The Contagious Power of Jesus in Our Lives

It's a beautiful thought to consider how the presence of Jesus in our lives might influence those around us, much like a joyful spirit can spread! While the Bible may not use the exact word "contagious" in the way we might think of an illness, it certainly speaks to the powerful, life-changing impact believers have when Christ lives within them, drawing others to Him.

Let's explore this wonderful truth together. 🙏

The Light of the World

Jesus Himself tells us that His followers are meant to shine brightly, making His presence known to others. This shining influence is certainly akin to something that spreads.

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

• Explanation: Here, Jesus likens His disciples to light. Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, and a lamp is meant to illuminate an entire house, our lives, when filled with Christ, are meant to be seen. The purpose of this light isn't for our own glory, but so that others might "see our good works" and, in turn, "glorify our Father which is in heaven." Our actions and spirit, stemming from Christ within us, become a testimony that points to God.

Living Letters of Christ

Our lives, transformed by Jesus, serve as a message for all to read and understand. This implies a powerful communication that influences hearts.

"You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: For as much as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart." - 2 Corinthians 3:2-3

• Explanation: The Apostle Paul beautifully describes believers as "epistles of Christ." An epistle is a letter, and he says we are "known and read of all men." This means our lives themselves become a visible testament to the work of Christ, written not with ink, but by the Holy Spirit upon our hearts. When others "read" our lives, they are meant to see the Spirit of God at work, which is a powerful drawing force.

Reflecting God's Glory

As we walk with Christ, His glory is reflected through us, a reflection that others can witness and be drawn to.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 3:18

• Explanation: This verse tells us that as we fix our gaze on the Lord's glory, we are progressively transformed into His image by the Holy Spirit. This transformation isn't just for our benefit; it makes Christ's character visible in us. When people see Christ's virtues—such as kindness, compassion, and humility—demonstrated in our lives, it's a powerful witness that can awaken interest and draw them closer to the source of that goodness. It is the Spirit of Christ within us that cultivates these graces.

A Fragrance of Life

The impact of a believer's life is also described as a sweet aroma, a pervasive influence that points to Christ.

"For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?" - 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

• Explanation: Paul here speaks of believers as a "sweet savor of Christ." Just as a fragrance spreads and affects all who encounter it, our lives carry the "aroma" of Christ. For those who are open to God's truth, this fragrance is "life unto life," drawing them towards salvation. Even for those who reject it, our lives are still a witness. This "savor" or influence is certainly a powerful, spreading presence.

Bearing Fruit for God

When we are connected to Jesus, the True Vine, we bear fruit that brings glory to God and impacts others.

"Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples." - John 15:8

• Explanation: Jesus emphasizes that bearing "much fruit" is how God is glorified. This fruit includes the beautiful attributes of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23, good works, and ultimately, leading others to Him. The spiritual fruit that blossoms in a life devoted to Christ is not confined to the individual but spills over, nourishing and influencing those around them.

The Bible clearly teaches that the Spirit of Christ dwelling in us transforms our character and empowers us to live in a way that truly draws others to Him. It's a wonderful privilege to be instruments of His love and light in the world. ❤️