The teachings of Jesus provide profound insights into the heart of God and reveal the things that are dear to Him. As followers of Christ, understanding what God loves becomes a guiding light in our journey of faith. Let’s explore some key teachings of Jesus that illuminate the aspects of life and character that God holds dear.
1. Love for God and Others: Jesus, in Matthew 22:37-39, summarizes the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” God deeply loves when His children wholeheartedly love Him and extend that love to others.
2. Mercy and Forgiveness: In Matthew 5:7, Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” God’s love is evident in acts of mercy and forgiveness. As His followers, we are called to extend the same grace we have received to others.
3. Humility and Servanthood: Jesus, in Mark 10:45, emphasizes a key principle of God’s love: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” God delights in humility and a servant’s heart, as demonstrated by Christ’s example.
4. Repentance and Seeking God: In Luke 15:7, Jesus shares the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. God’s love is manifested when His children turn to Him in genuine repentance, seeking a relationship with their Heavenly Father.
5. Faith and Trust: Jesus often commended faith and trust in God. In Matthew 8:10, He marveled at the centurion’s faith, saying, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” God loves when His children trust Him with childlike faith, believing in His goodness and sovereignty.
As we open our hearts to the teachings of Jesus, may we strive to embody the qualities that God loves. Loving Him with all our hearts, showing mercy, embracing humility, repenting when needed, and trusting in His divine plan are pathways to experiencing the depth of God’s love. Let us continually seek to align our lives with these principles, living and walking in love as Jesus taught us.
