Proverbs 27:17
Friday, December 5, 2025
5 Ways to Practice Simplicity Like Jesus
5 Ways to Practice Simplicity Like Jesus
1. Own Less, Love More
Jesus had no permanent home (Luke 9:58) and lived with open hands, freely giving to others. He encouraged his followers to sell their possessions and give to the poor (Luke 12:33). Simplicity isn’t just about decluttering our closets; it’s about removing distractions that keep us from loving God and people well. When we detach from excess, we create space to be more generous, content, and focused on what truly matters.
2. Speak Plainly and Truthfully
Jesus taught, “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no,’ ‘no’” (Matthew 5:37). He modeled simplicity in speech—he didn’t manipulate, over-explain, or complicate things unnecessarily. Practicing simplicity means embracing honesty and clarity, resisting the urge to over-commit, and trusting that straightforward communication is enough.
3. Prioritize What Truly Matters
Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to spend time in prayer (Luke 5:16). He was intentional about his time, pouring into his disciples and prioritizing communion with the Father over busyness. In our lives, simplicity means choosing depth over distraction, valuing relationships over productivity, and ensuring that our daily choices align with God’s eternal purposes.
4. Say No to Hurry
Jesus wasn’t rushed. Even when faced with urgent situations, he remained present, unhurried, and attentive (John 11:6). Our culture glorifies busyness, but simplicity invites us to slow down and embrace a sustainable rhythm of life. By rejecting hurry, we create space for deep connection with God and others.
5. Trust God for Your Daily Bread
Jesus taught his followers to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). He didn’t promise wealth or luxury but encouraged trust in God’s provision and told us to look for those we can provide for. Simplicity is rooted in faith—it’s living with enough, resisting the anxiety of scarcity, and believing that God will meet our needs.
Today, I encourage you to ask yourself what it could mean. Take it to God in prayer. And then decide today: “I will fully SURRENDER MYSELF to the Lord,” just like Mary did.
Today, I encourage you to ask yourself what it could mean. Take it to God in prayer.
And then decide today: “I will fully SURRENDER MYSELF to the Lord,” just like Mary did.
Love One Another
Love One Another
Jesus said two important things about our love for each other. First, that all people will know we are His disciples if we love one another (John 13:34). Second, our unity in Him will let the world know that God sent Him into the world (John 17:23).
Jesus said the world would know He's come by how His followers love each other. We should love one another in such a way that those who do not believe in Jesus would be astounded and curious to learn more about Him.
Jesus knew this world would be full of anger, strife, and conflict. This is all the more reason it should be a priority to love other people with the same love God has for us. Loving others unveils to the world the great and loving God who loved us first.
Years after Jesus’ resurrection, the apostle John wrote three short letters to followers of Jesus. And in his first letter, he takes the time to talk to them about how to love, and why it matters. John wrote: “...love is from God … if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another … we love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:7, 11, 19)
He even goes as far as to say, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20, ESV)
There’s no way around this. John makes it clear that our love for one another is proof that God’s love is in us. So if we say that we love God, then we should be committed to showing love to each other.
As you reflect on today’s verse, ask yourself: Is there anyone in my life that I need to show love to today? Is there anyone I need to forgive? In what ways can I love my brothers and sisters in Christ?
This Teaching Clip made me think of you. Watch 1 John 4:19 by Switch Music:
This Teaching Clip made me think of you. Watch 1 John 4:19 by Switch Music:
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