What Would Jesus Do? Asking the Hard Questions in Today’s World
A question for Christians
In an ever-changing and increasingly polarized world, Christians are frequently faced with moral and ethical dilemmas. Many turn to the timeless question, “What would Jesus do?” to guide their actions. This simple yet profound question compels believers to reflect on how Jesus modeled love, compassion, and humility, even in the face of complex issues. Below are four contemporary scenarios where this question becomes both relevant and challenging.
1. LGBTQ+ Rights and Inclusion
As society moves toward greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, Christians are often caught between the teachings of their faith and the call to love their neighbors. Imagine a coworker comes out as LGBTQ+ and invites you to their wedding. Some in your church may discourage you from attending, arguing it condones sin.
What would Jesus do? Jesus often broke societal and religious norms to extend love and compassion to those marginalized in His time. From dining with tax collectors to defending the woman caught in adultery, His actions were rooted in grace, not judgment. In this situation, a Christian might ask: How can I reflect Christ’s love while remaining true to my faith? Perhaps Jesus would focus on the person rather than the politics, prioritizing relationship over division.
2. Homelessness and Giving to the Poor
Walking down a busy street, you encounter a homeless person asking for money. You're unsure if your help will be used wisely, and others advise against giving, warning that it might "enable bad habits."
What would Jesus do? Throughout His ministry, Jesus displayed unwavering compassion for the poor and marginalized. In Matthew 25:40, He said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Reflecting on this, a Christian might consider giving generously and without judgment, trusting God to work through the act of kindness. Jesus saw people’s hearts, not their circumstances, and treated everyone with dignity and compassion.
3. Political Divisiveness
Family gatherings can quickly turn tense when politics enter the conversation. Imagine sitting around the dinner table when a heated debate breaks out over social policies. Accusations fly, and some family members judge others' faith based on their political stances.
What would Jesus do? Jesus consistently called for unity among His followers, even when they held differing perspectives. He prayed for His disciples to be one, as He and the Father are one (John 17:21). In moments of political tension, Christians might choose to listen humbly, seek common ground, and focus on shared values rather than fueling division. By embodying grace and humility, believers can reflect the peace that Jesus brought to every situation.
4. Forgiveness in the Face of Betrayal
Forgiving someone who has deeply wronged you can feel impossible. Imagine a friend or family member betrays your trust in a way that leaves you wounded. Others encourage you to sever ties and move on, but your faith calls you to something deeper.
What would Jesus do? Forgiveness is at the heart of Jesus’ teachings. On the cross, He forgave those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). For Christians, forgiveness isn’t about condoning wrong actions but about releasing bitterness and embracing the freedom that comes with grace. In this scenario, asking “What would Jesus do?” invites believers to choose mercy and reconciliation, even when it feels undeserved.
Living Out the Question
The question “What would Jesus do?” is not meant to be a quick answer but a starting point for deep reflection. It challenges Christians to live out their faith in ways that prioritize love, grace, and humility. By looking to Jesus as the ultimate example, believers can navigate even the most difficult situations with a heart aligned to His teachings.
In today’s world, where conflicts and complexities abound, the answer may not always be clear. But by seeking to emulate Christ’s love and compassion, Christians can make decisions that honor both their faith and their fellow human beings.