People who live by Christian principles usually share these 8 habits

Living by Christian principles is more than just going to church on Sundays. It’s about the daily habits we cultivate and the choices we make.

Life, as they say, is a matter of habits. And for those who live by Christian principles, there are common habits that tend to shine through.

These habits, like sparks in the night, illuminate their path and guide their actions. But what are these habits? And how do they manifest in everyday life?

In this article, you’ll discover the 8 habits that people who live by Christian principles often share. These aren’t exclusive, of course – everyone’s journey is unique. But you might find that these habits resonate with your own experience or inspire you to shape your life in new ways.

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

1) Daily prayer

Prayer is not just an act, it’s a lifestyle. And for people who live by Christian principles, it’s a habit that’s as natural as breathing.

Every morning, every evening, and often times in between, they turn to God in prayer. It’s a time for expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and finding peace amidst the chaos of life.

Prayer, for them, is not a last resort, but a first response. It’s their way of acknowledging God’s presence in their lives and seeking His will in everything they do.

It’s also their way of connecting with the divine on a personal level. Through prayer, they cultivate a relationship with God that’s intimate and constant.

So if you find someone who regularly sets aside time for prayer – no matter how busy they are – chances are, they’re living by Christian principles.

This habit, more than anything else, reveals their faith and commitment to a life centered around God.

2) Practicing forgiveness

Forgiveness is a powerful habit that’s close to my heart. It’s an intrinsic part of living by Christian principles.

There was an incident when I was deeply hurt by a friend’s actions. It was unexpected and left me feeling betrayed and bitter. For a while, I held onto that grudge, letting it consume me.

But as someone living by Christian principles, I knew I had to let go. Not for their sake, but for mine.

I remember reading the words in Colossians 3:13, “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

I realized that holding onto resentment was not helping me but hindering me. So, I chose to forgive. And in doing so, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders.

Forgiveness is not easy, but it is necessary. It’s not about condoning the wrong or forgetting the hurt. It’s about freeing ourselves from the grip of bitterness and choosing peace over pain.

It’s a key habit for those living by Christian principles – a habit that transforms hearts and heals relationships.

3) Serving others

In the Bible, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, setting a powerful example of what it means to serve others. This humble act was a radical departure from the societal norms of his time – where washing feet was usually a task for the lowest servants.

Those who live by Christian principles often incorporate this spirit of service into their everyday lives. They believe in stepping out of their comfort zones to help others, not because they have to, but because they want to.

Serving others isn’t restricted to grand gestures or organized charity events. It can be as simple as helping a neighbor with their groceries, volunteering at a local shelter, or lending an ear to someone in need.

This habit reflects the heart of Christianity – love for one’s neighbor. It’s about seeing the needs around and responding with kindness and compassion.

And it’s profound how such small acts of service can make a big difference in someone’s life, and in turn, enrich our own.

4) Reading the Bible

For those living by Christian principles, the Bible is more than just a book. It’s a roadmap for life, a source of inspiration, and a guide for moral and ethical decisions.

They make it a habit to spend time each day reading and reflecting on the Scriptures. This isn’t just about religious obligation, but about seeking wisdom, understanding, and guidance.

Whether they’re delving into the stories of old, pondering the teachings of Jesus, or drawing strength from the Psalms, they see the Bible as a living text that speaks into their lives today.

This daily interaction with the Word of God helps shape their thinking and behavior. It’s a spiritual discipline that deepens their relationship with God and enriches their faith.

So, if you see someone making time for Bible study amidst their busy schedules, that’s a clear sign they’re committed to living out Christian principles.

5) Embracing humility

Living by Christian principles often leads to the cultivation of humility. It’s a profound understanding that we are not the center of the universe, but part of a much larger divine plan.

It’s the recognition that our strengths are gifts, not entitlements, and our weaknesses are opportunities for growth, not failures.

Humility isn’t about self-degradation or denying one’s worth. It’s about having a realistic view of oneself, acknowledging both strengths and limitations.

It’s about being willing to listen and learn from others, rather than always needing to be right. It’s about lifting others up rather than pushing oneself forward.

Humility is a quiet strength that shines through in the lives of those living by Christian principles. It’s a habit born out of love and respect for others and a deep sense of gratitude towards God.

It’s a habit that enriches relationships, fosters understanding, and builds bridges across differences. And it’s a habit that, when embraced, can truly transform lives.

6) Seeking community

There was a time in my life when I felt very isolated. I was new to the city, away from family, and felt quite alone. It was during this time that I realized the importance of community.

People living by Christian principles highly value community. They understand that we aren’t meant to go through life alone, but in fellowship with others.

They make it a habit to regularly connect with their spiritual community, whether it’s attending church services, participating in small group studies, or volunteering in community outreach programs.

These shared experiences foster a sense of belonging and offer comfort during difficult times. They provide opportunities for mutual encouragement, accountability, and growth in faith.

Community is not just about being around people, it’s about being there for people. And in turn, knowing that there are others who are there for you. It’s about sharing life together, in all its ups and downs.

So if you see someone investing time and energy into building and nurturing their spiritual community, it’s a good sign they are living by Christian principles.

7) Living with integrity

Integrity is a cornerstone habit for those living by Christian principles. It’s about being honest, trustworthy, and reliable – not just in the big things, but in the small everyday things.

They strive to live their lives in a way that is consistent with their beliefs and values. They understand that actions speak louder than words, and they endeavor to ‘walk the talk’.

This means doing what’s right even when no one is watching, keeping promises even when it’s inconvenient, and telling the truth even when it’s uncomfortable.

Integrity is about aligning one’s actions with one’s faith. It’s about living a life of authenticity and transparency.

So if you come across someone who consistently demonstrates integrity, even in challenging situations, they’re likely following Christian principles.

8) Expressing love

At the heart of Christian principles is the commandment to love. Love God, love your neighbor, love yourself. People living by these principles make it a habit to express love in tangible ways.

This isn’t just about romantic or familial love. It’s about demonstrating kindness to strangers, compassion to those in need, and empathy towards those who are different.

It’s about seeing beyond the surface, recognizing the inherent worth of each person, and treating everyone with dignity and respect.

This love is not selective or conditional. It’s selfless, patient, and forgiving. It’s a love that seeks to uplift others and make the world a better place.

So, if you see someone consistently expressing love – through their words and actions – you can be assured that they are living by Christian principles. It’s the most telling habit of all.

Final thoughts: It’s about love

At the core of Christian principles is the transformative power of love. It’s not just a feeling, but a way of life.

This love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Those who live by Christian principles strive to embody this love in their daily habits – from praying and serving others to practicing forgiveness and seeking community.

They understand that these habits are not just rituals or obligations, but expressions of a deep and abiding love for God and for others.

So as you reflect on these habits, consider how they might resonate with your own journey. Perhaps they will inspire you to cultivate similar habits in your life. After all, love – in all its forms – has a profound way of transforming hearts and lives.