Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Importance Behavior, in a biblical context, refers to the actions and conduct of individuals as they live out their faith and interact with others. It encompasses moral and ethical dimensions, reflecting one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments. The Bible emphasizes the importance of behavior as a testimony of faith and a reflection of one's inner spiritual state. Biblical Foundations The Bible provides numerous teachings on behavior, underscoring the need for believers to live in a manner that honors God. In the Old Testament, the Law given to Moses outlines specific behaviors expected of God's people, including the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). These commandments serve as a foundational guide for moral conduct. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ expands on the principles of righteous behavior, emphasizing love, humility, and service. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). This highlights the role of behavior in witnessing to others and glorifying God. Behavior in the Epistles The apostolic letters provide further instruction on Christian behavior. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the conduct of believers, urging them to live in a manner worthy of their calling. In Ephesians 4:1-3, Paul writes, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . Paul also contrasts the behaviors of the "old self" with those of the "new self" in Christ. In Colossians 3:5-10, he instructs believers to "put to death" earthly behaviors such as immorality, impurity, and greed, and to "put on" virtues like compassion, kindness, and humility . Behavior and the Fruit of the Spirit The behavior of a Christian is often associated with the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. These attributes—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life. Paul contrasts these with the "acts of the flesh," which include behaviors such as hatred, discord, and jealousy (Galatians 5:19-21). Behavior in Community and Relationships The Bible places significant emphasis on behavior within the context of community and relationships. Believers are called to exhibit love and respect toward one another, as seen in 1 Peter 3:8-9: "Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing" . The behavior of believers is also crucial in their witness to the world. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul advises, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, just as we instructed you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be dependent on anyone" . Behavior and Accountability Scripture teaches that individuals are accountable for their behavior before God. In Romans 14:12, Paul states, "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God" . This accountability underscores the importance of living a life that aligns with God's standards and commands. Conclusion The Bible provides comprehensive guidance on behavior, emphasizing its significance in the life of a believer. Through adherence to biblical principles and the work of the Holy Spirit, Christians are called to exhibit behavior that reflects their faith and glorifies God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Manner of behaving, whether good or bad; mode of conducting one's self; conduct; deportment; carriage; -- used also of inanimate objects; as, the behavior of a ship in a storm; the behavior of the magnetic needle.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEHAVIORbe-hav'-yer (Ta`am, "taste," "flavor," hence, "intellectual taste," i.e. judgment, reason, understanding): Of significance as referring to David's feigning madness before Aehish, king of Gath, being "sore afraid." Gesenius renders it "changed his understanding," i.e. his mental behavior and outward manner (1 Samuel 21:13, and title to Psalm 34). Greek 391. anastrophe -- behavior, conduct ... behavior, conduct. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: anastrophe Phonetic Spelling: (an-as-trof-ay') Short Definition: behavior, manner of life ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/391.htm - 7k 2688. katastema -- demeanor 249. alogos -- without reason 808. aschemosune -- unseemliness 3913. paraphronia -- madness 5391. philophron -- courteous. 5429. phronimos -- practically wise, sensible 4422. ptoeo -- to terrify 2041. ergon -- work 2124. eulabeia -- caution Strong's Hebrew 4787b. marhebah -- boisterous, raging behavior... 4787a, 4787b. marhebah. 4788 . boisterous, raging behavior. Transliteration: marhebah Short Definition: fury. Word Origin from rahab ... /hebrew/4787b.htm - 5k 7919a. sakal -- to be prudent 2940. taam -- taste, judgment Library Christian Behavior Letter i. Behavior and Manners. The Christian Honoring God by his Dying Behavior. Whether any virtue Regards the Outward Movements of the Body? How the Kings of Asia Honored the Nation of the Jews and Made them ... 1 Timothy iii. 4-Jan Biographical Sketch The First Epistle to Timothy Titus ii. 5-Feb O virgin, Maintain Thy Purpose which is Destined for a Great ... Thesaurus Behavior (20 Occurrences)... Manner of behaving, whether good or bad; mode of conducting one's self; conduct; deportment; carriage; -- used also of inanimate objects; as, the behavior of a ... /b/behavior.htm - 13k Insolent (16 Occurrences) Riot (14 Occurrences) Reverent (8 Occurrences) Manner (351 Occurrences) Conversation (30 Occurrences) Ishmael (44 Occurrences) Beholding (45 Occurrences) Conduct (93 Occurrences) Observe (216 Occurrences) Resources What is cognitive-behavior therapy, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is behavior therapy, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about Christian behavior? | GotQuestions.org Behavior: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Behavior (20 Occurrences)Romans 13:3 Colossians 1:21 1 Thessalonians 2:10 1 Timothy 3:2 Titus 1:6 Titus 2:3 James 3:13 1 Peter 1:15 1 Peter 2:12 1 Peter 3:1 1 Peter 3:2 1 Peter 3:16 1 Samuel 21:13 Esther 1:18 Esther 3:4 Psalms 33:22 Psalms 34:1 Proverbs 1:3 Proverbs 8:13 Ezekiel 16:27 Subtopics Related Terms Pleasure-making (1 Occurrence) |
    |