Many Say ‘Just Believe’… But What Did Jesus Actually Teach? cont. from the O.P
About loving others
Belief in Jesus is not only about saying we believe, or knowing His name. Belief in Jesus is seen in how we treat others every day. Jesus made this very clear. Love is not a small part of faith. It is at the center of it. Without it, everything else loses its meaning.
John 13:34–35 (ASV)
“
A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Jesus says this is how people will know who truly follows Him. Not by words alone, not by knowledge, but by love. And not just any love, but “as I have loved you.” His love was patient, kind, and giving. He helped the weak, He fed the hungry, He showed mercy to sinners, and He did not turn away those who came to Him.
This means love is not only a feeling. It is action. It is helping when someone is in need. It is speaking gently instead of harshly. It is being patient when others are difficult. It is giving time, attention, and care.
Jesus goes even further and calls us to love beyond what feels natural.
Matthew 5:44–45 (ASV)
“But I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven…”
This kind of love is not easy. To love those who hurt us, to pray for them instead of speaking against them, this goes against the natural heart. But this is the love that shows God’s work in a person.
In daily life, this can be very simple. It can be choosing not to answer anger with anger. It can be helping someone who has not treated you well. It can be praying for someone who speaks against you. It can be showing kindness when you could choose to walk away.
Jesus also gives a warning about love growing cold.
Matthew 24:12 (ASV)
“And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold.”
This shows that love must be guarded. The world can harden the heart. Sin around us can make us tired and closed. But the believer must hold on to love and not let it fade.
So true belief is seen in love that continues. Not only when it is easy, but also when it is hard. This love shows that a person is walking with God.
About forgiving others
Jesus teaches that forgiveness is not separate from faith. It is part of it. A person who has received mercy must also give mercy. If we hold on to anger and refuse to forgive, it affects our own relationship with God.
Matthew 6:14–15 (ASV)
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
These words are direct and clear. Forgiveness is not optional. It is part of the path. A person cannot ask God for mercy while refusing to show mercy to others.
Peter once asked a question that many people still ask.
“Then came Peter and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21–22 (ASV)
Jesus is not giving a number to count. He is showing that forgiveness is a way of life. It is not limited. Just as God is patient, we are called to be patient.
Jesus also gave a parable to explain this more deeply.
Matthew 18:32–33 (ASV)
“Then his lord called him unto him, and saith to him, Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me: shouldest not thou also have had mercy on thy fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on thee?”
The message is simple. We forgive because we have been forgiven. When we remember how much mercy we have received, it helps us show mercy to others.
In daily life, forgiveness can be difficult. It can mean letting go of hurt that feels deep. It can mean choosing not to speak badly about someone who wronged you. It can mean refusing to seek revenge, even when you feel justified.
Forgiveness does not mean saying wrong is right. It means not holding hatred in the heart. It means giving the matter to God and choosing peace instead of bitterness.
This is part of true belief. A heart that follows Jesus will learn to forgive again and again.
About humility and becoming like a child
Jesus teaches that belief must be humble. Pride closes the heart, but humility opens it. A proud person trusts in himself. A humble person trusts in God.
Matthew 18:3–4 (ASV)
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
A child is simple. A child trusts, listens, and is ready to learn. Jesus says we must become like this. Not childish, but childlike in heart. Open, trusting, and willing to follow.
He also shows this through a simple example.
Luke 18:10–14 (ASV)
“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men…
But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner. I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
This shows the difference between pride and humility. One trusted in himself. The other saw his need and asked for mercy. Jesus says the humble one was accepted.
In daily life, humility shows in simple ways. It is being willing to listen. It is admitting when we are wrong. It is not thinking we are better than others. It is serving instead of seeking to be served.
Jesus also lived this Himself. He served others and did not seek honor from men.
Matthew 23:11–12 (ASV)
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
So the path is clear. The one who lowers himself will be lifted by God.
When we bring these teachings together, the message stays simple and strong.
Belief in Jesus is seen in love that acts, forgiveness that does not stop, and humility that trusts God.
These are not extra things added to faith. They are the life of faith.
A person who believes will learn to love, even when it is hard.
He will forgive again and again.
He will walk in humility, like a child before God.
This is the kind of heart Jesus is looking for, and this is the path He showed.
