Introduction
Jesus Christ is one of the most influential figures in history, and his teachings continue to inspire and impact millions of people around the world today. Even though his life on earth was relatively short, his message of love, compassion, and forgiveness has endured for more than two thousand years. In this blog post, we will explore the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and examine how they still hold relevance and significance today.
Well, who was Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, Israel, over two thousand years ago. He was the son of Mary and Joseph and was raised in Nazareth. At the age of thirty, he began his public ministry, which lasted for three years. During this time, he performed many miracles and taught the people about the kingdom of God. He also challenged the religious leaders of his time and was eventually arrested, tried, and sentenced to death by crucifixion. However, his death was not the end, and he rose from the dead three days later, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating his divinity.
What did Jesus Christ Teach?
Jesus Christ's teachings can be summed up in two great commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength" and "Love your neighbor as yourself." (see how both involve the love of others more than yourself?) He taught that love and forgiveness were the keys to living a fulfilling life and that everyone should treat others as they would like to be treated. He also taught that material possessions were not important and that people should focus on their spiritual well-being. Now before you go to the extreme and say Christians can't have nice things, that is not what I'm saying here. There are Christians who have plenty of material possessions. The difference between the Christian and the non-Christian is the thought process. The Christian understands that God blessed him or her to have these possessions while the non-Christian believes it was them being a good person or their own hard work that gave them the things they have.
How are Jesus Christ's teachings relevant today?
Jesus Christ's teachings are as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. In a world that is often marked by division, hatred, and conflict, his message of love and forgiveness can help bring people together. His teachings also provide a blueprint for how to live a fulfilling life, one that is not focused on material possessions but on spiritual growth and the well-being of others. By following his example, we can learn to treat others with kindness and compassion and work towards creating a more peaceful and just world.
How about some examples?
Since you know I can't leave you all alone with just information without something actionable, I've got 5 different teachings that were present in the bible that still show up today that you can take away from this post and try to implement today.
Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31): In a world where there is often division and animosity between different groups of people, Jesus' command to love our neighbors as ourselves is more important than ever. This means treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect, regardless of their race, religion, or background. When we love our neighbors as ourselves, we create a more inclusive and harmonious society.
How can we do this?: Actively seek to understand and empathize with people around us. Try to understand where they are coming from, meet them at their level, and help them where they are.
Forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15): Forgiveness is another key teaching of Jesus Christ that remains relevant today. Holding onto grudges and resentments can be toxic to our mental health and well-being. When we forgive others, we free ourselves from the burden of anger and bitterness. Jesus taught that we should forgive others not just once, but seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:21-22). By doing so, we can create space for healing and reconciliation in our relationships.
How can we do this?: Make a conscious effort to let go of anger and resentment. What helps me is by doing this: Give yourself 5 minutes to feel as angry as you want. Throw a tantrum, punch pillows, and do whatever you want for 5 minutes to release that anger in that moment. Then after that time, breathe and ask yourself if this situation will matter in 5 years. If not, let it go.
Be content with what you have (Luke 12:15): In a world that often values material possessions and wealth above all else, Jesus' teaching to be content with what we have is a refreshing reminder that true happiness cannot be found in material things. When we focus too much on acquiring material possessions, we can become consumed by greed and envy. By being content with what we have, we can find peace and happiness in the present moment.
How can we do this?: Fair warning, this will sound simple and cliche, but the reason why it's repeated so much is because it's true. Practicing gratitude and focusing on our blessings will recenter our focus on the positives and the things that we do have in life versus what we lack. This will help to resist the temptation to constantly compare and to build up an attitude of being happy for what it is that we have.
Serve others (Mark 10:43-45): Jesus taught that the greatest among us should be servants of all. In other words, we should prioritize serving others over seeking power or recognition for ourselves. This teaching is particularly relevant in today's society, where there is often a focus on individualism and self-promotion. By serving others, we can make a positive impact on the world and help those in need.
How can we do this?: Look for volunteering opportunities and other ways to help people in their daily life. Another way is to try to be a good listener and support people who may be struggling.
Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44): Perhaps one of the most challenging teachings of Jesus Christ is to love our enemies. This means treating those who have hurt us with kindness and forgiveness. While this may seem impossible, Jesus taught that when we love our enemies, we demonstrate the same kind of love God has for us (Matthew 5:45). By doing so, we can break the cycle of hatred and violence in our world.
How can we do this?: Look to empathize with those who hurt us or fling hurt in our direction. As a content creator, there will always be hate thrown in my direction especially when talking about anything faith-related. The mindset I've cultivated to deal with it takes a lot and I mean a lot of time, but eventually, you get to the point where you realize that people who resonate with what you are saying will quietly follow, listen and agree. The people who don't will leave comments and fling hate. A lot of times, this comes from them hurting on the inside whether it be from past pain or maybe they believed that God should've done something but didn't (i.e. why did he take a family member or a job away?). In all transparency, I still struggle with hate comments from time to time because they still sting. Sometimes my first inclination is to fire back with the same energy, but who does that end up helping? Exactly, no one. Instead, focus on being the stoic one and let the other person fume and rage or leave their hate. They're behind a keyboard and a screen anyway.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ continue to hold relevance and significance today. His message of love and forgiveness has the power to bring people together and inspire positive change. By following his example, we can learn to live more fulfilling lives and make a positive impact on the world around us. Let us continue to study his teachings and strive to put them into practice in our daily lives.
I really enjoyed writing this post. Let me know in the comments which teaching resonated with you the most!
