10 Christian Values
The values Jesus taught in the New Testament can be quickly summed up in two thoughts: love God and love others. Here are 10 values of Christianity present in the Word of God:
1. Generosity: This is a core Christian value that means being kind and unselfish, especially with our money and time. Proverbs 22:9 (NIV) says, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
2. Courage: To be courageous is to be bold and confident. It is the opposite of fear. An example of courage is following Jesus, even when the world says you shouldn’t. Joshua 1:9 (NIV) says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
3. Love: Love is a fundamental characteristic of who God is. In fact, God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to die for our sins (John 3:16). Now, he calls us to show the same sacrificial love to others. 1 John 4:19 (NIV) says, “We love because he first loved us.”
4. Respect: This Christian value means to know and accept that God created all people in his image. And as a result, we treat them with kindness and love. “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17, NIV).
5. Hope: The value of hope is confident expectation. It’s a firm assurance and confidence in God, even when we can’t see him. “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18, NIV).
6. Peace: To have peace means remaining spiritually calm no matter what life throws your way. It’s resting in God, knowing he’s going to take care of you. John 16:33 (NIV) says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
7. Faith: To have faith means to believe in God based on evidence, even without total proof. It means trusting that God is who he says he is. “For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV).
8. Forgiveness: This value means letting go of a sin someone committed against you, choosing to love them instead of resenting them. Jesus forgave us of our sins, and we must do the same. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV).
9. Perseverance: Our Christian walk can be hard at times. But we must persevere, which means continuing to push forward despite difficulty. The Bible says, “If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us” (2 Timothy 2:12, NIV).
10. Compassion: Compassion means seeing the suffering of others and taking action to stop it. It’s a tangible expression of love for those who are suffering or in need. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12, NIV).