Principles of God
This is to live a holistic way of life, based on two foundational commands from God and several key themes woven throughout the scriptures, inspired by the teachings of Jesus emphasizing love, compassion, and interconnectedness. Rooted in the following foundational commands, "love God and love your neighbours."
This approach is to nurture both your spiritual and physical well-being. Throughout the scriptures, themes such as forgiveness, humility, and service highlight the importance of living in harmony with oneself and others. Embracing this holistic perspective can lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
1. Love thy God and Love Your Neighbour
Jesus himself summarized the entire law and the prophets into two primary commands. This is the universal principle that guides all Christian life.
Love the Lord your God:
As stated in Matthew 22:37-38, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment." This means your entire being—your thoughts, feelings, and actions—should be entirely devoted and obedient to God.
Love your neighbour as yourself:
The second command is found in Matthew 22:39: This principle extends the first command outward. Loving God is demonstrated by how you treat others. All the principles that follow are expressions of these two commands.
2. Live by Faith, Not by Sight
The Bible consistently teaches that a believer's life is not guided by what they see or feel, but by trusting in God's promises and character, even when circumstances are difficult.
Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." This verse makes it clear that faith is the foundation of a relationship with God.
2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we live by faith, not by sight." This principle encourages believers to trust in God's unseen plan rather than relying on their limited, worldly perspective.
3. Seek Humility, Not Pride
The Bible presents humility as a foundational virtue and the direct opposite of pride, which is a key source of sin and conflict.
James 4:6 "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'" This is a central theme: God actively resists the arrogant and exalts the humble.
Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." This serves as a constant warning that pride is a self-destructive path. The solution is to actively seek a humble spirit.
4. Practice Self Control & Discipline
Instead of being ruled by sinful desires, the Bible calls for a disciplined life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This is the antidote to the "seven deadly sins" we've discussed.
Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." This verse identifies self-control as a key sign of a life led by the Spirit, which empowers believers to overcome passions like gluttony and lust.
1 Corinthians 9:27 "I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." Paul uses this powerful metaphor to show the necessity of spiritual and physical discipline to stay on the right path.
5. Cultivate Generosity, Not Greed
The NIV presents a life of giving as a core principle that counters the sin of greed.
Matthew 6:20-21 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This principle redirects a person's focus from fleeting earthly possessions to eternal, heavenly rewards.
Acts 20:35 "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This quote from Jesus, recorded by the Apostle Paul, is a simple yet profound principle that flips the world's values on their head. True happiness is found in giving, not in getting.
6. Pursue Reconciliation, Not Wrath
The Bible commands believers to deal with anger in a righteous way and to seek peace and forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:26-27 "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." This verse acknowledges anger as a human emotion but warns against letting it fester into destructive wrath.
Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." This beatitude from Jesus promotes an active role in resolving conflict and fostering peace in the world.
