How can I get passion for Jesus?
Scripture frequently speaks against following our sinful passions, condemning it in 27 places. Instead, we are to have a holy passion for Jesus. The greatest commandment is to love God with all our being (Matthew 22:37-38). God's Word offers many helps in passionately following our Lord.First, and most obviously, a person cannot be truly passionate for Jesus without knowing Him personally. Fervor without knowledge is foolishness; no one is benefited by passionate ignorance. The required relationship with Christ is based on God's grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). First John 3:23 teaches, "this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us."
After a relationship with Christ has been established, it's time to grow. The more time we spend with Christ, the more passionate we will be about Him. Spending time includes ongoing prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is often thought of as talking to God, but it is actually talking with God. Just as our relationships with others grow as we spend time in communication together, our relationship with Jesus matures as we invest time with Him regularly in prayer. When you pray, ask God to increase your love for Jesus.
Developing a passion for Jesus also includes reflecting upon His teachings and deeds. When we read in the Gospels about the wonderful things Jesus did, the amazing things He said, and the way He handled Himself perfectly in every situation, we naturally want to know Him more deeply. It's hard not to be passionate about a Man who "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil" (Acts 10:38). Our time in God's Word will help us love its Author more and more.
We will also grow in passion for Christ as we obey His teachings. Romans 12:1-2 says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." The follower of Christ forsakes all else (Luke 9:23), presses on through worldly opposition (John 16:33), and finds more than enough strength from the Spirit within (1 John 4:4). The Christian life is an adventure of transformation, service, and seeing what God will do next. Knowing that Christ Himself dwells within us (Ephesians 3:17), we have plenty to be passionate about.
Sharing Christ with others will also increase our passion for Him. As we share the news of Jesus unashamedly with others (Romans 1:16) and obey the command to make disciples among all nations (Matthew 28:18-20), we see God at work. Christ is building His church (Matthew 16:18), and it's exciting to be a part of something much, much bigger than we are. Living as conduits of God's love, we cannot help but grow in our passion for Him.
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Who are we in Christ?
What is Christian spiritual formation?
Freedom in Christ - What is it? How can I experience true freedom in Christ?
How can I have a personal relationship with God?
Truth about the Christian Life
