A Christian View of Values

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To rightly understand Christian values, one must begin with the source of all truth—Jehovah God, the Creator and Sustainer of life, and His revealed Word, the Holy Scriptures. Values are the standards or principles by which people judge what is important, worthwhile, and morally right. In biblical terms, values are not constructed by society or shaped by cultural trends but are revealed by God and grounded in His unchanging nature. Thus, Christian values are those that align with the character, will, and purposes of Jehovah as made known through Scripture. A truly Christian view of values does not emerge from human reasoning or sentiment but from divine revelation.

Unlike the fluid and often self-serving ethics of the world, which are built upon human desire, social consensus, or pragmatic gain, biblical values are absolute. They do not change with generations, national cultures, or political movements. Malachi 3:6 states, “For I, Jehovah, do not change.” His holiness, righteousness, and love are constants that form the moral framework for His people. Christians are not called to invent values but to discern them by studying the Word of God and applying it in every sphere of life (Romans 12:1–2; 2 Timothy 3:16–17).

The Foundation of Christian Values: God’s Character and the Moral Law

Christian values originate in the very nature of God. His attributes—His righteousness (Psalm 11:7), justice (Deuteronomy 32:4), mercy (Exodus 34:6), and truth (Titus 1:2)—are not merely traits He possesses but perfections that define the moral order. Because God is the ultimate good, His commandments are not arbitrary rules but reflections of what is right. Psalm 19:7–9 declares, “The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul… The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart… The fear of Jehovah is clean, standing forever.”

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) provide a moral framework that encapsulates the values God expects of His people—loyalty, reverence, honor, integrity, faithfulness, contentment, and truthfulness. These are not legalistic burdens but liberating truths that enable a holy life in harmony with God and neighbor. Jesus affirmed these standards in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), where He deepened them beyond external behavior to address the inner intentions of the heart. True Christian values thus extend to motives, thoughts, and desires.

The Supreme Value: Love for God and Neighbor

When asked to identify the greatest commandment, Jesus responded by stating the central Christian value: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. The second, like it, is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37–39). On these two commandments, Jesus said, “the whole Law and the Prophets hang.” Love (agapē), in this context, is not a feeling but a determined act of the will to seek another’s highest good according to God’s will.

This love for God is expressed through worship, obedience, and a life dedicated to His glory (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3). Love for neighbor is shown by compassion, truthfulness, humility, and service—even toward enemies (Luke 6:27–36). In this way, Christian values shape relationships, guide personal decisions, and reflect divine love in human contexts.

Distinguishing Christian Values from Worldly Morality

It is critical to distinguish Christian values from what the world calls “values.” The world often affirms concepts like tolerance, equity, and justice, but redefines them to align with human autonomy and social approval rather than God’s righteousness. What the world esteems is frequently detestable in God’s sight (Luke 16:15). Modern ethics, which approve of sexual immorality, rebellion against authority, or relativism in truth, are incompatible with a biblical worldview. The Christian must reject these counterfeit virtues and remain grounded in the truth of Scripture.

Romans 12:2 warns, “Do not be conformed to this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” A Christian’s values cannot be determined by prevailing trends or societal pressures. They must be shaped by deep conviction rooted in the Word of God. This is a call not merely to moral decency but to holiness (1 Peter 1:14–16).

Key Christian Values According to Scripture

Among the many values evident in Scripture, several stand as pillars of Christian conduct:

1. Holiness: God is holy (Isaiah 6:3), and He commands His people to be holy in all their conduct (1 Peter 1:15–16). Holiness means being set apart from sin and dedicated to God’s service.

2. Truthfulness: God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and His people are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Truth is not subjective or situational but is defined by God’s Word (John 17:17).

3. Humility: Pride is the root of many sins and was the cause of Satan’s downfall (Isaiah 14:13–15). God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

4. Integrity: Christians are to live without hypocrisy, with consciences undefiled before God and man (Proverbs 10:9; 2 Corinthians 8:21).

5. Justice: While only Jehovah can execute perfect justice, His people must reflect His impartiality and fairness (Micah 6:8; Deuteronomy 16:19).

6. Mercy and Compassion: These reflect the heart of God, who is merciful and slow to anger (Psalm 103:8; Matthew 5:7).

7. Purity: Sexual purity, modesty, and moral cleanliness are repeatedly emphasized (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20).

8. Self-control: The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control (Galatians 5:23), which guards against impulsive sin and fosters disciplined godliness.

9. Faithfulness: Whether in marriage, vocation, or ministry, Christians are called to be faithful stewards (1 Corinthians 4:2).

10. Gratitude and Contentment: Thankfulness to God and contentment with what one has are antidotes to greed and envy (1 Thessalonians 5:18; 1 Timothy 6:6–8).

These values are not moral ideals to be admired from a distance but qualities to be cultivated through the Holy Spirit’s work and daily obedience to the Word.

How Christian Values Are Developed

Christian values are not innate; they are formed and refined over time through transformation of the heart and renewal of the mind. This process begins at conversion when one repents, believes the gospel, and is baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38). From that point forward, believers are to grow in sanctification, shedding worldly attitudes and putting on Christ (Romans 13:14).

This growth involves rigorous training in righteousness. The Scriptures function as both mirror and guide, revealing sin and directing godly conduct (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Prayer, fellowship, worship, and suffering are also tools by which God shapes the character of His people. Christian values become evident not through slogans or outward religiosity, but through consistent choices made in ordinary and extraordinary situations. The true measure of one’s values is what they choose when no one is watching (Luke 16:10).

The Cost and Reward of Holding Biblical Values

Upholding Christian values comes at a cost. Jesus warned that the world would hate His followers, just as it hated Him (John 15:18–20). The more a Christian resembles Christ, the more alien they will be to a world hostile to God’s righteousness. This may result in rejection, slander, persecution, or loss of reputation and opportunities. Yet the faithful are called to endure, knowing that their reward is great in heaven (Matthew 5:10–12; Romans 8:17–18).

Moreover, holding to biblical values is not a burden but a blessing. God’s commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3), but life-giving. Christian values produce peace, joy, and a clear conscience. They build strong families, upright communities, and enduring churches. Most importantly, they please God and lead to eternal life (Romans 2:6–10).

Conclusion

A Christian view of values is fundamentally different from worldly morality. It is anchored in God’s unchanging character, revealed in Scripture, and manifested in love, holiness, and truth. These values are not preferences but imperatives—divine mandates that define what it means to live a life pleasing to God. As Jesus declared, “Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of Jehovah” (Matthew 4:4). Christians must therefore resist the temptation to adopt the values of a fallen world and instead commit themselves wholly to the values of the Kingdom of God, proving by their lives that they belong to the One who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).