What WOULD Jesus do?

I recently finished reading a book called "In His Steps". This was a truly wonderful reading experience that should be a requirement for all Christians today to read and soak in. The story is about a pastor of a church who challenges his parishioners to live one year of their lives doing nothing without first asking "What would Jesus do?" The challenges they faced and the changes they underwent throughout the story just hit me like a ton of bricks. Could I live my life, in all areas, without first asking "What would Jesus do?"

This question has hung in the air around me for the last two weeks.

A few months ago, a very close friend called me upset that someone he had talked to at work that day stated that they didn't like me (Kathy). His distress became my own as I wondered what in the world I had possibly done or said that would cause this person to speak out with such a statement. I try hard to be friends with everyone and I was so upset by this that in my hurt I posted a comment on a social network, "Like me or hate me is up to you. I know that God loves me and that's all I need." (or something to that effect.) The reply stated that this was negative and permanent status, which I am sure it was.

I sent a private message to this person asking just what I had done to cause this hurt to her. I honestly could not remember anything I had done. A lengthy reply was received with her explanation of the words I had chosen three years prior in my haste of finalizing worship details for the day. It also noted that I am a small piece of the bigger picture. The final line: WWJD? Hmmmm? What WOULD Jesus do? I wonder if those four words were meant for me or for her?

I prayed hard that day and into the evening. I prayed that she could find it in her heart to forgive me. I prayed for myself, that I would have the ability to speak words of good meaning for future encounters. I prayed that she and her family would find a church home where she felt secure, loved and fulfilled, even if that place is not our current place of worship. I prayed and prayed. I was truly devastated knowing that I had hurt someone so deeply with my hastily chosen, unintentional words spoken in haste and without thinking.

We exchanged several email messages throughout the following day or two. I thought, perhaps prematurely, that we had come to at least an understanding that we could both live with. And yet, just last week another friend, unrelated to our church family, has been told by this person that she hates me. I wonder if Jesus would take every opportunity to spread this hatred with every person who knows me or would he have forgiven and blessed me with another opportunity to do better? I wonder if Jesus would turn and walk away as fast as He could if I tried to approach and have a conversation with Him at church?

Having completed the book that left that lingering question, I wonder if I am able to live in a way that puts Jesus as my first thought before making any decisions or taking any action? I believe that Jesus would forgive and move forward. I have forgiven her, but the nagging hurt is still in my heart and the wound reopened each time another person tells me what they've heard from her.

What do you think? What WOULD Jesus do?