Not by Force, But by Love

From a sinner’s shame to a redeemed heart.

Published: Sun 07 Sep 2025
By: Rev. M. David

The transformation that occurs in a believer’s heart through Jesus is neither superficial nor magical. The life and goodness of Jesus Himself. His example how He lived, loved, and served profoundly impacts the lives of those who follow Him. It is His living model that inspires his followers.  

The transformation happens through learning from Him and being inspired by His life. Jesus is merciful and His followers grow in mercy. Jesus is forgiving and those who walk with Him learn to forgive. Jesus is humble and His disciples become humble too. Jesus is king of kings he deserved to be served but he came to serve.

This change doesn’t come from mere effort, but from a growing relationship with Him. Over time, you begin to reflect the one you believe in. Your heart is softened, not by force, but by love.

You become what you believe in and when you believe in Jesus, your heart begins to look like His.

Zacchaeus lived in Jericho. He was a chief tax collector, known for his bad behavior and corruption. He worked for the Roman oppressors, and by doing dishonest things, he became very rich. People saw him as a bad person and a traitor.

But one day, everything changed. Jesus was passing through Jericho and A huge crowd had gathered around Jesus, and Zacchaeus was curious about Him. Because he was short and couldn’t see over the crowd, he climbed a tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus.

To everyone’s surprise, Jesus saw Zacchaeus and didn’t condemn him for his past or his behavior.

“Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”
(Luke 19:5)

But the people were quite surprised. Jesus is holy why would He choose to visit someone known as a great sinner? Yet Jesus did not come to condemn sinners, but to save them.

Jesus spent time with Zacchaeus, and through that encounter, Zacchaeus’s hard heart was transformed. Jesus changed him from the inside out, giving him a new heart. It was not the magic that change Zacchaeus but the love of Jesus that influence on Zacchaeus corrupted heart.  

“Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
(Luke 19:8)

“Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
(Luke 19:9-10)

Zacchaeus didn’t change because Jesus gave him rules.
He changed because Jesus gave him love, attention, and acceptance and that love transformed him.

When you truly encounter Jesus, you don’t stay the same you become a new person. You become aware of your sinful life when you know the holiness of Jesus.   

A sinful heart cannot be transformed by going on a pilgrimage or by performing rituals. Pilgrimages may bring a sense of peace, and rituals may offer temporary comfort, but they cannot change the heart. Strict rules or fear of punishment may control behavior for a time, but they don’t bring lasting change. Only love has the power to transform a person’s heart and that love comes from Jesus.

Jesus has full authority in heaven and on earth to forgive sins and give new life. When you come to know Him, you begin to understand the true meaning of salvation.

The most important thing He did the greatest act of love was giving His life on the cross for you. His hands were pierced with nails, His blood was shed, and He paid the penalty for your sins so you could be forgiven and receive eternal life.

Jesus has stretched out His hand to save every lost soul. Don’t turn away in ignorance reach out and take His hand, his hands were pierced with nails on the cross as He paid the penalty for your sins.

When you place your life in His hands, He will hold you with a grip so strong that neither Satan nor death can snatch you away. He will give you eternal life.