Jesus taught many things during his time on Earth. While some of his teachings are well-known, others don’t get as much attention. These lesser-known lessons are just as important and can help us live better lives. Let’s look at these 20 teachings of Jesus that people often miss.
Love Your Enemies
Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us. This is tough, but it’s a powerful way to break cycles of hate. He said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” As Christianity explains, this teaches us to respond to hate with love, not more hate.
Don’t Judge Others
“Don’t judge, or you too will be judged” it’s a reminder to be kind and understanding, not quick to criticize. Jesus warned against judging others harshly and asked us to look at our own faults before pointing out others’ mistakes.
Forgive Repeatedly
Jesus taught us that we should forgive others many times. When asked how often to forgive, he said, “seventy times seven.” This means we should always be ready to forgive, no matter how many times someone hurts us. Forgiveness frees both the forgiver and the forgiven.
Be Humble
Something that Jesus often talked about was the importance of humility. He said, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” This teaches us not to be proud or boastful, but to be modest and put others first.
Care for the Poor
We know Jesus cared deeply for the poor and taught others to do the same. He famously said, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” While this might seem extreme, it shows how important it is to help those in need and not be too attached to material things.
Don’t Worry
Jesus taught people not to worry about everyday things. He said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” This reminds us to focus on today and trust in God’s care instead of stressing about things we can’t control.
Seek Peace
Jesus was called the Prince of Peace and taught others to be peacemakers. He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” This encourages us to solve conflicts peacefully and bring people together, not divide them. Making peace is an important part of following Jesus.
Be Like Children
As Jesus said, we should be like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. This doesn’t mean being childish, but having a child’s trust, wonder, and openness. It’s about having a simple faith and being eager to learn and grow.
Serve Others
Jesus taught that true greatness comes from serving others. He said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” This turns the world’s idea of power upside down. It shows that helping others is more important than being in charge.
Don’t Store Up Treasures on Earth
Something Jesus warned us against was focusing too much on material wealth. He said, “Don’t store up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy.” Instead, he encouraged people to focus on spiritual riches that last forever. This teaches us to value the right things in life.
Be Salt and Light
Jesus told his followers to be “salt and light” in the world. This means making a positive difference in society. Salt preserves and adds flavor, while light guides and reveals truth. We’re called to improve the world around us through our actions and words.
Love God and Neighbor
The two greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. This simple teaching sums up all of Jesus’ lessons. It shows that our relationship with God and others is the most important thing in life.
Don’t Be Hypocritical
Jesus strongly criticized hypocrisy, especially in religious leaders. He said, “Practice what you preach.” This teaches us to be genuine and consistent in our beliefs and actions. It’s about being the same person in public and private.
Pray Sincerely
Jesus taught people how to pray from the heart. He said not to use fancy words to impress others but to speak honestly to God. The Lord’s Prayer is a simple model for sincere prayer. It’s about connecting with God, not putting on a show.
Welcome Children
Jesus showed special care for children and said we should welcome them. He taught, “Let the little children come to me.” This reminds us to value and protect children and to learn from their simple faith and trust.
Be Watchful
Jesus often told people to stay alert and be ready. He said, “Keep watch because you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” This teaches us to live each day purposefully and always be prepared to meet God.
Don’t Be Ashamed of Your Faith
Jesus’s followers were taught to be bold about their beliefs. He said, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” This encourages us to be open about our faith, even when it’s difficult.
Seek First the Kingdom of God
We were also taught to prioritize spiritual things over worldly concerns. He said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This reminds us to focus on what truly matters in life.
Be Born Again
Jesus told Nicodemus that to see the kingdom of God, one must be “born again.” This means a spiritual rebirth, a complete change of heart and mind. It’s about starting a new life guided by God’s Spirit, leaving old ways behind.
The Golden Rule
Something we now call the Golden Rule is: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” This simple but powerful teaching encourages us to treat everyone with kindness and respect. It’s a practical guide for how to interact with others.
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