Often as I wake up and begin my morning, a line of a song will pop into my head. Because of my extensive Christian playlist, this should not be a surprise. What has been unusual in the past week is the same line of the same song has started my morning, even though I have maybe heard the full song once this week. The line – “I follow Jesus” from Phil Wickham’s The Jesus Way.

As I read through the rest of the lyrics from the song, Phil Wickham reminds us that choosing Jesus’ way may call for us to bless those who are cursing us or forgive those who are hurting us. Jesus defends the helpless, bears the burden of others, and offers hope for the hopeless. The love we offer is based on the example of how He loves others but more how He loves us, how He loves me. No matter what we face in life, because of His great love and sacrifice, His way is the only way.

I love how Paul gives basic instruction on how to do this in Romans 12:9-18.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:9-18)

This is Jesus’ way, but it is not always an easy way. While we may get upset when a stranger is unkind or treats us unfairly, greater hurt comes when a family member or friend treats us with the same type of disrespect or unkindness. Responding with love and grace in those situations is incredibly hard, but that is the Jesus’ way.

When we show Jesus’ love where there is no love, when we put the needs of others above our own, when we offer peace when there is everything but peace, we show them Jesus. When we carry the weight of another’s burden, when we meet the needs of those who hurt, when we encourage those who have lost hope, we help them see Jesus. When we look past the faults of another and love regardless of their response, this is Jesus’ way.

Jesus calls us to give ourselves to others in love, to do life together in peace, sharing in life’s joys and sorrows, serving the Lord with all our heart. He calls us to live life His way, because it is the best way.

Jesus’ way of love led Him to the cross to pay the penalty for your sin and mine. He loves you with a love that is greater than any other love. He is the answer, the way, the truth and the life. In following Him, you choose to do life the best way and help others see Jesus. Because of God’s great example of love to you, He shows you how to love others, and in showing that love to others, you show love to God. You are following Jesus His way.

Will you join me in starting each day following Jesus? Will you follow the Jesus way?