Being a good example is important in our Christian journey. The Bible offers countless verses that guide and inspire us to lead by example in our words, actions, and faith. Let’s explore some of these powerful scriptures and see how they can help shape our lives and positively impact those around us.
Bible Verses About Being an Example
1 Timothy 4:12 – Our conduct can inspire others
“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.”
Titus 2:7 – Living a life of integrity
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.”
Philippians 3:17 – Following the right models
“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.”
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
1 Peter 2:12 – Good deeds speak volumes
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
Romans 14:19 – Pursuing peace and mutual edification
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Hebrews 13:7 – Remember your leaders
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Matthew 7:16 – Recognizing good fruits
“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”
Colossians 3:23 – Work with sincerity
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
James 3:13 – Wisdom demonstrated through good behavior
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
2 Corinthians 3:2-3 – Our lives as letters for Christ
“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God.”
1 John 2:6 – Walking as Jesus did
“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
Acts 1:1 – A model of faithfulness
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach.”
John 13:15 – Jesus as our ultimate example
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Romans 15:5-6 – Unity through example
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Galatians 6:1 – Restoring others gently
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
1 Thessalonians 1:7 – Becoming a model for others
“And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
Micah 6:8 – Acting justly as an example
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpening iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Matthew 10:24 – Being a faithful servant
“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.”
Luke 6:40 – A fully trained disciple
“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”
2 Timothy 1:13 – Holding on to sound teaching
“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.”
Matthew 12:33 – Being recognized for our character
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.”
Psalm 119:11 – Storing God’s word in our hearts
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Colossians 4:5 – Walking wisely toward outsiders
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
1 Corinthians 11:1 – Imitating Christ
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
1 Timothy 6:12 – Fighting the good fight of faith
“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.”
Proverbs 22:1 – A good name as an example
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
2 Peter 3:11 – Living holy lives
“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”
Acts 20:35 – Giving as a way to exemplify
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Manipulative People
What Does the Bible Say About Being an Example?
When considering what the Bible teaches us about being an example, it’s clear that our faith calls us to lead lives worthy of emulation. One of the central themes in the New Testament is the call for Christians to be a light in the world, which inherently involves setting a positive example for others to follow.
For instance, we are reminded in various passages to live out our faith in observable ways. The Apostle Paul often exhorted early Christians to watch how they lived because their actions spoke louder than words. Paul himself served as an example; he instructed the Corinthians to “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” This signifies that our daily conduct, underpinned by genuine faith, can inspire and guide others.
Moreover, Jesus’ teachings emphasize that our actions should shine brightly. In the Sermon on the Mount, He encourages us to let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. This compels us to consider our actions carefully, recognizing that what we do can impact fellow believers and even non-believers in profound ways.
In practical terms, being an example means embodying virtues such as love, kindness, patience, and humility. John tells us to love one another because love comes from God. When we love others unconditionally, we mirror God’s love, thus setting a powerful example.
Additionally, living with integrity is crucial. Our actions should align with our words. James cautions against mere lip service, urging us to be doers of the word, not just hearers. This consistency between belief and action is crucial for authentic witness and credibility.
There is also an emphasis on perseverance and faith in suffering. The way we endure hardships can serve as a testimony to others. The early Christians faced persecution but remained steadfast, demonstrating that faith provides strength and hope, even in dire circumstances.
Being an example extends to leadership within the church and beyond. Elders and deacons are called to be above reproach, temperate, self-controlled, and trustworthy. Their behavior is meant to be exemplary, illustrating what mature Christian conduct looks like.
In summary, the Bible teaches us that being an example is multifaceted: it involves living out our faith through our actions, embodying Christian virtues, maintaining integrity, and demonstrating perseverance. As we strive to be examples, we reflect Christ’s love and grace to the world around us, fulfilling our divine calling to be lights in a world that often embraces darkness.