7 strategies for embodying Christian values according to the Bible

Navigating life through Christian values isn’t just about memorizing verses from the Bible, but living them out each day.

The difference between knowing and living these values is like night and day. Knowing means you’re aware, while living them means they’re part of your every action.

Embodying Christian values is all about letting them shine through in your character and interactions with others. And I believe there are some key strategies that can help us do just this.

Here are seven strategies to help you live out Christian values according to the Bible in a practical, everyday kind of way.

So, let’s dive in and explore these strategies together, shall we?

1) Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

One of the most central Christian values is the command to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

This isn’t just a nice idea – it’s a direct command from Jesus Himself, found in Matthew 22:39. But how do we embody this in our everyday lives?

Well, it starts with empathy. Empathy involves stepping into other people’s shoes and understanding their experiences and feelings. It’s about more than just being nice; it’s about genuinely caring for others.

To embody this Christian value, we have to practice empathy consistently. This means treating others with kindness and respect, irrespective of who they are or where they come from. It’s about showing genuine concern for their wellbeing and helping them when they’re in need.

But remember, this isn’t just about being a good person. This is about living out our Christian values in a practical, everyday kind of way. The Bible reminds us that every individual is created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), and therefore deserving of love and respect.

By practicing empathy, we can ensure we are loving our neighbors as ourselves, just as Jesus commanded us to do.

2) Forgiveness is Freedom

Forgiveness is another key Christian value that the Bible emphasizes time and time again. I’ve learned this firsthand.

I remember a time when a friend betrayed my trust. I was hurt, angry and felt like I could never forgive them. But I kept thinking about Ephesians 4:32, which says “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

This verse reminded me that my ability to forgive wasn’t just about me and my feelings, but about embodying the forgiveness that Christ has given us. It was tough, but I decided to forgive my friend.

When I did that, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I realized that forgiveness wasn’t just about letting the other person off the hook – it was about freeing myself from the burden of bitterness and resentment.

Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you condone their actions or forget what they did. It means you make a conscious decision to let go of the hurt and anger, to move forward without holding onto the pain.

It’s important to note that forgiveness is not a one-time thing. It’s a process that takes time. But each step you take towards forgiveness is a step towards embodying this vital Christian value.

3) Be a Peacemaker

In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” This underscores the importance of peace and reconciliation in Christian values.

Did you know that the word ‘peace’ appears in the Bible over 400 times? It’s an essential theme that permeates both the Old and New Testaments.

Being a peacemaker means actively working towards harmony in our relationships and environments. It’s about resolving conflicts, healing divisions, and promoting unity.

Embodying this Christian value is not just about avoiding conflict; it’s about fostering an environment where peace can flourish. This could be in your family, your workplace, your community, or even within yourself.

Remember this: peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of justice and love. So let’s strive to be peacemakers in a world that so desperately needs it.

4) Practice Humility

Humility is another core Christian value that’s often overlooked. Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

Practicing humility means recognizing that we’re not the center of the universe. It’s about considering others and their needs before our own.

Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. It’s about serving others and understanding that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

Embodying humility allows us to show grace and understanding in our interactions with others. It helps us remember that we’re all part of a bigger picture and that every person is important in God’s eyes.

Remember, Jesus modeled humility throughout His life. He knelt to wash His disciples’ feet, a job typically assigned to servants. He continually put others before Himself, even unto death. So let’s strive to follow His example in our daily lives.

5) Trust in God’s Timing

There have been times in my life when things didn’t go the way I planned. I remember feeling frustrated and even questioning why God would allow these things to happen.

But as I look back now, I see how those challenging times were part of a bigger plan. They helped shape me into the person I am today and strengthened my faith in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Trusting in God’s timing isn’t always easy. It requires patience and faith, especially when things don’t make sense. But by surrendering our plans to Him, we can find peace knowing that He has our best interests at heart.

This Christian value is about more than just belief; it’s about putting that belief into action. It’s about trusting that God is working behind the scenes, even when we can’t see it.

So let’s strive to trust in His timing, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

6) Show Compassion

In the Bible, one of the most consistent characteristics of God is His compassion. Over and over, we see God’s heart for the hurting, the marginalized, and the forgotten.

Compassion is about more than just feeling sorry for someone; it’s about moving towards their pain with the intention to help. It’s about recognizing the suffering of others and taking action to alleviate it.

The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is a powerful example of this. Despite cultural and racial barriers, the Samaritan showed compassion to a wounded man who was ignored by others. He didn’t just feel pity; he took practical steps to help.

To embody this Christian value, we need to look beyond ourselves and our own needs. We need to be willing to step out of our comfort zones to reach out to those in need.

Remember, compassion is not just an emotion; it’s a call to action. So let’s strive to show compassion in our words and actions every day.

7) Live by Faith

The most important thing to remember in embodying Christian values is to live by faith. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Faith is not just about believing in God; it’s about living out that belief every single day. It’s about trusting God with every aspect of our lives, from the smallest decisions to the biggest challenges.

Living by faith means stepping out in obedience, even when it’s difficult or doesn’t make sense. It’s about surrendering control and trusting that God has a plan for us.

Remember, our faith is not just a part of our lives; it is our life. It influences how we think, how we act, and how we relate to others.

So let’s strive to live by faith, trusting in God’s goodness and love for us, every single day.

Final Reflection: It’s a Lifelong Journey

Inherent in the pursuit of embodying Christian values is the understanding that it’s an ongoing process, a lifelong journey.

Each of the strategies we’ve discussed is not a one-time action but a continuous practice. It’s about trying, failing, learning, and trying again.

As we walk this path, we are bound to stumble and fall. But remember Peter, who denied Jesus three times, yet was later restored and became a cornerstone of the early church (John 21:15-19). Or think of Paul, who persecuted Christians before experiencing a radical transformation and becoming one of the most influential apostles (Acts 9:1-22).

These stories remind us that our mistakes don’t define us; it’s our response to those mistakes that truly matters.

So, as we strive to embody these Christian values in our daily lives, let’s remember that it’s the journey that shapes us. It’s in our striving that we grow and learn.

May these strategies serve as guideposts on your journey, helping you to live out your faith in practical and meaningful ways. And may you find joy and fulfillment in the process, knowing that each step brings you closer to becoming the person God has created you to be.