances are that’s how you measure your own success. If you measure their success based on their job titles, chances are that’s how you measure your own success. Do you need to change the measure you use? How you look at others is a reflection of how you look at yourself.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. - Matthew 7:12
This is the most important life lesson of Jesus. This is probably Jesus’s most popular lesson for Christians and non-Christians alike. What do you want others to do for you? Do the same for them. No matter what you believe in, you can never go wrong with this Golden Rule. Follow the Golden Rule.
Then, Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. - Matthew 18:21-22
Unforgiveness weighs down on not only the unforgiven person, but also the person not forgiving. Set others free by forgiving them and, ultimately, you set yourself free. Also, just like how you make the same mistakes over and over again, allow others to make the same mistakes. Besides, nobody is perfect, right?Forgive others… countless times if necessary.
Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. - Matthew 7:17-20
We often tell others that we are more than they think we are. We live in a results-based world. Instead of just saying that we are more, let take more action, and deliver more results. That would be more than enough proof to them. Don’t just say good things, do good things. Don’t just declare your big dreams, take action to make them a reality. Prove your worth through your works, not your words.
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.- Matthew 6:1-4
A test of genuine giving is when you give without expecting any praise or recognition in return. Also, you can only feel the deep joy in giving when you give without anyone knowing. Give in secret and give anonymously. You will grow in generosity and gratitude that way. If you want to give genuinely, give in secret.
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds in the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? - Matthew 6:25-27,34
Yes, saving for the rainy day (and retirement) is important. But the present is all we truly have. Learn how to be more in the present by letting go of your worries and anxieties for tomorrow.
Just do your best this very day and trust that tomorrow will take care of itself. Live your life one day at a time.Stop worrying and live for today.
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” - Matthew 23:11-12
Think about great people like Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Theresa, and Gandhi. They are forever immortalized because they lived their lives in service to others and to what they believed in.
Also, the greatest companies in the world like Apple are the ones that serve the most through their products. The more you serve, the greater you will be. If you want to be great, serve.