Christian Values That Change Lives
Written by G Njuguna on June 6, 2022
Jesus makes it clear in the Bible that the two most essential commandments are to love God and love others. These Christian values are at the center of the New Testament and serve as a general guide for how Christians should live and behave. But beyond these general parameters, Paul writes in Galatians about nine additional Judeo Christian values worth exploring.
So, what are Christian values? Galatians 5:22-26 (NIV) breaks down the most essential and core Christian values in detail. The verses read:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other.”
As GotQuestions.org notes, ” the Holy Spirit’s fruit is the result of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of a Christian.” Having Christ in one’s life and heart should, in turn, yield noticeable changes, with these sentiments having a presence in the lives of believers.
Now, let’s explore these Christian principles in-depth.
CHRISTIAN VALUES THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE
SHOW LOVE
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:9-10 (NIV)
When looking at these Christian values, the first one that Jesus himself calls us to is “love.” Love for God and love for others are not only evidence of the presence of Christ in one’s life, but it also holds the power to transform a person’s existence.
Love is selfless. It encapsulates care for others and their well-being. It’s also an emotion that people express for one another — and for the Almighty (and it’s one God expresses back to his creation).
FIND JOY IN THE CHAOS
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Paul tells us that one of the most important Judeo Christian values is “joy” — something that Merriam-Webster defines as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.”
More specifically, though, joy is a contentedness that comes from having faith in God, even as chaos and difficulties rage. Jesus alone is enough — one of the Christian core values that sustain believers even in their time of need.
SEEK PEACE
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
The Holy Spirit holds the ability to usher in peace in a person’s heart. This, in fact, is one of the Christian values at the center of the biblical narrative. Peace in one’s heart and peace with others are just two Christian principles worthy of embracing.
BE PATIENT
“You say, ‘I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.'” – Psalm 75:2 (NIV)
Forbearance is yet another quality on the Christian values list worthy of further exploration. Being in control of oneself and having patience when provoked is important. This is especially essential in a culture that is dominated by divisive debates and anger.
With Jesus, the Christian core values of self-restraint and forbearance are absolutely attainable.
BE KIND
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
In a culture that emphasizes self, it’s easy to lose sight of the important role that kindness plays. Along with loving others comes the Christian principle of caring for them — and of being compassionate.
From helping the poor and those in need to holding the door for someone, kindness is simple. It’s one of the hallmarks of a Christ-filled heart.
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