Jesus and Values

Part 4 in the series Was Jesus Effective?

Did Jesus have clearly defined values that guided his actions? Without a doubt, Jesus was driven by values. In particular, the value of Love was a guiding principle, both for Jesus’ deeds and his teachings. Jesus’ actions were primarily characterized by Compassion and Grace, both of which are founded on Love. Everywhere he went he healed the sick, graciously spoke the truth in love, and went out of his way to spend time with those people whom most found repellent. On the rare instances which appear out of alignment with Love, other values are clearly visible as motivating factors. Values such as Truth and Integrity at times conflict with Compassion and Grace. Even within a particular value, it is possible for conflict to occur such as when Love drives behaviours which on the surface may seem unloving, but when analyzed reveal a deeper force of Love acting on a grander scale. Anyone with any parenting or pet training experience will certainly understand what I mean.