The clearer you can be about what you believe, the easier it is to bring your priorities in line with your values. In Romans 12:9-18 Paul sums up a Christian lifestyle based on Christ’s teachings as follows:

• Love must be completely sincere.
• Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.
• Love one another warmly as Christian brothers and sisters,and be eager to show respect for one another.
• Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion.
• Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.
• Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers.
• Ask God to bless those who persecute you — yes, ask him to bless, not to curse.
• Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.
• Have the same concern for everyone.
• Do not be proud, but accept humble duties.
• Do not think of yourselves as wise.
• If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good.
• Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody
  

When discussing Christian values, people often ask what about the Ten Commandments? The first four commandments guide us on how to love God, and the last six guide us on how to love others. Jesus addresses several of the commandments and highlights their application in his preaching. He not only condemns murder, he calls his followers to recognise that unresolved anger also destroys others. He not only forbids adultery, but calls his followers to be pure in mind and heart.

“You have heard that people were told in the past, ‘Do not commit murder; anyone who does will be brought to trial.’ But now I tell you: ... whoever calls his brother ‘You good-for-nothing!’ will be brought before the Council, and whoever calls his brother a worthless fool will be in danger of going to the fire of hell.” Matthew 5:21-22a,c

“If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” John 14:15

Prayer: Lord, help me to live my life according to your teachings and your will. Amen