How we treat people can become their image of Jesus. 
A young lady had come to our gathering for a few weeks, and asked to meet with me. We met and I answered her questions as best as I could. Then, we did not see her for some time. I wondered if I scared her off or what had happened. However, she began to come to our gathering. Almost two years later the church was entering a new season, as was this young lady. She shared about how when she first came she was wrestling with religion, who Jesus was and how to follow him. She shared about how over her time with us, we just let her watch. We let her join in small groups and become part of our life. We allowed her to ask questions, and she watched. She shared that through this experience, she found Jesus. We revealed to her who Jesus was.
How we treat people can become their image of Jesus.
God’s intention is that through the church the world would know Jesus. One thing I have observed is that for many their first view of Jesus is not based on a personal knowledge of the scriptures or study, but upon how they have been treated. Or, by what they have observed of an individual or community who claim to be Jesus followers.
Today, people will often belong to a community before they become a follower of Jesus. The church is to be transformed by the gospel, surrendered to Jesus, and God’s intent is for people observe us.
Jesus shares they will know him by how we love – that is how we live. People will first understand who Jesus is based upon what they observe in the body of Christ. Most faith stories I am aware of included at some level watching the body of Christ follow Jesus.
How we treat people becomes their image of Jesus.
In many ways that is a scary thing and yet a high privilege. One question we need to ask is:
“How do we invite people to journey with us, that they may watch this alternative community Jesus is creating?”
We need to be careful we are not serving those around us in order to look good, or to receive their affirmation. That will only reveal we have not surrendered to the gospel.
Action Step
A practical step is to make time for people, share our life and listen to their life story. This is not about getting to know everyone. What if you just start over the next six months with one or two people?
Jesus shares in Matthew 5:16, Let your light shine, that is give such good service towards others, letting others see how Jesus has transformed your life, that they will glorify God.
What does your life reveal about Jesus? What does that say about your walk with Jesus? What is God saying to you?