Christian Behavior: An In-Depth Study of Biblical Ethics
Explore Christian behavior and biblical ethics, and understand the Christian concepts of love, forgiveness, truth, justice, compassion, and service.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” — Matthew 5:17 (Jesus Christ)
We will see what commands we have received in the Bible and what our behavior is in matters of life in terms of religious behavior. We should try to examine ourselves to see whether we are following the commands we have received from God in the Bible, whether our religious behavior is correct, and whether our practical life is in accordance with our religious behavior or not.
Human behavior is not merely an instinctive or emotional reaction—it is often shaped by deep spiritual convictions, moral principles, and divine teachings. In Christianity, behavior is more than just outward action; it is a reflection of one’s commitment to God’s will, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and the inner guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This article is part of the “Behavior and Religion” series, offering an in-depth exploration of how Christian ethics shape human conduct, draw believers closer to God, and promote moral and social responsibility—as revealed through the Bible.
Religious behavior guides us to how we live our lives, how we treat people, how we behave towards other people, and what is the purpose behind our behavior, what is our intention, the whole method of living, how religion looks at this behavior, and what commands us, how we should conduct our life, obey the commands of God, serve people, support the truth, make the world a cradle of peace and peace. Let's look more deeply at what religion forces us to do in Christianity. What God commands us to do. What commands are in the Bible.
Human behavior is not simply a reflection of instinct or emotion—it is often shaped by deep moral teachings, spiritual goals, and divine expectations. In Christianity, behavior is not just what one does but why one does it, how it conforms to God's will, and whether it expresses the love, mercy, and justice that define a Christlike life. This essay explores the basic behavioral principles of Christianity as rooted in the Bible, showing how Christian ethics provide a spiritual blueprint for individual and social behavior.
Christianity is the largest religion in the world, whose followers are found in almost all the countries of the world and there is no place where Christianity does not have a foothold. In the present era, this religion has great importance in terms of political supremacy and economic influence. This religion has had far-reaching effects on history which are still noticeable and acceptable in every respect. Christianity is a religion that believes in the doctrine of the Trinity.
The Personality of Jesus Christ and the Christian Faith
Jesus, commonly known as Jesus Christ in Urdu, is regarded in the Christian faith as the Son of God and the Son of God. Christians consider them to be God in the same way as they consider God the Father and the Holy Spirit, and these three persons are collectively considered to be one God. They are called "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit".
There are some Christian sects that include Mary among these persons and believe her to have divine attributes, while some Christian sects consider Jesus Christ to be just a prophet and a common man, not God. In the Islamic tradition, who is called Isa (peace be upon him), the same person is called Jesus Christ in Christianity, and most Christians believe him to be a part of the Trinity and God. However, some sects only give him the status of a prophet of Allah.
The concept of Trinity, meaning three Gods, is a well-known belief in Christianity. In general, Christians believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one and the same entity, and they call themselves believers in one God, which they call "Tawheed fi al-Trinity."
Christians have complete faith in Jesus Christ, and the Bible is their holy and central religious book.
Reason Tasmiya and the biography of Hazrat Isa (peace be upon him).
His name was 'Yeshua' in Hebrew, Jesus in Arabic, and Isa which became Christ in English. The meaning of Jesus is Sayyid and Blessed as well as Saviour. Another name is Christ which is derived from "anointing". Wiping means to touch something and remove the bad effect from it, i.e. remove the disease. Walking and walking are also called mush, which means that Jesus (peace be upon him) was named Christ because he was walking on the earth or traveling. He was called Jesus of Nazareth, from the town of Nazareth. His personal name was Yeshua, Jesus, Isa (peace be upon him) and his surname was Ibn Maryam.
Maryam was the mother of Jesus. The purity of Hazrat Maryam, her asceticism, piety and piety are detailed in the books of all the religions of the world. Hazrat Maryam was given the vision of God by her mother. After the birth, Hazrat Zakaria had taken up the responsibilities of his care. Hazrat Maryam lived in one of the arches of the temple. There are these traditions in the Gospels that it is told about the birth of Hazrat Jesus that Hazrat Maryam was engaged to a man named Yusuf. The angel who gave the good news of Hazrat Yahya to Hazrat Zakaria was the same angel who announced the birth of Hazrat Maryam. When Yusuf heard this, he planned to break the engagement, but an angel also appeared to him and he stopped from his intention.
It is written in Matthew that the birth of Jesus Christ took place in such a way that when his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. According to modern research, the year of birth of Hazrat Jesus is 3 or 4 BC and not one year before BC. Also, you were not born in the month of December as is known in Christianity.
The Moral Teachings of Jesus: An Outline of a Spiritual Way of Life
Christian ethics are primarily derived from the teachings and life of Jesus Christ, which emphasize love, forgiveness, truth, justice, compassion, service, and piety. These principles provide guidance for Christians to follow God's will in their daily lives. In Colossians 3:1-6 we are given a beautiful instruction that if we have truly been made alive with Christ, we must seek the things that are heavenly—where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. We should not be attached to earthly things, but to heavenly things. Our old life is gone, and now our true life is hidden in God with Christ. When He appears, we will also appear with Him in glory. Therefore, we have to eliminate from within ourselves those evil desires, sins and greed that lead us away from God - because these actions invite God's wrath.
1. Love: The foundation of Christian behavior and the primary attribute of God
In Christian teachings, love is the highest and most fundamental of all moral virtues. It has been described as not only a passion but also a way of life and practice. The Bible clearly states that "God is love" (1 John 4:8). This means that love is the primary attribute of God's nature, and since man is made in God's image, we also have an element of love within us.
Jesus Christ called love the sum of all his commandments. When a jurist asked him which was the greatest commandment in the law, Jesus answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and greatest commandment, and the second is like it, to love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments all the Torah and the prophets depend" (Matthew 22:37-40). It makes it clear that love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable.
What is special about Christian love is that it is not limited to our close friends, family, or those who treat us well. Jesus Christ gave a revolutionary teaching: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This teaching teaches that true Christian behavior is not only gentle to those who are good to us, but also to those who harm us, speak against us, or persecute us. This kind of love is unselfish, selfless, and pure, and it is a reflection of God's unparalleled character. It is love that wants good for everyone, no matter how much it has hurt us.
Jesus told his disciples that people would know them by their love. He said: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). This verse is a great sign for a Christian society and the world. When Christians love one another, it confirms the teachings of Christ and draws others to God's love.
In 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul describes the importance of love in great detail. He wrote: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, yet if I have not love, I am sounding like brass or plucked like a cymbal...Faith, hope, and love, these three abide, but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:1, 13). It makes it clear that any spiritual blessing or action without love is meaningless.
Therefore, love for a Christian is not only a heartfelt emotion, but it is an ongoing choice, action, and lifestyle that should be a core part of the character of every follower of Jesus Christ. It not only brings us closer to God, but also heals and strengthens our relationships with others.
2. Forgiveness: Path to heart purity and freedom
In Christianity, forgiveness is not only a good practice, but it is the main pillar of faith and the key to spiritual purity. The concept of forgiveness is based on the fact that God has already forgiven us in spite of our sins. If God, our Creator, can forgive us, then we need to forgive others.
Jesus Christ repeatedly made forgiveness central to his teachings. He taught his disciples to pray, saying: "Forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). This means that if we want forgiveness from God, we must forgive others ourselves. Jesus further explained: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15). These verses make it clear that our forgiveness is related to our forgiveness from God.
Forgiveness does not mean that we accept or forget the wrong. Rather, it frees our heart from toxic emotions like hatred, anger, bitterness and revenge. When we don't forgive someone, we tie ourselves into an unhealthy bond with that person, and this negatively affects our spiritual and mental health.
Jesus set the example of forgiving his persecutors even in his death on the cross. Even when they were on the cross and in great agony, they prayed to God: "Father! forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). This is a prime example of how important forgiveness is, no matter how severe the injustice.
So, for a Christian, forgiveness is a practical expression of love that flows from the depths of the heart, and is a reflection of God's mercy and grace. Forgiveness gives us peace and freedom in ourselves and healing in our relationships with others.
3. Truthfulness: The foundation of a deep relationship with God
Truth is the foundation and pillar of the Christian life. God is described in the Bible as the source of "truth" or truth. Psalm 31:5 reads: "O Lord, God of truth!" And Jesus Christ himself said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). This means that truth is a part of God Himself, and since we are made in God's image, we also need to be true.
Christians are strictly instructed to speak the truth and be honest in all situations. Proverbs 12:22 says: "Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but those who speak the truth are his delight". This verse makes it clear that God hates lying, while telling the truth pleases Him.
Lying not only deceives others but also destroys trust between people. When we lie, we tear apart our relationships. Even more, lies weaken our relationship with God. The Bible calls Satan the "father of lies" (John 8:44), so when we lie, we are following Satan and not God.
The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:25: "Therefore stop lying, and let each one speak the truth to his neighbor, for we are members of one another". This means that we are all part of the body of Christ, and when we speak the truth to one another, it promotes unity and harmony among us.
Therefore, for a Christian, truth should not only be in the language, but also in the heart and action. It means being honest and transparent in our words, thoughts and actions. Truth helps us to have a deep and real relationship with God, because God is the embodiment of truth.
4. Justice: Balance of social and personal responsibility
Justice has a very important place in Christian ethics. It is not limited to the courts or the legal system, but is also a fundamental duty in personal life and social relations. God is described repeatedly in the Bible as just and righteous, and we are exhorted to follow Him.
The prophet Micah expressed this very beautifully: "O man! What does the Lord require of you? Only that you do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). This verse describes the three main pillars of the Christian life: justice, mercy, and humility.
Justice means that we treat everyone fairly, and especially the rights of the weak, the poor and the oppressed. The Bible places great emphasis on doing justice to orphans, widows, and foreigners. Proverbs 31:8-9 reads: "Open your mouth to the dumb, and do justice to all who are perishing. Open your mouth, and do justice, and do justice to the poor and needy."
Jesus Christ also emphasized justice and used particularly strong words against hypocrisy. He said to the Pharisees: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! That you have abandoned the important things of the Torah, justice, mercy, and faith. These things are more important" (Matthew 23:23). This means that it is more important than outward acts of worship that we practice justice and mercy in practical life.
Following Christian teachings, Christians should speak up for the oppressed, work against social inequality, and strive to treat everyone fairly. Justice is a reflection of God's character, and when we act justly we are fulfilling God's purposes.
5. Compassion: An expression of practical love and God-likeness
Compassion is a practical and essential aspect of Christian love. It is not just feeling someone's pain, but taking active steps to relieve their pain. The entire life of Jesus Christ is full of great examples of compassion. Wherever he went, he saw the suffering of the people, took pity on them and helped them.
For example, when Jesus saw a large crowd that was hungry and thirsty, the Bible says: "And Jesus had compassion on them and healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14). Likewise, when they saw a widow grieving for her dead son, "the Lord saw her and had compassion on her, and said, Weep not" (Luke 7:13). Then Jesus resurrected his son.
Christian teachings teach us that our compassion should not only be verbal, but also practical. Prophet Ya'qub pointed out in very clear words: "If a brother or sister is naked and deprived of daily food, and you say to them, 'Go in peace, stay warm and be satisfied', but do not give the things necessary for the body, what is the use?" (James 2:15-16). This means that it is not enough to just say good things, but we should actually help those in need.
Compassion brings us closer to God because God himself is the source of mercy and compassion. When we show mercy to others, we are actually acting in God's image. In Luke 6:36 Jesus said: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
Compassion in a Christian's life means visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, and comforting the lonely. It connects us to each other and gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ in action.
6. Service: Life for the welfare of others and true greatness
The Christian life is based on service. Jesus Christ Himself set the example of the greatest service to His disciples. He washed the feet of his disciples and taught them that true greatness lies in serving others, not in ruling. He said: "Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26-27).
This teaching means that we should work for the good and welfare of others rather than ourselves. This service can take any form—whether it is helping the poor, caring for the sick, comforting the grieving, or sheltering the homeless.
Jesus Christ further said that when we serve others, we are actually serving God. In Matthew 25:40 he said: "Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me". This verse teaches us that Christ is present in everyone in need, and when we serve them, we are serving Christ directly.
Service teaches us humility and destroys our selfishness. It reminds us that our lives should not be devoted to the fulfillment of our own desires, but to the purposes of God and the good of others. The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or self-conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."
For a Christian, service is not just a duty, but an essential expression of love that brings positive change in the lives of others and brings glory to God.
7. Obedience to God / Piety: To live according to God's will
Taqwa means obeying God and living according to His will. This is a fundamental pillar of the Christian life, because according to the Bible the one who obeys God is the true believer. Jesus Christ himself said: "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). This means that the practical expression of our love for God is to obey His commandments.
Piety is not limited to acts of worship, such as praying or going to church. Rather, it is by incorporating God's will into every aspect of our lives. Whether it is our business, our education, our home environment, or our relationships with others – in everything we must see if we are doing God's will.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: "This is the will of God, that you be chaste, that is, abstain from fornication" (1 Thessalonians 4:3). This verse tells us that God's pleasure is not only limited to a few religious rituals but is also related to our moral purity and abstinence from sins.
A Christian's piety is not manifested by external rituals or pretense, but by sincerity of heart, obedience and spiritual life. King David wrote in Psalm 51:17: "The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit; O God! You do not despise a broken and contrite heart". This means that God loves an obedient and repentant heart more than outward sacrifices.
When we obey God, we receive His grace, blessings, and peace. Taqwa brings us closer to God and strengthens our relationship with Him. It helps us live a life that glorifies God and sets an example for others.
The true meaning of Christian ethics and the application of biblical principles
Science defines ethics as a system which is a collection of rules and regulations. Likewise, Christian ethics are principles that derive from Christian faith and teachings. These principles guide us in every aspect of life, even if the issues are not directly addressed in the Bible. These moral principles help us to take the right decision.
How do biblical principles help us in our daily lives? For example, although the Bible does not contain any direct commands about the use of illegal drugs, we are still taught that our body is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Since drugs harm the human body, their use is actually equivalent to destroying the temple that God has declared holy. Likewise, we are commanded to live our lives under government (Romans 13:1), and by using illegal drugs we rebel not only against the law but against God's ordained authority. And if the same drugs were legalized tomorrow, they would still be a violation of God's principles—because they are still harming our bodies, which is against God's glory.
How to find an ethical answer to every problem?
There are certain problems in the Christian life that can be solved immediately from the Bible, such as the principle given in Colossians 3. But in some cases we have to work hard. The best way to find these principles is to prayerfully study the Bible. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit lives within us, and He teaches us how to live (John 14:26, 1 John 2:27). When we prayerfully ask God for guidance, the Holy Spirit helps us understand and apply these principles. All we have to do is find those principles and apply them to our lives under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In this way, we can live a true, faithful, and God-glorifying Christian life. Just as we are facing various problems today, if we study the Bible thoroughly and follow it, we can get out of all worldly problems because the Bible tells us the complete way to live and we have to believe in God and follow it. Only then can we get out of all the difficulties of life and follow the way God has shown us and make the world a paradise.
