Following His Words Changes Everything
Over time, I’ve discovered that truly following the words of Jesus — His actual words in Scripture — is not only transformative, it’s the purest way to live a life of faith.
It hasn’t made me a “liberal.” It hasn’t made me “woke.”
It has made me something far simpler, and infinitely deeper:
A follower of Jesus.
When you follow what He actually said, not filtered through culture or politics or fear, but taken straight from His mouth and lived out in daily life — everything changes.
“What Would Jesus Do?” — More Than a Bracelet
Those of us who grew up in the 90s remember the WWJD bracelets. They asked a question that still matters deeply: What would Jesus do?
But the truth is, we don’t have to wonder. Jesus told us exactly what He would do.
“I give you a new commandment: that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
— John 13:34–35
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
— Matthew 5:43–44
This is what Jesus would do.
And this is what He did do — again and again.
The Words That Change Everything
Jesus’ words are not abstract theology — they are living truth.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
— Luke 6:37
“Let the one who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone.”
— John 8:7
“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the log in your own?”
— Matthew 7:3
When we stop judging and start forgiving, we begin to live the Gospel — not just believe it.
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
— Luke 6:36
Living the Sermon
If we want to know what Jesus would do, we can read the Sermon on the Mount.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
— Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
— Matthew 5:9
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
— Matthew 5:14
“Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.”
— Matthew 7:12
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up treasures in heaven.”
— Matthew 6:19–20
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28
These are not metaphors — they are invitations.
When the Church Forgets the Christ
“This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
— Matthew 15:8
Jesus spoke those words to religious leaders who were convinced they were doing God’s work — yet their actions told another story.
And today, we see similar patterns in certain conservative and institutional forms of Christianity: faith that speaks His name, but often acts in opposition to His heart.
Excluding Those He Welcomed
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
— Mark 2:17
Jesus welcomed tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, and outcasts. Yet today, the Church often excludes LGBTQ+ people, silences women, and condemns rather than embraces.
“For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in.”
— Matthew 25:42–43
The failure to love is the failure of faith.
Trading the Kingdom for Political Power
“My kingdom is not of this world.”
— John 18:36
Too many Christian institutions now pursue political dominance instead of spiritual service. They legislate morality but neglect mercy.
“You cannot serve both God and money.”
— Matthew 6:24
The Church loses its soul when it seeks worldly influence more than divine intimacy.
Judging Where Jesus Commanded Mercy
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged.”
— Luke 6:37
“Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.”
— John 8:7
If Jesus stood before many pulpits today, He might ask:
“Why are you throwing stones I already died to remove?”
Neglecting the Poor and Glorifying the Wealthy
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”
— Luke 6:20
“Woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.”
— Luke 6:24
Jesus centered the poor, yet much of the Church glorifies wealth. The Gospel of prosperity has replaced the Gospel of compassion.
Failing to Be Peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
— Matthew 5:9
“Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
— Matthew 26:52
When Christianity justifies violence, nationalism, or vengeance, it betrays its founder — the Prince of Peace.
When Religion Replaces Relationship
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices… but you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness.”
— Matthew 23:23
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
— Mark 2:27
Faith without compassion is a hollow shell. The Church must never value rules more than people.
The Invitation Back to Love
Despite it all, the invitation of Christ remains open:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28
“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love.”
— John 15:9
If we — as individuals and as a Church — return to His words, His compassion, and His example, the world would see again the beauty of the Gospel.
“Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
— Matthew 9:13
That’s what He asked. That’s what He lived.
And that’s what He’s still waiting for us to do.
So What Can We Do?
If this reflection speaks to your heart, share it. Let’s remind the world that Christianity isn’t about control, fear, or division — it’s about love lived boldly, so:
“Go and do likewise.”
— Luke 10:37