bits from bob....

Into His Likeness

Text: 2 Cor. 3:18
adapted by Robert J. Young from an article by Don Phillips
©, 2001, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]

We need to know Jesus. Because we are Christ's body in this place, it is important to know how he related to people...all kinds of people--fisherman, hated publicans, sinful women, sick and infirm, politicians, religious hypocrites, little children, families, friends. The following list demonstrates Jesus' style in relating to people.

• 1. He varied his style. He taught. He listened. He told stories. He wept.
• 2. He related to people where they were.
• 3. He was willing to listen and understand (even though he knew the hearts of people).
• 4. He did not force his solutions on people prematurely.
• 5. He was personally involved with people.
• 6. He had compassion to meet people's needs.
• 7. He gave ultimate worth and respect to individuals.
• 8. He required people to accept responsibility for their own actions.
• 9. He gave hope and encouragement.
• 10. He helped people reshape and redirect their thinking.
• 11. His words and voice tone were appropriate to the occasion (he was never harsh with a sinner coming for help, but he was with religious hypocrites).
• 12. He emphasized right behavior.
• 13. He made himself available to people.
• 14. He took time with people.

If we were be "in his likeness" we must go and find some of these kinds of people and do what he did in relating to them. Go do what he did in relating to them. But do not go alone. You make the choice and the indwelling Holy Spirit will empower you...and that's a promise!