Understanding Christian theology isn’t just about reading the bible. It’s about applying its teachings to our daily life.
The difference is in the practice. One can recite the scripture by heart, but without application, it lacks depth.
Living a Christian life, on the other hand, involves abiding by certain theological principles that guide us in our actions and decisions.
These principles not only help us lead a good Christian life, but they also inspire others through our actions.
In this article, I’ll share with you seven theological principles that guide good Christians. These are principles I’ve learned and practiced throughout my spiritual journey. They may be simple, but they’ve made a significant impact on my faith.
1) Love thy neighbor
In the sphere of Christianity, few principles carry more weight than the commandment to love thy neighbor.
And this isn’t just about loving those who are easy to love. It’s about extending that love to all – even those who may have wronged us or whom we find difficult to tolerate.
This is where the concept of Agape comes in.
Agape, a term featured prominently in the New Testament, refers to a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. It’s the highest form of love that personifies the love of God for man and man for God.
Consider it. It’s the principle behind every act of forgiveness, every helping hand extended, and every sacrifice made for the benefit of others.
When faced with situations that test our patience and grace, we are often guided by what Jesus would have done – choosing to respond with love and understanding.
But remember, practicing this principle requires authenticity and sincerity if we wish to avoid hypocrisy. After all, genuine love can’t be faked.
2) Faith over fear
Living a life rooted in faith is a cornerstone of the Christian journey.
There have been moments in my own life where fear seemed to consume every thought and action. It was during a particularly challenging time, when I was facing significant health issues, that fear had me cornered.
But I was reminded of the theological principle of putting faith over fear.
I recall reading the verse from 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” This verse was a revelation and a source of immense comfort.
I began to consciously choose faith over fear. Every time I found myself spiralling into worry, I would pause, pray, and remind myself that my faith was stronger than any fear.
This shift didn’t miraculously cure my health issues, but it did transform my mindset. I became more positive, resilient and even found the strength to help others dealing with their own fears.
Remember, choosing faith over fear isn’t about ignoring reality or avoiding problems. It’s about facing them with courage, believing in God’s guidance and finding peace amidst the storm.
3) The principle of stewardship
As Christians, we’re called to be stewards of God’s creation. This means being responsible for the world around us and using our resources wisely.
The concept of stewardship is deeply rooted in the Bible. In fact, the first command given to man in the book of Genesis was to ‘tend and keep’ the Garden of Eden.
This concept extends further than just environmental responsibility though. It also applies to our time, talents, and treasures. We are entrusted with these gifts and it’s our duty to use them wisely for the betterment of others and glorification of God.
So, whether it’s using our skills to serve in our local church, managing our money responsibly, or caring for the environment, stewardship is a guiding principle that shapes how we live as good Christians.
4) The power of prayer
Prayer is not just a routine or ritual. It’s as essential to our spiritual life as breathing is to our physical life.
Prayer is the means by which we communicate with God, seek His guidance, express our gratitude, and confess our sins. It’s a powerful spiritual tool that helps us maintain a strong connection with God.
The Bible urges us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), indicating the importance of regular and continual prayer.
But more than just a duty, prayer should be a heartfelt conversation with God where we openly express our thoughts, feelings, fears, and hopes.
Whether we pray silently or aloud, alone or in a group, the key is to pray sincerely and trustingly, knowing that God hears us and will answer according to His will.
5) Embracing forgiveness
There’s a saying that carrying a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. I’ve learned the hard truth of this firsthand.
A few years ago, I harbored deep resentment towards a close friend who had betrayed my trust. The bitterness was eating me up inside, affecting my mood, my relationships, and even my health.
It was then that I revisited the Christian principle of forgiveness.
When Jesus was asked how many times we should forgive someone who sins against us, He answered, “not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22). This doesn’t mean that we should keep a tally and stop at the 78th time. It means that our forgiveness should be limitless, just like God’s forgiveness for us.
Forgiving my friend was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But once I let go of the resentment, I felt a sense of peace and freedom like never before.
Forgiveness isn’t about letting someone off the hook for their actions. It’s about freeing ourselves from the burden of bitterness and opening our hearts to healing and grace.
6) The virtue of humility
Humility is a foundational virtue in Christianity. It’s about acknowledging that we are not the center of the universe and recognizing our dependence on God.
The Bible says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). This verse emphasizes the importance of humility, not as a sign of weakness, but as a strength that invites God’s grace.
Humility prevents us from thinking too highly of ourselves or considering ourselves better than others. It helps us to see our own faults and shortcomings, and it guides us to appreciate the value and worth of all individuals.
Practicing humility requires a conscious effort to let go of our ego, listen more than we talk, show empathy to others, and give credit where it’s due. It’s a principle that cultivates patience, compassion and a spirit of service.
7) Living a life of service
The greatest commandment in Christianity is to love God and love others. And one of the most profound ways to express this love is through service.
Jesus himself said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). His life was a testament to service, from washing the feet of his disciples to sacrificing his life on the cross.
Service isn’t about grand gestures or public recognition. It’s about small acts of kindness, volunteer work, helping a neighbor in need or simply being there for someone.
Living a life of service is not just about doing good deeds. It’s about embodying Christ’s love and compassion, and making a positive impact on the world around us. No act of service, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Final reflections: The journey within
The beauty of Christianity, like many religions, is its ability to guide us through the complexities of life.
At the heart of these seven theological principles lies the essence of love – love for God, love for others, and love for oneself.
Remember the words of 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Let all that you do be done in love.” This verse isn’t a command, but an invitation to live a life filled with compassion, generosity, humility, and grace.
These principles aren’t mere rules to follow blindly. They’re signposts on the journey towards spiritual growth and personal transformation.
Whether it’s practicing forgiveness, choosing faith over fear, or living a life of service, each principle challenges us to go beyond our comfort zones and become better versions of ourselves.
As you reflect on these principles, consider how they resonate with your own life. Remember that this isn’t about achieving perfection but about progressing on the path of spiritual growth.
Let these principles guide your steps, shape your decisions, and inspire you to live a life that reflects the love and grace of God.
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
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