As a Christian, I know it’s important to live by the tenets of my faith. But sometimes, these tenets can be vague or confusing.
It is critical to recognize that God’s love pervades everything and everywhere. As Christians, we go through this world surrounded by God’s love. We have been granted the gift of eternal life in his presence (John 3:16). Our Heavenly Father loves us and has given us his only son in order for us to be redeemed from sin and death (John 3:16-18).
As Christians, we must remember that God loves us no matter what we do, say, or think. So, the next time you feel like giving up on yourself or others, take a moment to ask yourself, “How much does God love me?”
The Foundation of Christian Living
The Bible, salvation, and the Holy Spirit are the foundation of Christian living. They provide us with the knowledge, power, and guidance we need to live a life that is pleasing to God.
The Bible is the Word of God and our guide for Christian living. It teaches us about God’s character, His plan for salvation, and His will for our lives. The Bible also provides us with practical advice on how to deal with the challenges of everyday life.
Salvation is the gift of God that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life. Salvation is not something that we can earn by our own good works. It is a gift from God that we receive by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence in us. He dwells within us and guides us into all truth (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit helps us to understand the Bible, to pray, and to live a life that is pleasing to God. He also gives us the power to overcome sin and to live a life of victory.
When we build our lives on the foundation of the Bible, salvation, and the Holy Spirit, we can experience the abundant life that Jesus promised us (John 10:10). We can live a life that is pleasing to God and that makes a difference in the world.
The Fruits of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit produces nine fruits in the life of every believer: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These fruits are the evidence of a transformed life, and they are essential for living a life that is pleasing to God.
Love is the greatest commandment and the foundation of Christian living (Matthew 22:37-39). It is the love of God for us that motivated Him to send His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). And it is the love of Christ for us that compels us to love others (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
Joy is not just happiness, which is based on our circumstances. Joy is a deep contentment and satisfaction that comes from knowing that we are loved by God and that we have a purpose in life (John 15:11). Even in difficult times, we can experience the joy of the Lord because we know that He is with us and that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
Peace is not just the absence of conflict or turmoil. It is a deep sense of inner calm and serenity that comes from trusting in God and knowing that He is in control (Philippians 4:6-7). Even when the world around us is chaotic, we can have peace in our hearts because we know that God is with us and that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Patience is the ability to endure difficult situations with grace and perseverance. It is the opposite of irritability and anger. Patience is essential for living a Christian life because we will all face challenges and trials. But when we are patient, we can trust that God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is the opposite of selfishness and rudeness. Kindness is essential for living a Christian life because we are called to love others as Christ loves us (John 13:34-35). When we are kind to others, we are reflecting the love of Christ to them.
Goodness is the quality of being morally good and virtuous. It is the opposite of evil and sin. Goodness is essential for living a Christian life because we are called to be imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5:1). When we are good, we are striving to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God.
Faithfulness is the quality of being trustworthy and reliable. It is the opposite of deceit and betrayal. Faithfulness is essential for living a Christian life because we are called to be faithful to God and to others (1 Corinthians 4:2). When we are faithful, we can be trusted to do what we say we will do and to keep our commitments.
Gentleness is the quality of being mild and meek. It is the opposite of harshness and cruelty. Gentleness is essential for living a Christian life because we are called to be humble and to treat others with respect (Philippians 2:3-4). When we are gentle, we are reflecting the gentleness of Christ to others.
Self-control is the ability to master our desires and passions. It is the opposite of self-indulgence and recklessness. Self-control is essential for living a Christian life because we are called to crucify our flesh and to live in the Spirit (Galatians 5:24). When we have self-control, we are able to resist temptation and to make choices that are pleasing to God.
The fruits of the Spirit are essential for living a life that is pleasing to God and that is fruitful for the kingdom. When we allow the Holy Spirit to produce these fruits in our lives, we become more like Christ and we make a difference in the world around us.
Putting Christian Values into Practice
As Christians, we are called to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God. This means putting our faith into practice in all areas of our lives, including our relationships, work, finances, and ministry.
Relationships
In our relationships, we are called to love our families, friends, and neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This means being kind, compassionate, and forgiving. It also means being supportive and helpful. When we put our faith into practice in our relationships, we build stronger bonds with others and reflect the love of Christ to the world.
Work
In our work, we are called to work with integrity and diligence (Colossians 3:23-24). This means being honest and trustworthy in our dealings with others. It also means giving our best effort to our work and striving to do it well. When we put our faith into practice in our work, we glorify God and make a difference in the world.
Finances
In our finances, we are called to manage our money wisely (Proverbs 21:20). This means being responsible with our spending and saving. It also means being generous with our resources and supporting the work of God. When we put our faith into practice in our finances, we honor God and use our blessings to help others.
Ministry
In our ministry, we are called to use our gifts and talents to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). This can be done in many different ways, such as volunteering our time to a local church or ministry, serving on a mission trip, or simply being a good neighbor. When we put our faith into practice in our ministry, we make a difference in the world and share the love of Christ with others.
Overcoming Challenges
Every Christian will face challenges in their life. These challenges may come in the form of temptation, suffering, or persecution. But the good news is that God is with us in the midst of all of our challenges, and He will help us to overcome them.
Temptation
Temptation is a normal part of life, but it is important to remember that we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus was tempted just like we are, but He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). We can resist temptation by following His example.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
When we are tempted, we should first pray for God’s help (Matthew 6:13). We should also rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us (Galatians 5:16-18). Finally, we should avoid situations where we are more likely to be tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Suffering
Suffering is another part of life that no Christian can escape. But suffering is not meaningless. God uses suffering to refine our character and to teach us about His love (Romans 8:28-29).
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
When we are suffering, we should remember that God is with us. He knows what we are going through, and He cares about us deeply (Hebrews 4:15). We can find hope in the midst of suffering by knowing that God will use it for our good and for His glory.
Persecution
Persecution is something that many Christians face around the world. But even in the midst of persecution, we can respond with grace and love. Jesus taught us to forgive our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).
“But love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Matthew 5:44)
When we are persecuted, we should remember that we are following in the footsteps of Jesus. He was persecuted for our sins, and He overcame it (Hebrews 12:2). We can overcome persecution by trusting in the power of God and by relying on the support of other believers.
Growing in Your Faith
Growing in your faith is an essential part of following Christ. It is a lifelong journey of learning more about God and His Word, developing a closer relationship with Him, and becoming more like Him. There are many ways to grow in your faith, but four of the most important are prayer, Bible study, worship, and community.
Prayer is communicating with God. It is a way to express your love and gratitude to Him, to ask for His help and guidance, and to share your burdens with Him. The Bible tells us that “prayer is the key that opens the door to heaven” (James 5:16).
Bible study is learning more about God and His Word. It is a way to grow in your understanding of His character, His will, and His plan for your life. The Bible tells us that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Worship is gathering with other believers to praise and worship God. It is a time to focus on Him and to express your love and gratitude to Him. The Bible tells us that “it is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night” (Psalm 92:1-2).
Community is being part of a church family that supports and encourages you in your faith. It is a place where you can grow in your knowledge of God and His Word, where you can serve others, and where you can be held accountable for your spiritual walk. The Bible tells us that “we should not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
As you grow in your faith, you will become more like Christ and you will be more effective in sharing His love with the world.
8 Biblical Foundations for Christian Living
When we seek to understand how to live as a Christian, we turn to the Bible for guidance. In these scriptures, we find not only the principles that should shape our Christian lives but also the wisdom to navigate the complexities of the modern world while remaining true to our faith. Here are eight biblical foundations for Christian living:
1. Be Just Like Our Heavenly Father
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus encourages us to “pray for those who oppress you.” This sentiment is powerfully exemplified by Jesus Himself, who prayed for those crucifying Him. As Christians, we are called to love our opponents just as Christ loved us. His love was perfect and selfless, leading Him to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8-9). True Christian love is selfless, putting the needs of others before our own. It’s a love that goes beyond the world’s self-serving definition and is founded on self-sacrifice.
2. Seek Your Neighbor’s Good (1 Corinthians 10:24)
One of the foundational principles of Christian living is putting the good of others ahead of our own. It means serving others without expecting personal gain or recognition, simply because it is the right thing to do. This principle calls us to show love and kindness to those around us, not only when it’s convenient or easy, but especially when it’s inconvenient.
3. We Are His Workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
The Bible tells us that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared in advance for us to do. This means that each of us has a unique purpose and is designed to fulfill it. Our lives are part of God’s plan, and it is our responsibility to carry out this plan by doing good and living according to it.
4. We Hold This Treasure in Earthen Vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7)
In 2 Corinthians 4:7, we are reminded that we carry the treasure of God’s power within us. This power shines through our human weaknesses. As Christians, we will face troubles, perplexities, and persecutions, but we won’t be crushed, in despair, or abandoned. We carry Jesus’ life within us, and it’s our calling to manifest His life in our mortal flesh.
5. The Earth Is the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1)
When we choose to follow Christ, we become His property. We belong to Him, and our lives should glorify Him. As stewards of God’s creation, including ourselves, we are entrusted to manage His resources responsibly, producing fruit for His glory. This responsibility extends to how we care for the Earth and how we treat one another.
6. For All Things Come from You (1 Chronicles 29:14)
Everything comes from God, and we are blessed with gifts, including material wealth. It’s essential for Christians to use these gifts to serve one another as good stewards of God’s grace. Generosity is encouraged, for “the liberal mind shall be made fat” and “he who waters will himself be irrigated.”
7. Every Man Shall Give as He Is Able (Deuteronomy 16:17)
Giving is a privilege and a personal choice. Whether through tithes or offerings, we are called to give as we are able according to the blessings God has bestowed upon us.
8. Live in Love with God, Self, and Others
The Bible teaches us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are called to love our adversaries, pray for those who persecute us, and imitate Jesus’ example of loving others.
These biblical foundations provide the compass by which Christians navigate life. They challenge us to live selflessly, generously, and with love for God and our neighbors. By anchoring our lives in these principles, we not only honor God but also enrich the lives of those around us.
These eight biblical foundations serve as a powerful guide for Christian living, helping individuals walk in faith and love in their daily lives.
Conclusion
It is only by the grace of God that we can live as Christians, but He has given us this gift so that we may have life in abundance. There are no perfect people, and Christ is the one who saved us from sin, not our righteousness.
We should strive to be more like Him every day and be willing to give up everything for the sake of His Kingdom. The Bible gives us many examples throughout Scripture about how God told His people to live their lives according to His plan—and it still applies today!”