by Catalogs.com Info Guru Elizabeth Sobiski

There are simple, everyday acts people can perform to live a healthy Christian life.

The Bible teaches that a Christian life is one of growth, spiritually and intellectually to live as God intended. The top 10 tips listed here will help you live a good, everyday Christian life.

10. Read the Bible

In Matthew 4:4 it says, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” In other words, read the words of God daily from the Bible. Listen to what they say and contemplate what they mean to you and your life. Take the words to heart and live a different lesson each day. Carry your bible with you, using an inspirational bible bag, and read during the quiet moments that come to you during the day.

9. Accept other points of view

It’s inherent in human nature to not agree with each other. To accept other points of view, we must be willing to listen to each other and appreciate different perspectives. By listening with your heart, you get an understanding of the other person and why they believe as they do. Stand true to your beliefs and express them as long as the other person is also willing to listen. Be open to being wrong and be ready to accept other people changing their viewpoint. Sometimes everyone can be right – or wrong. Be willing to read philosophical books, study, and learn. In any case, avoid escalating situations to arguments or violence. Keep peace and the love of God in your heart.

8. Follow the Golden Rule

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” Luke, 6:31. Rather than doing to others what they have done to us – good or bad – treat them the way you want them to treat you. Another way of thinking of this, is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. When we stop to think about how we would react in certain situations and how we would like to be treated, we build empathy for those actually in those situations. If you give love and respect, you are more likely to receive love and respect.

7. Practice what you preach

The Bible is full of examples of the importance of paying attention to your own thoughts and actions before you pay attention to those of others around you. A modern saying is “If you are going to talk the talk, you better walk the walk.” For instance, if you are routinely telling others that they should eat better and get more exercise, those should be things you are doing. Be the example for others to follow. If you need helpful reminders of God, wear a special piece of religious jewelry or keep a favorite scripture with you.

6. Volunteer

God helps those who cannot help themselves, and he doesn’t do it alone. Volunteer to help others – in your family, at your church, in a soup kitchen, or at a nursing home. There are thousands of ways to help others while every day in your Christian life. Keep God and kindness in your actions and people will be grateful for the help you willingly give.

5. Forgive

Acknowledge that everyone has faults and forgive them. To improve yourself, be willing to recognize your faults and create a plan to correct them. Follow the plan with persistence and perseverance, understanding there will be failures along the way. When failures cause you to stumble, admit them, dust yourself off and get back on track, trusting in God to help you move forward. Keep inspirational quotes around you as helpful reminders and gentle support.

4. Be humble

Staying humble will avoid being affected by pride, discontent and jealousy. Everyone needs to remember that they are just one person in a large world of people and that everyone is special. God loves equally – even those whose faith may not be as strong or as deep as yours. Pride can imply that you are comparing yourself to others and judging them as less than you. By being humble, you can keep selfishness under control and avoid greater sins.

3. Share your beliefs

People with a common love for God and Christianity make special efforts to come together – uniting at church, study meetings or fellowship gatherings. When speaking with others, you may find it a blessing to talk with them about God. This is also the perfect opportunity to listen to their viewpoints and not judge them for believing differently than you do.

2. Triumph over temptation

Recognize that you will be tempted on a daily basis. Understand that temptation in itself is not a sin, it is the act of giving in to temptation that is a sin. When you feel or see temptation around you, let God give you the strength to turn away from it. God gave us the freedom to choose – it is what made us human. Exercise that right by choosing to live through your beliefs. If you know something is wrong, choose to do the right thing.

1. Pray

Prayer is communication with God. Every prayer is answered, whether it is obvious or not. Prayer comforts, guides and encourages. It helps us organize our thoughts and be grateful for our blessings. Intercede for others by praying for them, whether they are friends or enemies. Some Christians find rosaries helpful for a regular praying routine and recite a prayer with each bead as they make their way around the rosary.