We Are Like Jesus
By Elder Ho Chung TatPassage: 1 John 4:9-19
This is a familiar passage to many of us. Oftentimes I will just skip through it thinking that I know what the passage is talking about. But not until recently when my attention was drawn to this little short verse in 17b. It says ‘In this world, we are like Jesus’ from the NIV version. In some other versions like NKJV or NSAB it says ‘because as He is, we also are in this world’. It simply means that because of who Jesus is, we are like Him in this world.
Wow, how do you feel when told you are like Jesus?
Do you feel the pressure to live it out? To be like Jesus, does it mean that we must dress like him in long flowing robes, with long flowing hair, with a beard or to talk and behave like him? All these are just external facades. You know the answers better than me.
Question: How can we be like Jesus, especially during this Lent season when we reflect on Christ’s sacrificial love for us?
The Bible says God is love but since no one at this present age has ever seen God, how can people receive God’s love unless through us?
1 John 4:12
‘No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us’.
To love one another is easier said than done and I am the first to admit that it is very difficult. In the course of my work with people, I was hurt many times by my so-called close friends. The hurts were so painful that anger and bitterness just welled up when i think of them. I know I must forgive and move on just as Jesus has forgiven me but it is so difficult, not until the Spirit convicted me one day.
Dear brothers and sisters, how can I say God is love when there is no love nor forgiveness in me?
It is only possible when I release them to God, asking God to remove the bitterness in my heart and start praying for their well-being. It is not easy but not impossible. Sometimes I have to repeat it again asking God to help me to love them especially when the hurts are deep. You know what, the devil is playing games in our mind and heart. He wants us to live a defeated life by clinging to our past, our unforgiven spirit. Let us not fall into his trap, be his footstool and make God a mockery. I can assure you when we let go our hurts and let God replace it with His love and start praying for those who hurt us much, God’s peace and calmness will fill our heart and mind.
Why don’t you try it out, and start praying for them when you are angry?
Reflect: Do you feel grateful to be told, ‘You are like Jesus’?
Is there someone who has wronged and hurt you so much that each time when his/her name comes into your mind, anger and bitterness just simply wells up? The Bible says God is love and if we cannot forgive people whom we can see, how can people see God in us whom they cannot see?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for forgiving my sins and accepting me as your child. Just as you love and forgive me, help me to love and to forgive others who have wronged me. It is not possible on my own strength but with your help and my determination it is possible.
Amen