The Bible has a lot to say about how Christians should behave and conduct themselves. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical principles regarding Christian behavior:
Love God and Love Others
The two greatest commandments, according to Jesus, are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). Loving God means having a close relationship with Him through prayer, Bible study, worship, and obedience. Loving others means treating them with kindness, compassion, patience, forgiveness, and selflessness.
Be Humble and Serve Others
Christians are called to follow Jesus’ example of humility and servanthood. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). We demonstrate Christ’s love by serving others, especially those in need (Matthew 25:31-46).
Practice Self-Control
The Bible instructs believers to exhibit self-control and live disciplined lives. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12). Christians must control their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, speech, and desires to grow in godliness.
Seek Righteousness and Holiness
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:14-16). Christians are called to pursue moral excellence, purity, and righteousness in all aspects of life.
Forgive Others
Because Christ has forgiven us for so much, Christians must forgive those who sin against them. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Holding grudges is not acceptable for believers. We are to forgive others just as God has forgiven us.
Be Good Stewards
Christians should be wise stewards of the time, talents, and resources God has given them. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). This includes being generous with money, using gifts to serve the church, and making the most of opportunities.
Pursue Unity in Christ
Christians are instructed to make every effort to promote unity and harmony within the body of Christ. “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Speak Graciously
Believers’ speech should be uplifting, constructive, and life-giving. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Christians should avoid gossip, lies, profanity, and abusive speech.
Shun Sexual Immorality
The Bible clearly prohibits sexual immorality such as adultery, homosexuality, premarital sex, and pornography. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). Christians are to pursue sexual purity.
Obey Authorities
Christians should obey and respect those in authority over them, including government officials, employers, parents, church leaders, and teachers. “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him…Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:13-16). Civil disobedience is only permitted when authorities require believers to disobey God.
Manage Anger Appropriately
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27). Although anger is not inherently sinful, it can easily lead to sinful words and actions. Christians must control their anger and not let it control them.
Spread the Gospel
Jesus commissioned all Christians to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). We are called to share the message of salvation through Christ with others.
Put God First
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Our relationship with God should be our top priority. Everything else, including family, work, hobbies, etc. must come after our commitment to loving and serving God.
Be Wise, Not Foolish
Christians are instructed to live wisely and avoid foolishness. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). We must use discernment, make wise choices, and avoid ungodly behaviors that the Bible calls foolish or unwise.
Persevere Through Suffering
Suffering and persecution are promised to believers who follow Christ. “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Christians must endure hardships and trials with faith, knowing God uses suffering for our growth and His glory (Romans 5:3-5).
Be a Peacemaker
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Christians should promote peace by resolving conflicts and disagreements. We must be gentle, patient, and loving rather than divisive or quarrelsome.
Do All for God’s Glory
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Christians should do everything in a way that brings honor and glory to God, whether through honesty, excellence, gratitude, obedience, or serving others.
Produce Fruit of the Spirit
Christians are called to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a). These godly qualities and virtues should increasingly define a believer’s character and conduct.
Be a Good Witness
Believers are exhorted to live in a way that reflects well on Christ and causes others to glorify God. “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12). Our testimony should point people toward Christ.
In summary, the Bible provides believers with clear guidance regarding how to live in a godly manner that pleases God, serves others, and brings honor to Christ. Key principles include pursuing holiness, loving others, being generous, living with integrity, using wise speech, obeying authorities, controlling anger, forgiving freely, standing for truth, enduring hardship, promoting peace, bearing spiritual fruit, and proclaiming the gospel through word and deed.
The Bible contains numerous other practical instructions to believers about Christian behavior and conduct. Ultimately, the goal is for believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1), demonstrating the transforming power of God’s love. As we walk in obedience to Christ, we will grow in godly character and virtue.