Following Jesus changes how we see ourselves, treat others, and navigate the world around us. And while cultural and behavioral norms are constantly in flux, Christian values stay rooted in something deeper: the Bible and the example of Jesus it shows us.
These values aren’t just beliefs—they shape our character, our choices, and the way we live our lives. But what exactly are these Christian values, what makes them Christian, and why do they matter?
Love: The Foundation of It All
When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, his answer was simple but powerful: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).
Love is the foundation of Christian living. It’s the thread that ties all other values together. Jesus also told his followers,
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
The hallmark characteristic of a Christian is love. But the love Jesus is talking about isn't simply a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s an action, a choice to aside our personal needs, desires, and preferences to focus on others. It means choosing kindness, patience, and grace—even when it’s hard (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Faith and Trust in God
Faith is at the core of the Christian life. It’s choosing to trust God even when we don’t have all the answers.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Trusting God and having faith in him means leaning on his strength instead of trying to figure it all out on our own (Proverbs 3:5-6). This kind of faith brings us peace in uncertainty, hope in hardship, and direction when life feels unclear.
Humility and Servanthood
Even though he was the Messiah, the Savior of the world, Jesus didn’t come to be served by others. He came to serve. And he wants everyone who follows him to do the same.
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” Matthew 20:26
Sometimes this means literally serving others by giving your time, talent, and resources. Other times, it’s simply being humble and thinking of others as better than you (Romans 12:3). Humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself—it’s about thinking of yourself less.
Integrity and Honesty
Integrity means being the same person in public and in private. It’s about being trustworthy, honest, and true to your word—even when you think nobody is watching.
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” Luke 16:10
What does it mean to be faithful, even in the little things? It means being upfront when you’ve made a mistake. It means not cutting corners, even when you think no one will find out. It means showing up on time, honoring commitments, and giving your best effort—because it honors God and helps others see what following Jesus looks like.
This doesn't mean you have to pretend to have it all together. None of us can be perfect, but we can all commit to growing, being real, and communicating with truth and grace.
Forgiveness and Grace
Forgiveness is one of the hardest values to live out, but it’s also one of the most powerful. Jesus modeled it when he forgave the very people who crucified him. And he invites us to extend that same grace to others.
“Forgive as the Lord forgave you” Colossians 3:13
Forgiveness isn’t about ignoring the hurt someone caused us or pretending nothing happened. It’s choosing to let go of our anger and bitterness so they don't consume us. Not because the other person earned it, but because God gave it freely to us.
Generosity and Compassion
Jesus gave us the ultimate example of compassion. He noticed people, listened to their stories, and met their needs. And he challenges us to do the same—not so we get credit for being “do-gooders,” but because the way we treat others is a reflection of our relationship with Jesus.
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me” Matthew 25:40
Compassion means we’re moved by what moves God, and generosity is how we act on it. God has given us unique talents and resources that we can use to bless others. So, living this out might look like checking in on a friend who’s going through a hard time, giving your Saturday to serve at a local food bank, or looking for opportunities to bless someone simply because you can.
Ultimately, when you give generously and serve others wholeheartedly, you don’t just change others—you’re changed, too!
Purity and Self-Control
A lot of us have the wrong idea about “purity.” We typically equate it to avoiding what’s “wrong” or “bad.” Instead, purity is intentionally pursuing what’s right. It means making choices that honor God in how we think, what we watch, how we treat our bodies, and how we engage in relationships.
One of the fruits of the spirit—behaviors that show evidence of God’s work in our hearts—is self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Self-control is evidenced in everyday decisions like choosing to walk away from gossip, being mindful of what you scroll through online, or pausing before speaking in anger. It’s saying “yes” to what brings lasting peace instead of short-term gratification.
We won’t get this right all the time, but when we strive to do what’s right and repent when we mess it up, we know we’re heading in the right direction.
Perseverance and Hope
Life can be hard. But following Jesus offers us something the world can’t deliver: hope.
“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance…character… and hope.” Romans 5:3-5
Perseverance is about showing up when we're suffering. It’s choosing to believe God is still working even when you feel discouraged or confused. It’s holding onto hope when you don’t see immediate answers.
We aren’t promised an easy life, but Jesus does promise that when we hold strong to our faith and trust in God when times get hard, our character and resilience grow.
That's why we keep praying for our strained relationships, stay committed to recovery, and keep showing up at church when we’d rather isolate—because these are tangible ways to lean into God’s strength.
Respect and Unity
Every person—no matter their background, beliefs, or story—is made in the image of God and deeply loved by him. That means the way we treat others matters.
Romans 12:18 gives us this instruction: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This is a huge responsibility. It means that followers of Jesus are called to treat others with kindness, empathy, and mutual respect—listening well, speaking with humility, and protecting relationships even when disagreements come up. Our relationships matter because they reflect God’s heart.
Living Out Christian Values
Christian values aren’t a set of rules for being "perfect.” They’re guide rails that help us stay connected to Jesus, letting him shape our lives from the inside out.
These values guide how we treat others, how we make decisions, and how we respond when life gets messy. As we live out Christian values, we don’t just reflect Jesus—we invite others to know him, too.
-----
Ready to explore more about faith and what it looks like to follow Jesus?
Join us this weekend at LCBC Church or plan your visit. We’d love to meet you!
-----
LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!