Christian Behavior

Christian Behavior

Belief in God controls people’s minds in every aspect of life. Consequently, Christians are supposed to live a given set of behavior. According to Baloch and Razaque, religion can promote various aspects of life by controlling social support, healthy behavior, and psychological state (300). Control is possible because of the high number of Christian believers who share the same values. There are more than 2.1 billion Christians globally, and this number has a significant effect on influencing Christian behavior (Baloch and Razaque 300). Since the ministry of Jesus, leadership has played a crucial role in disseminating Christian values. Apostle Paul took the position and visited many places writing letters to the people on Christianity codes. The word of God does not change, and it is essential to look at some of the expected Christian behaviors in a relationship, social life, and attributes like humility, persistence, and patience.

Bible has a lot of teaching regarding human relationships. Form the creation of Adam and Eve, God made social interaction sacred. The transition from one stage to another is often signified by religious practice. The word of God offers guidelines as to how people need to associate with each other and behave at a given stage. Baloch and Razaque claim that religion provides social support, which has a positive impact on physical health (301). The social groups are crucial in supporting human relations and acts as a therapy in hard times.

Christianity is also essential in governing relations in families and between couples. Christians with stronger faith are likely to commit more to a romantic relationship as opposed to people with low religiosity (Baloch and Razaque 301). Christian teachings also condemn adultery and fornication, which harm relationships. Moreover, marital sex is the only form of sex recognized by the Bible. Living by the instructions on sex can help prevent contracting of STIs or getting unwanted pregnancy. Birth control through Christian sexual teaching has a long term effect or reducing poverty levels and crime. Therefore, Christians should know these lessons are not only for personal but also generational benefits.

Making the right choice depends on how Christians utilize their freedom. Paul encouraged people to free themselves from moral obligations that caused division in Antioch (New International Version, Galatians, 5:3). However, some people in Rome and Corinth misinterpreted this teaching as permission to do as they are pleased. Modern Christians should share this freedom but must consider the moral obligations of their actions. Christians need to shy away from justifying evil though the benefits they generate. Though Jesus came with forgiveness of sins and simplification of the Law of Moses, Paul warns that people who knowingly break the laws that: “their condemnation is deserved!” (New International Version, Romans 3:8). Overcome the temptation to abuse freedom needs freedom from serving self-interest. People can go astray is they gauge their faith with other people’s practices. In the case of Corinthians, those with gifts of the Holy Spirit used them for self-interest and even ate meat from pagan rituals. Such actions can promote negative behavior in current churches when they come from the leadership.

Christians should serve both God and humanity. Therefore, it is essential to develop a behavior pattern that has a positive impact on society. Borrowing from the attributes of Jesus, Christianity should be rooted in the service of others. Baloch and Razaque claim that Christians who regularly attend church tend to do more volunteer work as they consider it part of their divine duty (301). Assisting others is not only defined by actions but also words that help motivate and give people hope. Christians should emulate the story if the Good Samaritan and be ready to help people regardless of their religious affiliation (Baloch and Razaque 301). The awareness of the obligation Christian have to others is vital in ensuring people make choices that do not hurt them or others. Moreover, being kind to others promotes personal faith and spreads the principle of Christian values. Furthermore, Christian’s social services are vital in helping mental health to solve the challenges of low self-esteem among people suffering from emotional damage (Baloch and Razaque 301). Therefore Christians must be aware of their community responsibility and promote activities that enhance the health of a society.

Serving humanity require adaptation to fit into various cultures and condition. Åkerlund states that Paul compared his services to Thessalonians to a nursing mother to demonstrate how cared for the young converts and wanted to evoke a positive relationship (28). Christians should share not only the word of God and love, but also their personal life to strengthen the community. Though Paul took a humble position of the nursing mother, he described himself as the father who urges, encourages, and comforts his children (Åkerlund 28). Christians should ensure they make a balance between being in authority and creating and conducive environment to serve others. The balance should not also interfere with social structure and leadership organs in the community and church.

Christians should know that they work with dynamic communities, and patience is critical for their success. Paul had a challenging task of preaching the Gospel to the gentiles in Damascus, where there was no guarantee of success (New International Version, Acts 9:2). However, he was patient enough and even took the Gospel to the gentiles. He returned to Damascus during the persecution of the Jews, and despite moving to Jerusalem, he was never safe (New International Version, Acts 9:29). Christians should understand their role of promoting the work of Jesus waits for the same fate. Though they may be successful in other areas, they should be ready to meet resistance. Only those who can embed patience and courage in their behavior shall succeed.

Christians must incorporate humility into their service like the Lord Jesus. This attribute helped Paul from getting into conflict with the people of Antioch. After returning from a mission, Paul and Barnabas found a group in Antioch arguing about the importance of circumcision in salvation. When they could not make a decision, they sent Paul to Jerusalem to consult with the larger body of apostles and elders (New International Version, Acts 15:1-2). Despite being an apostle, Paul did not interject the request to give his opinion. He followed the will of the people to solve the problem without confrontations. Christian should also be aware that their work can get opposition, and they should be humble enough to avoid unnecessary confrontation.

Christian behaviors are principles that govern the relationship with others and God. The Bible offers several teaching on how people should relate to families and society. The instructions against sexual sin are crucial in managing families. The lessons also cover fundamental factors such as Christian freedom, social behavior, adaptability, patients, and humility. These traits are critical in supporting the Christian mission and nurturing the development of new converts.

Works Cited

Åkerlund, Truls. “To Live Lives Worthy of God”: Leadership and Spiritual Formation in I Thessalonians 2: 1–12.” Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care 9.1 (2016): 18-34. DOI: 10.1177/193979091600900103

Baloch Gul., and Abdul Razaque C. “Influence of Religion on LifeStyle and Social Behavior in Christianity. Perspective of Malaysian Christian Students.” Journal of Basic Applied and Scientific Research 4.4 (2016): 300-307. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269994212_Influence_of_Religion_on_Life_Style_and_Social_Behavior_in_Christianity_Perspective_of_Malaysian_Christian_Students

The Holy Bible: New International Version. The Gideon’s International in the British Isles, 2014.