What Are Christian Values?
A value or ethic is a standard that you follow based on what’s important in your life. Christian values are the principles that a follower of Jesus holds near and dear to their heart based on the principles of life that Jesus taught.
Christian beliefs and values don’t change over time. They are consistent from generation to generation because their foundation is found in God’s Word, the Bible.
10 Examples of 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:
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.”
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.”
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.”
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).
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).
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.”
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).
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).
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).
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).
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16–17, NIV
Christian Values: Applying Them to Your Life
As followers of Jesus, we should set out to apply Christian values in our lives. That’s why Paul says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9, NIV).
As we read God’s Word, we get closer to God and understand his purpose for us in the world. We learn the Christian values he holds dear, and we grow to love those values too. The Holy Spirit works through us to spread God’s love through good works, leading others to eternal life in Jesus.
Live Out Your Christian Values by Loving Others
God is very clear in his Word about how we should apply the values he holds dear. One way is by treating others with love. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:9-10, NIV).
How can we love others? We can forgive those who wrong us and spend time with those close to us. We can share hope with those going through hard times. We can also share love by helping those in need, including the poor.
The Bible says, “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses” (Proverbs 28:27, NIV). Poverty is uncomfortable, and sometimes it’s easier to look away.
But we’re called to show love, generosity, respect and hope to all because this is what Jesus did. Jesus saw people in need and loved them. He gave them hope and acted with compassion to help them.
We can live out our Christian values by doing the same.
As Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV), “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Love a Child in Need Today
At Compassion, we foster Christian values in the children we serve by teaching them the gospel. They learn about Jesus’ love for them so they can show that same love to their friends, families and communities.
You can join us in this mission by sponsoring a child. When you sponsor a child you provide the hope of the gospel, nutrition, medical care, clean water, education and more.
