“The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17
What Does The Bible Say About Values
We find that values are integral to our lives as Christians. The Bible teaches us about the core values we should embody, which come from the life of Jesus and the teachings in Scripture. These values guide our actions, words, and thoughts. We are called to reflect the character of Christ, and this is possible through understanding our spiritual inheritance as believers.
Values in the Bible encompass love, kindness, humility, and integrity, which help shape not only our lives but also influence those around us. As Christians, embracing these values allows us to build stronger communities that reflect God’s love and grace. We must remember that values go beyond mere rules; they are about living and acting with purpose and intention.
By holding onto biblical truths, we can cultivate positive traits within ourselves and demonstrate to others the love of God. When we align our values with those presented in Scripture, we reveal our faith through our actions. Let’s explore how the Bible speaks about various aspects of values, guiding us to love and serve one another genuinely.
Let us consider the different subtopics around values that will encourage us to strengthen our character and be reflections of Christ in all we do.
Bible Verses About Values
Love for Others
When we think about the values laid out in the Bible, love for others stands out above all. Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving one another as He loves us. This command is foundational in our journey and should lead how we interact with not only fellow believers but everyone we meet. Love is the value that bridges gaps between us and fosters unity within the body of Christ and beyond.
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Kindness and Compassion
Killing with kindness is a value that we see woven throughout the Bible. As Christians, we are called to be kind and compassionate, following the example of Christ. Everyday situations present opportunities for us to show kindness and demonstrate how compassion can impact lives. Small acts of kindness can bring great joy and share the love of God with others.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
Proverbs 11:17
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” – Proverbs 11:17
Luke 6:36
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:36
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Integrity and Honesty
Integrity and honesty are core values that every believer should uphold. Being truthful not only honors God but also builds trust with those around us. Having a reputation for integrity helps create a solid foundation for our relationships and draws others to Jesus through our actions. We are accountable to God for our words and conduct, and our commitment to honesty enriches our character as we live out our faith.
Proverbs 10:9
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22
Psalm 25:21
“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” – Psalm 25:21
Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
Titus 2:7
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.” – Titus 2:7
Humility
Humility is a virtue that can sometimes be countercultural, especially in a world that often values power and status. The Bible teaches us to embrace humility and recognize our dependence on God. When we approach each other with humility, we foster a spirit of collaboration, openness, and love. Christ modeled humility by serving others, which is a powerful reminder that we too should put the needs of others before our own desires.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Proverbs 22:4
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” – Proverbs 22:4
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
Faithfulness
Being faithful is an important value highlighted throughout Scripture. God’s faithfulness towards us is a great example of how we should live our lives. Our commitment to God should reflect in our relationships and responsibilities. As we strive to be faithful in the little things, we show God’s grace and love to others, creating a ripple effect of faithfulness in our communities.
Matthew 25:21
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” – Matthew 25:21
1 Corinthians 4:2
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
Revelation 2:10
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer… Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” – Revelation 2:10
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Gratitude and Thankfulness
As we cultivate values in our lives, expressing gratitude plays a crucial role in shaping our perspective. The Bible instructs us to be thankful in all circumstances, recognizing the goodness of God in every situation. A heart filled with gratitude not only pleases God but transforms our attitude and impacts our interactions with others. Thankfulness fosters a positive outlook, encouraging us to appreciate the gifts God has bestowed upon us.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Colossians 3:15
“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
Psalm 107:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Ephesians 5:20
“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:20
Final Thoughts
Throughout our exploration of values in the Bible, we have seen the importance of love, kindness, integrity, humility, faithfulness, and gratitude. Each of these values not only shapes our own lives but also impacts those around us. As we strive to live out these biblical principles, we develop a closer relationship with God and become a bright light in the lives of others.
Let us commit ourselves to embodying these values and being reflections of Christ in our thoughts, actions, and words. Embracing these core attributes will help us build a loving and nurturing community that honors God.
As we continue to grow in our faith, we can seek out more teachings in areas such as Bible verses about values and Bible verses about character. Each verse provides encouragement for us to become better disciples of Christ.