The conscience is an important concept in the Bible. Here are some key Bible verses about conscience from the English Standard Version (ESV):
A good conscience comes from living rightly
“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5)
“In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8)
“Keep a good conscience, so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:16)
These verses indicate that a good conscience is the result of righteous living, pure doctrine, sound speech, and good behavior. As we seek to honor God in how we live, act, and speak, our conscience becomes a trustworthy guide.
A wounded or weak conscience struggles with sin
“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14)
“To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.” (Titus 1:15)
“I am not lying, but speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 9:1)
When our conscience is wounded by sin and unbelief, we struggle to discern right from wrong. But Jesus offers cleansing for our conscience so we can serve God rightly. As we walk in purity, our conscience becomes a helpful guide again.
The conscience convicts us of sin
“They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.” (Romans 2:15)
“If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:20)
At times, our conscience trouble us, bringing conviction about sin. But we can have confidence that God is greater than our conscience, fully understanding ourhearts.
A clear conscience comes from faith
“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5)
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22)
While a good conscience comes from living righteously, we can only do so as we live by faith, trusting in Christ’s redemptive work. Faith is key to maintaining a clear conscience before God.
God values conscience
“One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” (Romans 14:2-5)
This passage indicates God values conscience and convicts us according to the understanding we have. As believers, we are called to not judge one another but allow room for differences of conscience.
Our conscience can become seared and lose sensitivity
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared.” (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
“To the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.” (Titus 1:15)
When we continually go against what we know to be right, our conscience can become dull and unresponsive. That’s why it’s so important to keep a good conscience by living rightly.
An important aspect of Christian maturity
“And so, by sinning against the brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.” (1 Corinthians 8:12)
“Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.” (Romans 14:20-22)
A mature conscience is marked by considering how our actions affect the consciences of others, especially new or weaker believers. Our freedom should not cause others to stumble.
Prayer for a blameless conscience
“I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” (Acts 24:16)
“May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
As Christians, we can regularly ask God to help us maintain a clear and blameless conscience through the sanctifying work of His Spirit.
A good conscience reflects God’s holiness
“Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 2:11-12)
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)
Our conscience either affirms or convicts us before God based on His standards of righteousness. Keeping a blameless conscience requires humbly walking in holiness and making things right with others.
Conscience can prompt generosity and service
“But now I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.” (Romans 15:25-26)
“Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.” (3 John 1:5-6)
A spiritually sensitive conscience can motivate us toward compassion, generosity, and service to others. It helps us see and meet the needs of our fellow believers.
Conclusion
In summary, the conscience is a gift from God meant to sensitively guide us in pursuing righteousness and rejecting evil. Maintaining a blameless, holy conscience requires continually surrendering to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit through God’s Word. The conscience is a central aspect of Christian character and maturity that honors the Lord.