đź•’ 20 min read
✍ By Victoria Rose
đź“… April 16, 2025
Why I Still Follow the Teachings of Jesus: A Path to Awakened Authenticity
In a world where spirituality and authenticity often seem at odds, I’ve discovered that the revolutionary teachings of Jesus—stripped of religious dogma—offer profound wisdom for those seeking genuine transformation and awakened living.
Table of Contents:
- Love: The Foundation of Everything Unconditional Love as a Transformative Force
- Self-Love as the Starting Point
- Loving Beyond Boundaries
- Integrity: Living in Alignment with Truth Authenticity Over Appearances
- Inner Truth vs External Validation
- Speaking Your Truth
- Radical Inclusion: Embracing All People Creating Space for Everyone
- Breaking Social Barriers
- The Power of Acceptance
- Liberation: Breaking Free from Fear Finding Freedom from Limiting Beliefs
- Embracing Inner Power
- Moving Beyond Fear
- Forgiveness: The Path to Freedom Healing Through Release
- Forgiving for Self-Liberation
- Creating New Beginnings
- Awakened Authenticity and Jesus’ Teachings Modern Application of Ancient Wisdom
- Living with Radical Truth
- Embracing Divine Connection
You might be surprised to know that, although I no longer identify as a Christian, I still find myself deeply connected to the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus). My spiritual journey has led me to embrace many paths, yet the core values that Jesus taught—compassion, love, inclusion, integrity, and liberation—resonate deeply with the work I do in Awakened Authenticity. These teachings are at the heart of my mission to help others reconnect with their true selves, heal from trauma, and step into their full power.
For me, Jesus wasn’t just a religious figure; he was a revolutionary mystic. He challenged the status quo, rejected the systems of oppression, and emphasized the inner light that resides in every person. His teachings were about breaking free from fear, choosing love over shame, and seeing the sacred in the most unexpected places.
In many ways, I see myself as continuing his work—standing in my truth, loving others radically, and creating spaces where people can shed their old identities and step into their authentic selves.
Love: The Foundation of Everything
At the core of Jesus’ message was love—unconditional love. He didn’t preach a love that was reserved for the worthy, the pure, or the righteous. He taught a love that was radical and transformative, one that embraced all people, even those who were deemed unworthy or outcasts by society. For me, this is foundational to Awakened Authenticity—learning to love ourselves fully and, from that space, being able to love others deeply, without judgment or condition.
Here are a few examples of Jesus’ teachings on love:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… Love your neighbor as yourself.”
— Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)
This passage sums up Jesus’ call to love ourselves—because only when we love ourselves can we fully love others. Self-love is the foundation of everything we do at Awakened Authenticity: we cannot heal, we cannot grow, and we cannot live authentically if we don’t start with love for ourselves.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
— John 13:34 (NIV)
This verse reflects the radical nature of Jesus’ love. He loved with no boundaries, no expectations, and no conditions. We are called to do the same—not just in our relationships with others, but in the way we love ourselves and our own journeys.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
— Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
This is a teaching that flips conventional wisdom on its head. It challenges us to love not just those who love us, but even those who may cause us harm. It’s a teaching about radical acceptance and compassion. In Awakened Authenticity, we embrace the concept that love is the ultimate transformative force. Love is the energy that heals, unites, and awakens us to our true selves.
Integrity: Living in Alignment with Truth
Jesus was very clear that living with integrity—being true to your word, your actions, and your heart—was paramount. He didn’t promote living for external validation or following rules just for the sake of appearances. Instead, he emphasized living with authenticity and honesty—values that are at the core of my work in Awakened Authenticity.
“Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.”
— Matthew 5:37 (NIV)
In this simple yet profound statement, Jesus teaches us the power of integrity. He encourages us to speak our truth, to act in alignment with our values, and to be authentic in all that we do. This is something I emphasize in my coaching: living a life that is fully aligned with your soul’s purpose, not conforming to the expectations of others.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.”
— Matthew 23:25 (NIV)
This verse is a direct call to live with integrity, to ensure that our inner world matches our outer actions. Jesus was not interested in appearances—he wanted us to be genuine, honest, and true to ourselves. At Awakened Authenticity, we believe that true healing happens when we let go of the masks we wear and fully embrace who we are at the core.
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”
— Matthew 16:25 (NIV)
This passage encourages us to let go of the need for external validation and to live from a place of inner truth. It challenges us to stop seeking approval from others and to find our true selves by living authentically, without fear.
Radical Inclusion: Embracing All People
One of the most powerful aspects of Jesus’ teachings was his radical inclusion—his willingness to embrace everyone, especially those who were marginalized or excluded by society. He associated with sinners, tax collectors, and even criminals. This is a core value of mine in Awakened Authenticity: to create spaces where everyone—regardless of background, mistakes, or status—is welcomed with open arms.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
— Mark 10:14 (NIV)
Jesus was teaching us about innocence and the ability to see the divine in all people, especially those who were seen as insignificant. Awakened Authenticity is about honoring every individual’s unique journey and inviting them to step into their full power—regardless of where they come from or what they’ve been through.
“The tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.”
— Matthew 21:31 (NIV)
Jesus often challenged the religious and societal norms of his time, reminding us that no one is beyond redemption, and everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and loved. We all have a seat at the table, and we all have a unique, sacred light to share.
“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'”
— Luke 23:34 (NIV)
In the midst of his suffering, Jesus asked for forgiveness for those who were causing him harm. This reflects his deep belief in compassion and forgiveness, and it’s something we practice in Awakened Authenticity. We know that to heal and transform, we must embrace the fullness of our human experience, including forgiving ourselves and others.
Liberation: Breaking Free from Fear
Jesus’ teachings also emphasized liberation—freedom from fear, shame, and oppressive systems. He spoke about the Kingdom of God being within, reminding us that we each have the power to create a life of abundance, peace, and joy.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
— John 8:36 (NIV)
For me, this is the heart of Awakened Authenticity—helping people break free from limiting beliefs, societal conditioning, and fear-based living. We are each capable of creating a life that is true to who we are, a life rooted in freedom and authenticity.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”
— Luke 4:18 (NIV)
This verse is a direct call to liberation, both spiritually and physically. It speaks to the importance of freedom—not just from external oppression, but from the internal fears, doubts, and wounds that hold us back.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
— Luke 12:32 (NIV)
This simple yet powerful reminder from Jesus encourages us to release fear and trust that we are always supported. The work we do in Awakened Authenticity is about trusting in our inherent worth, shedding the fear that has kept us small, and stepping into the fullness of our power.
Forgiveness: The Path to Freedom
One of the most powerful teachings that Jesus shared was about forgiveness. He demonstrated forgiveness not just for those who loved him but for those who hurt him, mocked him, and caused him pain. In my own journey, I have found forgiveness to be the most liberating act of all. It is not about letting someone off the hook—it’s about freeing myself from the grip of anger, resentment, and fear.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
— Matthew 6:14 (NIV)
Forgiveness is about releasing the burden of past pain. It’s about healing our hearts and making room for peace. At Awakened Authenticity, we recognize that holding onto grudges only keeps us chained to the past. We teach that true freedom comes when we forgive—not for the other person’s sake, but for our own.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
— Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
This verse challenges us to forgive those who hurt us, not just in words, but in action. It calls us to release the grip of pain and to heal with compassion. Forgiveness allows us to move forward, releasing old stories and reclaiming our inner peace.
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'”
— Luke 23:34 (NIV)
Even in his final moments, Jesus chose to forgive those who were causing his pain. Awakened Authenticity teaches us that true healing happens when we release the past and make room for new beginnings. Forgiveness is a powerful tool in reclaiming your power and your peace.
Awakened Authenticity and Jesus’ Teachings
While I no longer identify as a Christian in the traditional sense, the teachings of Yeshua are deeply aligned with the principles of Awakened Authenticity. His life was a journey of awakening—one that invited people to live with integrity, embrace unconditional love, and break free from the chains of fear and judgment. He challenged systems, taught radical love, and uplifted those who were forgotten or oppressed.
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In my own work, I am carrying forward that same spirit of liberation and transformation. The Awakened Authenticity path is one of freedom, truth, and empowerment—values that Jesus not only preached but lived by. And while our journeys may look different, the underlying message remains the same: We are all worthy of love, we all deserve freedom, and we all have the power to create a life of radical authenticity.
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Just as Jesus’ life was an invitation to live in alignment with the divine, Awakened Authenticity is about reconnecting to that inner truth and living in a way that honors your authentic self.
As you reflect on the teachings of Jesus and how they invite us into deeper love, freedom, and authenticity, I encourage you to keep exploring what it means to live a spiritually awakened life. One small but powerful practice that helps anchor me in presence and gratitude is blessing my food. If you’re curious about how this simple ritual can deepen your connection to your body and the sacred, I invite you to continue your journey by reading my next post: [Why I Always Bless My Food (and a Prayer You Can Use If You’re Just Getting Started)]. It’s a gentle and grounded next step toward embodying mindfulness and intention in your everyday life.
