What is Right and Wrong in Christianity
Christianity, as one of the world’s major religions, has been shaping the moral compass of billions of people for centuries. The religion is built upon the teachings of Jesus Christ, who is considered the Son of God and the savior of humanity. With such profound teachings, it is natural to ponder what is considered right and wrong in Christianity. This article aims to explore the moral principles and values that have been instilled in Christian believers through the Bible and the teachings of Jesus.
Righteousness in Christianity
In Christianity, righteousness is a central concept that encompasses moral uprightness and ethical behavior. The Bible, particularly the New Testament, provides numerous guidelines on what is considered right. Here are some key principles:
1. Love: Jesus emphasized the importance of love in his teachings. The Great Commandment, as recorded in Matthew 22:36-40, states, “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. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
2. Forgiveness: Christianity teaches believers to forgive others, as Jesus forgave those who crucified him. Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
3. Honesty: The Bible encourages believers to be honest in their words and actions. Proverbs 12:22 states, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
4. Humility: Jesus himself exemplified humility, and the Bible teaches believers to follow his example. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Wrongdoing in Christianity
While Christianity promotes a moral code that emphasizes righteousness, it also identifies certain behaviors as wrong. Here are some examples:
1. Greed: The Bible warns against greed, as it is considered a sin. 1 Timothy 6:10 states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
2. Adultery: Adultery is explicitly forbidden in the Ten Commandments, as well as in various other biblical passages. Exodus 20:14 says, “You shall not commit adultery.”
3. Hatred: Hatred is considered a sin in Christianity, as it goes against the commandment to love one’s neighbor. 1 John 3:15 states, “Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you.”
4. Dishonesty: As mentioned earlier, dishonesty is a sin in Christianity. Proverbs 12:22 warns, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Conclusion
What is right and wrong in Christianity is primarily determined by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible. While the religion emphasizes love, forgiveness, honesty, and humility as right, it also identifies greed, adultery, hatred, and dishonesty as wrong. By adhering to these moral principles, Christians strive to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus and brings glory to God.
