Running head: WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

What would Jesus do?

Ramona Torres-Martinez
Fresno Pacific University

Cohort: ECD 85
ECD-300
Instructor: Jessica Conzen, M.A.
August 24, 2016
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What Would Jesus Do?

Even though the teachings of Jesus in the Bible are challenging to follow consistently,

they are effective in illustrating through examples how to develop relationships, interact and live

in harmony with others just like Jesus would. The teachings in the Bible emphasize the affection

and respect that we should have towards one another to foster growth in our socialization

process. The gospels in the Bible illustrate through parables the ancient beliefs of socialization

according to the standards and values established in society. Even though the norms and values

have changed over time, the teachings of Jesus still convey the same principles that influence

modern day socialization. The teachings in the Bible answer the question, what would Jesus do?

The teachings of Jesus foster the development of socialization by offering thoughts on cultivating

moral family values in children, demonstrating understanding for one another in a

nonjudgmental manner, most importantly establishing a trustworthy marriage relationship that

will serve as the family socialization standard.

First, the teachings of Jesus in the book of Ephesians present the principle for the moral

behavior expected from children and fathers in the family. The children role in the family is to be

respectful, courteous, and obedient to their parents to be blessed in life. It also emphasizes that

fathers should also be respectful of their children and avoid using harsh discipline method, but

instead use the teachings of Jesus to discipline children in a tender constructive way. In
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Ephesians (6:1-4, English Standard Version) it states, Children, obey your parents in the Lord,

for this is a right. Honor your father and mother, that it may go well with you and that you may

live long in the land. Fathers do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in

discipline and instruction of the Lord. This verse illustrates the importance of teaching children

about the importance of respecting their parents and obeying by the established family values to

achieve develops close social relationships with parents. This belief also highlights the

significance of raising children in a courteous family environment to encourage the children to

have positive interactions with others.

Additionally, the teachings of Jesus in the Bible communicate the notion of socialization

within the community by emphasizing the need to show considerations for others without

making judgments about their behavior or actions. In the gospel of Luke it states, Do not judge,

and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemn. Forgive, and you

will be forgiven (6:27-28) This verse expresses the idea that we should avoid making hurtful

judgments towards others because it may affect the personality development of a person and

limit their social interactions with others thus hindering their socialization process. In a sense we

are image of what others assume and making judgments disrupts that image. If a person is judged

in a negative manner by others it will impact their self-esteem and think poorly of themselves.

The teachings of Jesus propose an approach to interact in a positive and objective manner with

others in our community, but most importantly we must establish reliable and understanding

relationships with one another just like Jesus did through his time.

Finally, the teachings in the Bible also explain Jesus social behavior expectations in

regards to a man joining his life to a woman in marriage. The gospel of Mark mentions,

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall
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become one flesh. So that they are no longer two but one flesh. (10:7-8) This verse in the Bible

illustrates the social expectation of the role of men in terms of marriage. When a man joins a

woman in marriage he merges emotions and feelings with those of his wife to create a well-

balanced home environment. With the union in marriage both man and wife unite their previous

socialization experience and begin to form a new process that will influence their interactions

with their future children. By becoming one flesh, together they are able to determine the best

approach to raise a family and educating their children to comply with the established family

values.

The Bible and the teachings of Jesus offer an appealing perspective and guidance for all

to follow to encourage a prosperous socialization within the community. The teachings of Jesus

still support and deliver the same message of love, unity, and compassion just they did in the

past. The gospels still emphasize the beliefs that Jesus desired for his people to follow and live

by as part of a community to influence one another in positive and helpful manner. What would

Jesus do? Is a question that the answer is discovered by understating the teachings in the Bible

and applying them to our everyday social interactions.