The Model For Christian Living

1. Humanity

1.1. Jesus is the model for Christian life, he is like us in every way, but sin. He lived every virtue, acted out of love, prayed, and in all things submitted to God's will.

1.2. Gospel Reference: 'He said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."... "He threw himself on the ground and prayed "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want." - Matthew 26:36-39

2. Love

2.1. Jesus summed all commandments in to one great commandment of love- Love of God and love of neighbour. Jesus embodies God's love for human beings, and that was the foundation of his life and ministry. The love relationship which Jesus had with his father included al humanity. Until his death, Jesus remained faithful to his having mission, giving his life for the salvation of all.

2.2. Gospel Reference:'Thou shalt love the lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' and Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

3. Prayer

3.1. The bible portrays Jesus to be a man of Prayer, often withdrawing from the pressures of daily life, to pray in a quiet place. Jesus also teaches his disciples some important principles of prayer such as the importance for praying for the needy.

3.2. Gospel Reference: 'But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.' - Luke 5:15-16

4. Forgiveness

4.1. Jesus' attitude of love an forgiveness for the failings of others is most evident in his forgiveness of the disciples who abandoned him. Some denominations have incorporated sacraments and other ceremonies to ritualise the importance of forgiveness.

4.2. Gospel reference: Jesus went to the temple, a woman who had sinned and was taken to be stoned. Jesus get down to the floor and starts writing on the ground, they ask him what he is doing and he stands up and says "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." When everyone heard they slowly started to walk away, until it was just the woman and Jesus. Jesus straightened the woman and asked "Has anyone condemned you? She said, 'No one sir." And Jesus said, Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.' - John 8:1-11

5. Servant

5.1. Jesus modelled true greatness through loving service of others. A number of sayings attributed to Jesus highlight this attitude of service.

5.2. Gospel Reference: 'A woman whose little daughter had unclean spirits immediately heard about him, she immediately came and bowed down at his feet... she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter... "for saying that, you may go- the demon has left your daughter.' - Mark 7:24-30

6. Advocate

6.1. Jesus identifies with strong ethical tradition by making advocacy for the poor and disadvantaged a central characteristic his ministry.

6.2. Gospel Reference: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:3-10