16 Ways We Are Called to Be Living Images of Jesus
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be "conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29)? As believers, we understand that our sanctification is not merely about moral improvement—it's about becoming living reflections of Jesus Christ Himself. The Spirit is actively transforming us "from one degree of glory to another" (2 Corinthians 3:18), making us more like Jesus each day.
Before we move on, let’s be crystal clear, the following Jesus is not the path to salvation—it is the fruit of salvation. We are not saved by following Jesus' example or imitating His character. Rather, we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Eternal life comes through believing in Jesus Christ as our substitutionary sacrifice for sin, not through moral transformation or Christian living.
These reflections of Christ's character flow naturally from hearts that have already been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and justified by faith. They are evidence of our salvation, not the cause of it. As those who have been "created in Christ Jesus for good works" (Ephesians 2:10), we now joyfully pursue conformity to Christ's image as the grateful response of redeemed hearts.
Here are sixteen ways we are called to image Jesus, each one a beautiful facet of Christian discipleship that brings glory to God and blessing to His people.
1. Pay Faithfully for Others
One of the most beautiful aspects of Christ's ministry is His ongoing intercession for His people. "He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25).
"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you." - John 17:20-21
As image-bearers of Christ, we're called to follow His example of faithful intercession. When we pray earnestly for others—for their salvation and spiritual growth—we participate in Christ's own priestly ministry. Our prayers become instruments of His grace in the lives of those we love.
2. Walk in Holiness
Just as Christ was "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners" (Hebrews 7:26), we are called to pursue the same holiness. This isn't legalistic perfectionism, but rather the fruit of our union with Christ.
"But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" - 1 Peter 1:15-16
Holiness begins in the heart and flows into every area of life—our thoughts, words, relationships, and choices. When we walk in holiness, we reflect the very character of God Himself.
3. Love with Sacrificial Abandon
Christ's love wasn't mere sentiment—it was costly, sacrificial action. He "loved us and gave himself up for us" (Ephesians 5:2), and this same love should characterize our relationships with others.
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." - Ephesians 5:1-2
Christian love puts others' needs before our own comfort, just as our Savior did. It's love that costs us something—our time, our preferences, our very selves.
4. Embrace Radical Humility
Perhaps no quality marked Jesus more clearly than His astounding humility. Though He was God, He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7).
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant." - Philippians 2:5-7
Humility isn't thinking less of ourselves—it's thinking of ourselves less. When we humble ourselves as Christ did, we create space for God's grace to work mightily through us.
5. Forgive as You Have Been Forgiven
Jesus didn't just teach forgiveness—He embodied it perfectly, even forgiving His executioners from the cross. This same spirit of forgiveness must mark our hearts.
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness is both a command and a privilege. When we forgive others, we reflect the very heart of the gospel and demonstrate the transforming power of Christ's forgiveness in our own lives.
6. Show Compassion
Jesus was "moved with compassion" (Matthew 9:36) when He saw people's needs. This wasn't mere pity—it was love that moved Him to action, and it should move us as well.
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." - 1 Peter 3:8
Compassion sees beyond surface appearances to the deep needs of the human heart. It moves us to bear one another's burdens and weep with those who weep.
7. Speak Truth in Love
Jesus is "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). As His image-bearers, we must be people of absolute integrity and truth.
"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." - Ephesians 4:25
Truth-telling in the Christian life isn't harsh or unloving—it's always seasoned with grace and motivated by love for God and neighbor.
8. Display Gentle Strength
Jesus described Himself as "gentle and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29), showing us that true strength is often expressed through gentleness.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:29
Gentleness isn't weakness—it's strength under control. It's the mark of someone secure in God's love who doesn't need to prove themselves through harshness.
9. Endure Suffering with Patient Faith
Christ "endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2) for our sake. When we face trials, we're called to the same patient endurance.
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." - 1 Peter 2:21
Patient endurance in suffering isn't passive resignation—it's active trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we cannot see His purposes.
10. Pursue Peace and Reconciliation
Christ is our peace (Ephesians 2:14), and as His followers, we're called to be agents of reconciliation and peace in a broken world.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." - Matthew 5:9
Peacemaking requires courage—the courage to address conflict biblically, to seek reconciliation, and to build bridges where walls have been erected.
11. Walk in Joyful Obedience
Jesus said, "I always do the things that are pleasing to him" (John 8:29). Our obedience to the Father should flow from the same heart of love that motivated Christ.
"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments." - 1 John 2:3
Obedience isn't burdensome legalism—it's the natural response of a heart that has been captured by God's love and grace.
12. Shine as Light in Darkness
Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12), and He calls us to reflect that same light in our dark world.
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden... Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14, 16
Our light isn't our own—it's the reflection of Christ's light within us. When we live righteously, we illuminate the path to God for others.
13. Serve Others Gladly
Jesus came "not to be served but to serve" (Mark 10:45). This servant's heart should characterize every aspect of our Christian walk.
"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." - John 13:14-15
True greatness in God's kingdom is measured not by what we accumulate for ourselves, but by how we serve others in Christ's name.
14. Practice Generous Giving
Though Christ was rich, "yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). This spirit of generous giving should mark our lives.
"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" - Acts 20:35
Generosity flows from a heart that understands how much we've been given in Christ. When we give sacrificially, we reflect God's generous heart.
15. Maintain Unity in the Body
Christ prayed earnestly for the unity of His followers (John 17:21). We're called to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).
"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." - 1 Corinthians 1:10
Unity doesn't mean uniformity, but it does mean that we prioritize our common faith in Christ above our secondary differences.
16. Rest in and Reflect Divine Grace
Perhaps most importantly, Jesus perfectly embodied God's grace—"full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). As we grow in grace, we become more gracious toward others.
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18
Grace received leads to grace extended. When we truly understand how much we've been forgiven and loved, we cannot help but extend that same grace to others.
Dear believer, as you reflect on these sixteen ways to image Christ, remember that this transformation is not achieved through mere human effort. It is the blessed work of the Holy Spirit, who is conforming us "to the image of his Son" (Romans 8:29) day by day.
Take heart in knowing that God is not finished with you yet. He who began a good work in you "will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Each day offers fresh opportunities to reflect our Savior's beauty to a watching world.
May we, by God's grace, become such clear reflections of Jesus that others cannot help but see Him in us and glorify our Father who is in heaven. This is our high calling, our blessed privilege, and our confident hope in Christ.