What Can I Do to Be Like Jesus?

Introduction: A Cry of the Heart, Not Just a Question

“What can I do to be like Jesus?”

      This is not a religious question. It is the cry of a sincere heart that longs for transformation. Many people admire Jesus. Some quote Him. Others sing about Him. But to be like Jesus is deeper than admiration—it is imitation through transformation. It is allowing His life to be formed in you, not merely followed from a distance.

      The Bible makes God’s desire very clear:

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:29)

      God’s goal for your life is not just success, comfort, or recognition—it is Christlikeness. Becoming like Jesus begins internally, and learning how to have a mindset like Jesus helps shape the thoughts, attitudes, and responses that reflect His character. This journey is not instant, and it is not superficial. It happens as you walk with God daily, yielding your heart, habits, and character to Him.

      This teaching answers the question not with religious rules, but with biblical truths that shape a life like Jesus from the inside out.

1. Begin With a Genuine Relationship, Not Imitation

      You cannot truly be like Jesus if you only try to copy His actions without knowing His heart. Christianity is not behavior modification—it is life transformation. True transformation begins in the mind, which is why understanding the power of a renewed mind through God’s Word is essential for anyone who desires to live like Jesus.

      Jesus said:

“Abide in Me, and I in you… for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4–5)

      Being like Jesus flows from intimacy, not effort. Many people try to act like Christ without first walking with Christ. This leads to burnout, hypocrisy, or frustration.

      A deep relationship with Jesus—through prayer, worship, and surrender—is the foundation. When you stay connected to Him, His life begins to flow naturally through you.

2. Learn Obedience in the Small, Hidden Places

      Jesus was obedient long before He was visible. The Bible tells us He lived quietly under authority for many years before public ministry:

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52)

      To be like Jesus, you must value obedience when no one is watching. God shapes Christlike character in private long before He displays it in public.

      Obedience is not selective. It includes:

• Obeying God when it costs you comfort
• Obeying when it challenges your pride
• Obeying when it delays your desires

      Jesus said:

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

      Christlikeness grows where obedience is practiced consistently, not occasionally.

3. Embrace Humility as a Way of Life

      Jesus did not live to prove His greatness. He lived to serve.

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:45)

      Humility is not thinking less of yourself—it is thinking less about yourself. This humility is central to understanding what it truly means to live a Christlike life, one shaped by service, obedience, and love rather than self-promotion.

Jesus was secure in His identity, so He did not compete, compare, or seek validation.

      To be like Jesus means:

• Choosing servanthood over status
• Listening more than speaking
• Valuing others above yourself

“Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)

      Pride hardens the heart. Humility softens it and makes it usable by God.

4. Walk in Love, Even When It Is Costly

      Love was the defining mark of Jesus’ life. He loved the unlovable. He forgave the guilty. He prayed for those who hurt Him.

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

      Being like Jesus means loving beyond emotion. Biblical love is not passive—it is sacrificial.

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.” (1 John 3:16)

      Christlike love shows up when:

• Forgiveness feels undeserved
• Kindness is not returned
• Mercy is misunderstood

      This kind of love is impossible without God’s grace—but it is powerful evidence of Christ’s life in you.

5. Develop a Prayerful Dependence on God

      Jesus prayed—often, deeply, and intentionally.

“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

      If Jesus, the Son of God, depended on prayer, how much more do we?

      Prayer is where Christlikeness is formed. It aligns your heart with God’s will, softens your spirit, and sharpens your discernment.

      To be like Jesus:

• Pray before major decisions
• Pray in moments of pressure
• Pray when weak, not only when strong

      Prayer keeps the soul tender and the spirit sensitive to God.

6. Live With Compassion for Broken People

      Jesus never looked at people as interruptions—He saw them as assignments of love.

“When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion.” (Matthew 9:36)

      Christlike living involves seeing people through God’s eyes. It means responding to pain with mercy instead of judgment.

      Compassion does not excuse sin, but it does not crush the sinner either.

      To be like Jesus, ask:

• Who is hurting around me?
• Who feels unseen or forgotten?
• Who needs grace more than correction?

      God often uses compassionate hearts more than gifted hands.

7. Choose Righteousness Over Popularity

      Jesus was not driven by approval. He spoke the truth even when it offended.

“Woe to you when all men speak well of you.” (Luke 6:26)

      Being like Jesus sometimes means standing alone. It means choosing truth over trends and holiness over applause.

      Righteousness costs something—but compromise costs more.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33)

      A Christlike life is not always celebrated, but it is always pleasing to God.

8. Persevere Faithfully Through Suffering

      Jesus did not escape suffering—He endured it with faith.

“For the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross.” (Hebrews 12:2)

      Suffering does not mean you are unlike Jesus. Sometimes, it means you are becoming more like Him.

      To be like Jesus in suffering:

• Trust God’s purpose
• Refuse bitterness
• Remain obedient

      God often uses pain to shape eternal character.

9. Walk Daily With the Help of the Holy Spirit

      Christlikeness is not achieved by human strength. As believers rely on the Spirit, learning how to build a powerful Christian mindset according to Scripture becomes a vital part of daily spiritual growth.

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” (Zechariah 4:6)

      The Holy Spirit:

• Convicts gently
• Guides faithfully
• Empowers obedience

“As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

      You become like Jesus by walking with the Spirit, not struggling alone.

Conclusion: Becoming Like Jesus Is a Journey of Grace

      Being like Jesus is not about perfection—it is about direction. This journey is gradual and intentional, and Scripture reminds us that growing to be like Christ happens over time as we yield daily to God’s work in us. It is a daily choice to yield, to love, to obey, and to walk with God.

      Transformation happens slowly, quietly, faithfully.

“And we all… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

      As you walk with Him, Jesus shapes your heart, your reactions, your values, and your life. One day at a time, you begin to look less like the world—and more like Christ. 

      May God give you the grace not just to follow Jesus, but to reflect Him—in thought, in word, and in deed.