In the journey of faith, Christian values play a pivotal role in guiding us to live lives that reflect the love, truth, and teachings of Jesus Christ. As believers, our walk with Christ is not just about following rituals or rules; it is a daily commitment to embodying the principles that Jesus demonstrated during His time on earth. These values, which include love, humility, faith, and compassion, are not just ideals to aspire to—they are practical tools that we must apply in our daily lives to grow closer to God and reflect His kingdom on earth.
The Foundation of Christian Values
At the core of Christian values is the understanding that we are called to love God and love others as ourselves. This great commandment, given by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39, sums up the essence of Christian living. It is not merely about saying we love God, but showing that love through our actions toward others. This is the first and greatest commandment. In John 13:34-35, Jesus tells us that our love for one another will be the sign by which the world will know we are His disciples.
Christian values are rooted in Scripture, which provides the blueprint for how we are to live as followers of Christ. Through the teachings of the Bible, we learn the importance of forgiving one another (Matthew 6:14-15), showing kindness (Ephesians 4:32), and serving others selflessly (Mark 10:45). These values shape our attitudes, actions, and relationships, helping us to live in harmony with God’s will.
The Walk with Jesus Christ: A Daily Commitment
A true walk with Jesus is not something that happens overnight, nor is it a one-time event. It is a continuous, lifelong journey of surrendering to God, seeking His guidance, and applying His teachings to every aspect of our lives. To walk with Jesus Christ is to make Him the Lord of every part of our existence—our relationships, our work, our time, and our decisions.
In our walk with Christ, it is essential to cultivate a daily personal relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and reading Scripture. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus promises that when we seek Him, we will find Him. As we make time to spend with Him, He transforms our hearts, renews our minds, and gives us the strength to live out His values in a world that desperately needs them.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Walk
While we are called to live according to Christian values, we do not do so by our own strength. The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk with Jesus in truth and righteousness. In John 14:26, Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things and remind us of everything He has said. It is through the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we are equipped to live out Christian values such as peace, joy, and patience in our daily lives.
The presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts is a constant reminder of God’s grace, helping us to overcome temptations, navigate challenges, and fulfill our calling as witnesses to Christ’s love and salvation. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul speaks of the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, we begin to bear these fruits in our lives, demonstrating the character of Christ.
Living Out Christian Values in a World of Challenges
Living out Christian values is not always easy. We live in a world where selfishness, greed, and violence often seem to dominate. As followers of Christ, we are called to be counter-cultural, standing firm in our values even when they are tested. Romans 12:2 encourages us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation requires discipline, commitment, and a deep reliance on God’s strength.
In times of hardship, we are reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Our walk with Jesus does not shield us from difficulties, but it assures us that He is with us every step of the way, offering us comfort, guidance, and peace.
Conclusion: A Reflection of Christ’s Love
At the heart of Christian values is a deep love for God and others, a love that mirrors the sacrificial love that Jesus showed on the cross. As we walk with Christ, we are called to reflect His love in all our interactions, demonstrating the hope and transformation that come from knowing Him. The world may not always understand the way we live, but when we live according to Christ’s values, we shine as lights in the darkness, pointing others to the love of God.
As Minister Sarah Kamau of GLA TV and God’s Love Assembly Kitengela reminds us, our walk with Jesus is a daily pursuit of holiness and love. Let us continue to embrace and live out Christian values, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and transform us into the image of Christ. May our lives be a testimony of the power of God’s love, drawing others closer to Him through our words, actions, and example.
