What kind of role models should I follow to become a better human being?
Discover how looking to real human examples and one unchanging foundation can transform your everyday relationships.

To become a better human being, you should look up to real people who show patience and honesty in daily life, rather than polished online figures. Above all, your greatest guide must be Jesus Christ, whose faithful love never changes no matter what happens. When you learn from His example and walk alongside humble mentors, your heart learns how to love without demanding perfection.
Pull up a chair, take a deep breath, and let us talk about this together. Being a good parent, a faithful friend, or simply a decent person is hard work. On long and tiring days, we often run out of patience, feel worn down, and worry that we are failing those we love. In those moments, social media bombards us with quick fixes and picture-perfect families that do not exist. The good news is that you do not have to carry this burden alone, nor do you have to figure out everything by yourself.
Watch the lives of wise and steady people
In the Bible, Hebrews 13:7 gives practical and warm advice: remember the leaders who taught you God's Word, look closely at the fruit of their lives, and copy their faith.
This means it is worth looking around your own circle to find people who live with quiet goodness. Think about a grandfather who always spoke calmly under pressure, an aunt who worked hard without losing her tender smile, or a loyal friend who sat by your bed when life fell apart. These people were not flawless, but their daily lives showed genuine peace, care, and quiet patience.
When you want to grow as a mom, dad, or friend, pay attention to how wise people handle tough days. Notice how they treat a crying child, how they speak when money is tight, and how they handle hard talks. Good role models do not teach with fancy speeches. They teach through the quiet, gentle way they treat the people right next to them.
Anchor your heart to the One who never changes
Even so, there is a clear limit when we look only to people: sooner or later, even the best individuals will let us down. Parents make mistakes, friends drift away, and respected mentors stumble. If your security rests only on imperfect people, your footing can shake when they fail.
That is why the very next verse in Hebrews brings deep comfort: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. People change their minds, trends come and go, and our moods rise and fall. But the faithful love of Jesus stands firm like a rock.
He was gentle and patient in the past, He is ready to forgive you right now, and He will love you just the same tomorrow. Whenever you do not know what to say to an upset child, or feel too tired to comfort a friend, look to Jesus. He is the anchor that holds steady when life feels messy.
Trade harsh demands for gentle grace
The Bible also warns us not to get carried away by strange, rigid rules. It reminds us that what truly strengthens our hearts is God's grace, not strict rituals or outside appearances.
Grace simply means receiving kindness we did not earn. It is God's free gift of love, an open hug for someone who messed up, and patience with our human weaknesses. Many people think becoming a better person means setting up long lists of strict rules, demanding perfection, and keeping score of every fault. They mistakenly believe that real love is measured by cold duties.
Yet no healthy home or lasting friendship is built on fear or constant criticism. Your family and friends do not need a harsh judge living with them; they need someone whose heart is filled with grace. When you replace sharp words with genuine forgiveness, your home changes, and fear gives way to trust.
Show up where life is messy and painful
The scriptures also tell us that Jesus suffered outside the city gates, and He invites us to meet Him there. Long ago, the space outside the walls was where the forgotten, the sick, and the broken stayed. It was a dusty place of real human sorrow.
To become a truly loving person, we must learn to step out of our comfort zone and move toward people who hurt. Real friendship is not just about laughing on sunny days; it means sitting on the steps to listen to someone who is weeping. Being a good parent is not just about taking happy photos, but holding your child late at night and staying near when they make poor choices.
The passage reminds us: do not forget to do good and share what you have with others. Genuine love takes time, requires patience, and takes real effort, but giving of ourselves is how we become a safe refuge for those we cherish.
A practical step you can take today
To put this into practice right now in your daily routine, try one simple and immediate step:
Reach out to one person close to you—your child, your partner, or a dear friend—and give them five minutes of listening without any judgment. Instead of pointing out a flaw, checking on a chore, or giving advice, sit down beside them. Listen closely to what they share and say warmly: "I care about you, and I am here for you no matter what." Practicing this simple grace will brighten their day and bring fresh peace to your own soul.
Want to study this passage deeper?
This article is based on the expository sermon preached at ICE Jardins Church. You can read the full study here:
View sermon on Hebreus 13:7-19 →