How can I get passion for Jesus?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Knowing Jesus and understanding His character is the foundation of growing our passion for Him. As we reflect on His selfless love, His sacrifice on the cross (John 3:16), and the powerful works He performed (Matthew 11:4-5), our hearts are drawn closer to Him. The more we learn about His goodness, mercy, and grace (Matthew 9:36), the more we are compelled to love Him in return. Understanding His justice and righteousness assures us that He will not allow evil to go unpunished (Matthew 25:31-33; Revelation 20:11-15). This deepening relationship, rooted in understanding who He is and what He has done for us, naturally sparks a passionate desire to follow Him and live for Him. As we spend more time with Him, our love for Him deepens, which leads to living more faithfully for Him and rejecting worldly desires. Ultimately, our passion grows as we rely on the Holy Spirit, who strengthens and empowers us to live out Christ's love (Romans 5:5).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Getting a passion for Jesus is not found in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• We can play an important role in building God’s church, which helps us build a passion for the value of that work (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:11-12).
• Jesus told His disciples to make disciples among all nations, and we can passionately pursue this mission, too (Matthew 28:18-20).
• As followers of Christ, we must forsake worldly passions and follow Christ’s leading, developing new passions for heavenly things (Luke 9:23).
• Despite worldly opposition, we can passionately press onward, trusting that Christ has “overcome the world” (John 16:33)
• Developing a passion for Jesus may include reflecting upon His good deeds (Acts 10:38).
• Sharing Christ with others may increase our passion for Him as we unashamedly spread the Gospel (Romans 1:16).
• We will grow in passion for Christ as we cast aside the things of this world and choose to obey Him, instead. 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."
• At the moment of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), we can start nurturing an intimate relationship with Jesus that can increase our passion for Him.
• 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 in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
• We can grow in passion for Jesus knowing that we get all our strength from His Spirit (1 John 4:4).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

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 helps us to passionately follow our Lord. For example, when we read in the Gospels about the wonderful things Jesus has done, we can expect to naturally become more passionate about who He is. Knowing that our life is an adventure of transformation, service, and eager anticipation of what God will do next is both comforting and invigorating.

There are times when we feel dry in our faith, when passion seems distant and our spiritual fire flickers. During these moments, it’s essential to remember that our passion for Jesus is rekindled through intentional focus on Him—through prayer, meditation on His Word, and reflecting on the magnitude of His love and sacrifice. As we reconnect with Him, whether through worship, service, or simply spending time in His presence, our passion is restored. God has not moved, and He longs for us to be near again. Even in seasons of dryness, God is faithful to reignite our hearts and guide us back to the vibrant love we once had. This does not mean that we live in an emotional high; it means we cultivate a steady, deep love for Jesus, rooted in the truth of who He is and His unwavering faithfulness.

UNDERSTAND

• Passion for Jesus comes by knowing and responding to who He is and what He has done.
• Passion for Jesus comes by drawing near to Him.
• Passion for Jesus is kindled by the Holy Spirit as we cultivate a steady, deep love for Jesus.

REFLECT

• How does reflecting on Jesus' love and sacrifice deepen your passion for Him?
• What are some worldly treasures or cares that negatively impact your passion for Jesus?
• How can you intentionally draw near to Jesus during seasons of spiritual dryness?

ENGAGE

• How does recognizing and reflecting on Jesus’ character influence your passion for Jesus?
• What are some practical ways we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus?
• How does relying on the Holy Spirit empower us to grow in passion for Jesus and live out His love?