As a Christian, understanding the purpose of life is an essential part of our faith. We look to Jesus Christ as our guide and model for living a life filled with purpose and meaning. In this article, we will explore what Jesus teaches us about the purpose of life.
The Purpose of Life According to Jesus
Jesus teaches us that the purpose of life is to love God and love others. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
This means that our primary goal in life should be to love God with everything we have, including our thoughts, emotions, and actions. We should also love others as we love ourselves, treating them with kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and respect.
How Do We Love God
To love God means to obey His commands (John 14:15). This includes keeping His Word (John 15:10), loving one another (John 13:34), serving others (Mark 10:45), sharing our faith (Matthew 28:19-20), and living a holy life (1 Peter 1:15-16).
We also show our love for God through prayer (Luke 18:1), worship (John 4:24), thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), fasting (Matthew 6:17-18), giving (2 Corinthians 9:7), reading His Word (Psalm 119:105), and being filled with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
Jesus sets an example for us in loving God by spending time in prayer (Luke 5:16), seeking His will (John 5:30), doing His work (John 4:34), and ultimately giving His life for us on the cross (John 15:13).
How Do We Love Others
To love others means to treat them as we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). We should show kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or social status.
Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44), to feed the hungry and clothe the naked (Matthew 25:35-36), to visit the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:36), and to welcome strangers and foreigners (Matthew 25:38).
We should also be peacemakers, reconciling broken relationships and promoting unity among all people (Matthew 5:9). By loving others in this way, we reflect the love of God and bring glory to Him.
The Ultimate Purpose of Life
Ultimately, the purpose of life is not just about loving God and loving others. It’s about living a life that honors God and fulfills His plan for our lives. This means discovering our unique gifts, talents, passions, and callings, and using them to serve God and make a difference in the world.
In Ephesians 2:10, Paul says that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This means that God has a specific purpose for each one of us that is aligned with His will. Our goal is to discover that purpose through prayer, seeking wise counsel from others, studying His Word, and listening closely to His voice.
When we live our lives with purpose, we find fulfillment, joy, and peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We also bring glory to God and make a positive impact on the world around us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the purpose of life according to Jesus is to love God and love others. By obeying His commands, following His example, and living a life that honors Him, we fulfill His plan for our lives and bring glory to Him. Let us strive to live with purpose and make a difference in the world for His sake.