Living a Christian life isn’t merely about attending church or reading the Bible – it’s about embodying certain virtues that reflect the teachings of Christ.
Indeed, there’s a difference between professing faith and living it.
Living your faith means integrating key virtues into your daily life, reflecting Christ’s teachings in all your actions. And keen observers would know that there are seven distinct virtues that truly define a Christian life.
Let’s explore these seven virtues that define a Christian life, and how to weave them into our everyday actions.
1) Humility
One of the key markers of a Christian life is humility.
Humility is a virtue often overlooked in our competitive, self-obsessed world. But Christians understand its profound significance.
The Bible frequently emphasizes humility, as seen in verses like Proverbs 22:4 – “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.”
So, what does living with humility look like?
It’s about acknowledging that we are not the center of the universe. It’s about recognizing our place in the grand scheme of things and understanding that every person has value in the eyes of God.
It means not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. Instead, we focus on serving others and recognizing their worth.
Living with humility doesn’t mean being weak or passive. Instead, it means being secure enough in ourselves to put others before us, just as Jesus did.
Remember, humility isn’t about belittling ourselves; it’s about lifting others up. And that’s a true reflection of Christian life.
2) Forgiveness
Another defining virtue in a Christian life is forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a tough one. It’s not easy to let go of resentment and hurt, particularly when the wound is fresh and deep.
I remember a time when a close friend betrayed my trust. It was a painful experience, and I felt justified in my anger. I kept thinking, “How could they do this to me?”
But as time went on, I realized that holding onto that anger wasn’t helping me. It was only causing more pain.
So I decided to forgive – not because they asked for it or deserved it, but because I needed to let go for my own peace of mind. And you know what? It was one of the most freeing decisions I’ve ever made.
As Christians, we’re called to forgive, just as we’ve been forgiven by God. While it’s not easy, forgiveness is a powerful act of love and grace that reflects the heart of Christianity.
So in striving to live a Christian life, remember the power of forgiveness. It can be challenging, but it’s worth it.
3) Love
Love is the cornerstone of Christianity. It’s the virtue that binds all others together.
In fact, the word “love” appears in the Bible over 300 times, depending on the translation. This frequency underscores just how significant love is in Christianity.
Love, in a Christian context, is not just about affection or attraction. It’s about selflessly serving others, about showing kindness and compassion, even when it’s difficult.
It’s beautifully summed up in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…”
This kind of love – patient, kind, selfless – defines a Christian life. It pushes us to put aside our own desires and needs for the good of others. It compels us to act with kindness and compassion, reflecting God’s love for us.
4) Faithfulness
Faithfulness is another defining virtue of a Christian life.
To be faithful means to remain steadfast in our beliefs and commitments, despite challenges and temptations. It means trusting in God’s plan, even when the path seems uncertain.
In the Bible, faithfulness is often associated with loyalty, reliability, and trust. It’s about staying true to God’s teachings and promises, no matter what comes our way.
Living a life of faithfulness involves daily decisions to trust in God and follow His teachings. It calls for integrity and consistency in our words and actions.
Remember, faithfulness isn’t just about believing in God; it’s about living out that belief every day. It’s about staying true to our commitments and standing firm in our faith, even when times get tough.
5) Patience
Patience is a virtue that truly defines a Christian life.
In our fast-paced world, patience is often in short supply. We want everything right now, whether it’s answers, results, or responses.
But as Christians, we’re called to wait patiently – for God’s timing, for His answers, for His plans to unfold.
Patience isn’t about passivity or resignation. It’s about actively waiting with a hopeful expectation. It’s about trusting in God’s timing, even when it doesn’t align with ours.
Living with patience means enduring trials without complaining, trusting in God’s plan even when we can’t see the end result, and treating others with kindness and understanding, even when they test our patience.
Remember, patience is more than just waiting; it’s how we behave while we wait. And that’s a significant part of living a Christian life.
6) Compassion
Compassion is at the heart of Christianity. It’s a virtue that calls us to feel for others in their suffering and to do what we can to alleviate it.
Living a Christian life means not only empathizing with those who are hurting but also taking action to help. It’s not enough to simply feel sorry for someone; compassion calls us to step in and do something about it.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. This is the kind of compassion we’re called to embody – a compassion that sees, feels, and responds.
In a world where it’s easy to turn a blind eye to suffering, living with compassion can be challenging. But it’s one of the most beautiful expressions of Christian love.
So let’s open our hearts to those who are hurting. Let’s show them a love that sees, feels, and responds – a love that truly reflects the heart of Christianity.
7) Gratitude
Gratitude is a virtue that profoundly impacts the way we live our Christian life.
There have been times in my life when things didn’t go as planned, when I faced disappointments and trials. During those times, it was easy to focus on what was going wrong and overlook the blessings that were still present.
But over time, I learned to shift my focus. I decided to make a conscious effort to count my blessings, even in the midst of difficulties.
This practice of gratitude changed my perspective. It helped me see God’s hand in every situation, no matter how challenging it was. It made me realize that even in tough times, there are still things to be thankful for.
Living a Christian life calls for a heart filled with gratitude – for God’s love, His mercy, and His blessings. It’s about recognizing His goodness in every situation and giving thanks for it.
Remember, gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you; it’s about recognizing God’s hand in our lives and appreciating all He has done for us. And that’s a crucial part of living a Christian life.
8) Generosity
Generosity is a virtue that truly exemplifies the Christian life.
As Christians, we’re called to be generous – not just with our money, but with our time, our talents, and our love.
Generosity isn’t about giving out of obligation or for recognition. It’s about giving out of a genuine desire to help others and make a difference.
It’s about following the example of Jesus, who gave freely and selflessly.
Living a life of generosity means looking beyond our needs and wants to see the needs of others. It means sharing what we have, not because we have to, but because we want to.
Remember, generosity isn’t just about how much we give; it’s about the spirit in which we give. And that’s a key aspect of living a Christian life.
9) Integrity
The most significant virtue that defines a Christian life is integrity.
Integrity means being honest and maintaining strong moral principles in all aspects of life. It means aligning our actions with our beliefs, even when no one is watching.
As Christians, we’re called to live with integrity – to walk the talk, to live out our faith in our everyday actions.
Integrity is what ties all the other virtues together. It’s what makes our love genuine, our humility authentic, and our faithfulness unwavering.
Without integrity, all other virtues lose their meaning.
So as we strive to live a Christian life, let’s remember the importance of integrity. It’s not just about what we say or believe; it’s about what we do and how we live our lives each and every day.
Final thoughts: It’s about the journey
The pursuit of living a Christian life, embodying these virtues, is a lifelong journey.
Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, beautifully captures this journey of spiritual growth: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23).
These virtues aren’t just abstract concepts; they’re meant to be lived and breathed, reflected in our thoughts, words, and actions.
As we walk this path, we’ll experience joys and challenges, triumphs and failures. But remember – it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about striving each day to live out these virtues more fully.
Living a Christian life is an ongoing process of growth and transformation. It’s about becoming more like Christ every day.
In this journey of faith, let’s remember to show ourselves grace as we strive to live out these virtues. Let’s encourage each other as we navigate this path, knowing that every step takes us closer to becoming the people God has called us to be.
And finally, let’s remember that while these virtues define a Christian life, they are not exclusive to it. They are universal values that can bring light and love into any life, regardless of faith or belief system.
So as we close this exploration of virtues that define a Christian life, let’s reflect on how we can embody these virtues in our own lives. Not just for our benefit, but for the benefit of those around us. For at the end of the day, it is these virtues – lived and shared – that truly make a difference in our world.
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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