Putting On The Character Of Jesus

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character in every aspect of our lives. The Bible urges us to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). This means embodying His nature, compassion, humility, and love, even when we are mistreated.

Jesus walked in compassion, always seeing people through the eyes of the Father. When He looked at the crowds, He was moved with compassion because they were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Even on the cross, as He suffered unjustly, He prayed for those crucifying Him: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). True compassion doesn’t wait for an apology or for someone to deserve it; it flows from a heart surrendered to God.

Humility was also at the core of Jesus’ life. Though He was God, He humbled Himself, taking on the nature of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). He knelt and washed the feet of His disciples, including Judas, who would betray Him. When Peter protested, Jesus told him, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14-15). Humility teaches us to let go of pride and to serve, rather than seek to be served.

And then there is love, the very essence of who Jesus is. He demonstrated the greatest love by laying down His life for us, not when we were worthy, but “while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). Love is not just a feeling; it’s an action, a choice to extend grace and kindness, even to those who don’t deserve it. Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart and to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39).

But while Jesus is full of mercy, He is also a righteous Judge. Many today focus on His love and grace, but we cannot forget that He will hold every person accountable. “The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). Sin has real consequences. Romans 6:23 reminds us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Galatians 6:7 warns us, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” God’s grace does not eliminate His justice.

There will come a day when every person stands before Him. Revelation 20:12 describes the final judgment: “The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” No sin will go unnoticed, and no good deed done in His name will go unrewarded. Hebrews 10:30-31 reminds us, “The Lord will judge His people. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

This is why we must choose daily to put on Christ (Romans 13:14), to walk in obedience, and to extend His love even when it’s difficult. Vengeance and justice belong to the Lord; our role is to be the light in a dark world. When we choose compassion, humility, and love, we are not just imitating Jesus, we are preparing for eternity.

So today, let’s commit to putting on the character of Christ, not just in easy moments, but especially when it’s hard. Let’s love when it’s undeserved, serve when it’s inconvenient, and trust in His justice rather than seeking our own. Because in the end, we will all stand before Him and may He find us faithful.