1. Love Your Enemies

One of the most sweeping commands Jesus ever gave was to love those who stand against us. He said in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This challenge goes against every instinct to retaliate, but it invites us to show patience and kindness where hostility exists. Living with this mindset demonstrates a faith far greater than mere words.

2. Deny Yourself

In a world that often says, “Look out for number one,” Jesus taught, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Trading selfish ambition for daily surrender can feel radical, but it leads to the deep fulfillment and purpose He promises.

3. Seek First the Kingdom

When worries pile up, it’s tempting to chase security or success. Yet Jesus urged in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Instead of being consumed by anxiety, we can realign our priorities with God’s. Faith in this principle shifts our focus from anxiety to trust.

4. Judge Not

Jesus’ rebuke in Matthew 7:1 — “Do not judge, or you will be judged” — is both direct and compelling. We’re called to be humble, not harsh, knowing we all fall short and need both grace and correction. This teaching challenges us to remove our own “logs” before trying to pick specks from others’ eyes.

5. Forgive Seventy-Seven Times

Forgiveness isn’t just a polite suggestion; it’s the heart of Christ’s message. When asked how often we should forgive, Jesus responded with “seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22). Such lavish forgiveness can feel impossible, but embracing it frees us from bitterness and reflects the mercy we’ve received.

6. Store Treasures in Heaven

Jesus taught us to look beyond the temporary and focus on eternal values. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,” He said in Matthew 6:19. Wealth and status fade, but investing in God’s purposes has lasting impact. Placing our hearts and hopes in His promises stirs faith in true riches.

7. Be the Greatest by Serving

Greatness in God’s economy looks different from the world’s. Jesus declared in Matthew 20:27, “Whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” Leading through serving defies cultural norms but deepens our witness. We find genuine joy when we uplift others rather than seeking our own spotlight.

8. Walk by Faith, Not by Sight

Although Jesus didn’t say it in those exact words, we see this principle demonstrated when He invited Peter to step onto the water (Matthew 14:29). Leaving the boat was a bold act that tested Peter’s reliance on Christ alone. Similarly, trusting what we can’t see can feel unsettling, but it allows us to see God move in incredible ways.

9. Remain in the Vine

Jesus painted a vivid image of our need to stay connected when He said, “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you” (John 15:4). Much like branches depend on a vine for life, we only thrive when we hold fast to Him. This close, continual fellowship fuels spiritual growth and bears fruit that lasts.

10. Go and Make Disciples

Finally, Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19 leaves no room for a passive faith: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” We’re invited to carry His message beyond our comfort zone. Sharing hope and inviting others to follow Him challenges us to trust God’s power and promises every step of the way.