Jesus is the ultimate example for us to follow, but the Bible also encourages us to set good examples for others. Today, we will explore what the Bible says about being a good example and how we can live a life that reflects Christ to those around us.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being A Good Christian
What Does The Bible Say About Being A Good Example
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This verse reminds us to be a shining light in the world by living a life of good deeds. By doing so, we bring glory to God and inspire others to do the same.
Living as a good example means embodying the qualities of kindness, compassion, honesty, and integrity. It means treating others with love and respect and making choices that align with God’s teachings.
John 13:15
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
This verse shows the importance of following the example of Jesus. He demonstrated through His actions what it means to love and serve others selflessly.
To be a good example, we must imitate Christ by humbling ourselves, serving others, and showing sacrificial love. We must strive to be compassionate, forgiving, and understanding, just as Jesus showed us.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
This verse encourages young believers to be an example to others in all aspects of their lives. It reminds us that age should not hinder us from being a positive influence.
As young Christians, we can inspire those around us through our words, actions, love, faith, and purity. By living a life that reflects our relationship with Christ, we can impact others, regardless of our age.
Titus 2:7
“In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness”
This verse urges believers to be an example of goodness and godliness in all aspects of life. It emphasizes the importance of having integrity and seriousness in our actions and teaching.
As followers of Christ, we should let our lives align with the truth of God’s Word. People should be able to look at us and see a reflection of Christ, both in our conduct and in the way we teach others.
Philippians 3:17
“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”
This verse encourages believers to learn from and imitate those who are living out their faith well. We should surround ourselves with people who are setting a good example.
By observing and learning from other mature Christians, we can grow in our faith and become better examples ourselves. It reminds us of the importance of accountability and the need to learn from the wisdom and experience of fellow believers.
1 Peter 2:21
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
This verse teaches us that Jesus is the ultimate example of selflessness and sacrifice. We are called to follow in His footsteps and imitate His character.
As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect Christ’s love, grace, and sacrifice. We should be willing to lay down our own desires for the sake of others, just as Jesus laid down His life for us.
Ephesians 5:1-2
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
This verse reminds us to follow God’s example of love. God, in His great love for us, sent His Son Jesus to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
By following God’s example, we are called to love others sacrificially and wholeheartedly. We are to be willing to give of ourselves for the well-being of others, just as Christ gave Himself up for us.
1 Corinthians 11:1
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
This verse tells us that we should not only follow the example of Christ but also follow the example of other believers who are following Christ.
As members of the body of Christ, we have the responsibility to lead and guide others towards a Christ-centered life by our own example. By following Christ and emulating mature believers, we can become a positive influence on those around us.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse reminds us that everything we do should be done in a way that brings glory to God. Our actions, words, and attitudes should reflect our love for Christ.
To be a good example, we must strive to align every aspect of our lives with the teachings of Jesus. Whether in our actions, our speech, or our attitudes, we should continually seek to honor God and point others towards Him.
Hebrews 13:7
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
This verse encourages us to remember and honor those who have taught us the word of God. We are to observe the fruit of their lives and model our own faith after theirs.
By imitating the faith of mature leaders and believers, we can learn and grow in our own spiritual journey. It reminds us of the value of learning from others and the impact our own example can have on those around us.
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
“You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
This verse highlights the Thessalonians’ commendable example of faith and endurance, even in the face of suffering. Their imitation of Paul and the Lord inspired others and brought glory to God.
As believers, our response to the gospel and our perseverance through trials can serve as a powerful example to others. Our joy, rooted in the Holy Spirit, can be a testament to God’s faithfulness and goodness.
1 Timothy 6:11-12
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
This verse urges believers to pursue righteousness and godliness. It encourages us to fight the good fight of the faith and hold on to the eternal life we have received.
Being a good example means actively pursuing a life characterized by righteousness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. It requires a commitment to living out our faith and standing firm in the face of challenges and temptations.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This verse reminds us of the qualities that should be evident in our lives as we yield to the Holy Spirit. These qualities reflect the character of Christ and serve as a testimony to others.
By allowing the Holy Spirit to produce these fruits in us, we can be a source of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Our lives become a living example of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
This verse, often referred to as the Golden Rule, highlights the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. It reminds us to consider how we would like to be treated and extend the same treatment to others.
To be a good example, we must show compassion and empathy towards others. We should seek to build others up, encourage them, and extend grace and forgiveness, just as we would like to receive.
1 John 2:6
“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
This verse emphasizes the need to align our lives with the example set by Jesus Himself. To be a good example, we must strive to live in a way that reflects His character and teachings.
By studying and meditating on the life of Jesus, we can learn how to love, serve, forgive, and live a life that honors God. It is through our imitation of Christ that we become a light in the world.
Romans 12:1-2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
This verse calls us to dedicate our lives to God and offers ourselves as living sacrifices to Him. It encourages us to renew our minds and resist conforming to worldly patterns.
To be a good example, we must strive to live in a way that reflects our commitment to God. We should seek His will in every aspect of our lives, allowing His transformation to change us from the inside out.
Proverbs 20:7
“The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
This verse highlights the impact of a righteous life on future generations. A good example can have a lasting influence on our children and those who come after us.
By living a life of integrity, faith, and obedience, we leave a legacy for others to follow. Our example can inspire and bless those who come after us, leaving a positive mark on their lives.
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
This verse encourages believers to be ready to share the reason for their hope with others. It reminds us of the importance of being prepared to give an account for our faith.
As good examples, we should live in a way that sparks curiosity and prompts others to seek the source of our hope. We should be willing and ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ with gentleness and respect.
Titus 2:14
“[Jesus] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
This verse reminds us of the redemptive work of Jesus and the importance of living a life eager to do good. It speaks of our calling as God’s own people.
To be a good example, we should embrace the call to live a life of purity and righteousness. We should actively seek opportunities to do good, reflecting the transformative power of Christ in our lives.
Matthew 23:11-12
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This verse highlights the importance of humility and servant-heartedness. It reminds us that true greatness lies in serving others, rather than seeking self-promotion.
As good examples, we should strive to be humble and willing to put others’ needs before our own. We should serve with love and humility, reflecting the character of Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
This verse succinctly encapsulates the essence of being a good example. It emphasizes the importance of love in every aspect of our lives.
As followers of Christ, love should be the foundation of everything we do. Our words, actions, and attitudes should be characterized by love for God and love for others.
Romans 13:13
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.”
This verse reminds us to live in a way that reflects our identity as children of God. It calls us to avoid engaging in sinful behaviors and instead conduct ourselves with decency.
Being a good example encompasses living a life of moral integrity and avoiding activities that could lead others astray. We should strive to live lives that honor God and draw others closer to Him.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse encourages believers to treat others with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. It reminds us of the example set by Christ’s forgiving nature.
To be a good example, we must extend grace and forgiveness to others just as God has shown us. Our kindness and compassion should be evident in our interactions with others, mirroring the love of Christ.
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
This verse challenges us to demonstrate our love for others through our actions, rather than mere words. It speaks to the importance of living out our faith.
As good examples, our love for others should be evident in our deeds and the way we treat one another. Our actions should reflect our commitment to the truth and our desire to follow Christ’s example of sacrificial love.
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not just hearing God’s Word but also putting it into practice. It challenges us to live out our faith in tangible ways.
Being a good example means actively obeying God’s Word and allowing it to transform our lives. It requires a commitment to living out the teachings of Christ and striving to align ourselves with His will.