What Does the Bible Say About Attitudes?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

In a nutshell, the Bible places great emphasis on attitudes. It considers a positive, humble, and loving attitude essential for a faithful life. Attitudes like kindness, forgiveness, and gratitude are encouraged, while pride, envy, and anger are warned against. It’s all about aligning one’s heart and mind with God’s teachings.

Curious about how the Bible shapes our attitudes? Stay tuned as we explore the transformative power of biblical teachings on our everyday mindset.

What Does the Bible Say About Attitudes?

The Bible is like a mirror reflecting our inner attitudes, offering insights and corrections. It speaks volumes about how our attitudes should be shaped, stressing the importance of aligning them with Christian values. The Bible sees attitudes as the lens through which we view the world, impacting our actions and relationships.

A central theme is the call for attitudes of love, humility, and forgiveness. These are not just nice ideas; they’re seen as reflections of God’s character. When we adopt these attitudes, we’re aligning ourselves with God’s view of how we should interact with the world.

The New Testament, especially, brings this into focus. Jesus embodies and teaches these attitudes. His life and teachings provide a clear blueprint for how Christians should orient their hearts and minds. The Sermon on the Mount, for instance, is a masterclass in attitude adjustment, urging listeners to adopt perspectives rooted in love, mercy, and humility.

But it’s not just about the positive. The Bible also warns against attitudes that can lead us astray. Things like pride, envy, and greed are often mentioned as attitudes that can lead to sin. It’s a balance – encouraging what draws us closer to God while warning against what drives us away.

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This biblical perspective on attitudes is not just about personal piety. It has practical implications for our daily lives. It shapes how we interact with others, handle challenges, and perceive ourselves. It’s about cultivating a mindset that sees beyond the immediate, embracing attitudes that foster long-term spiritual growth and harmony.

In short, the Bible doesn’t just change what we do. It transforms how we think and feel. It’s a guide to adopting attitudes that enrich our lives, enhance our relationships, and deepen our faith.

Bible Verses About Attitudes

  1. Philippians 2:5 – “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” This verse calls believers to adopt the attitude of Jesus, emphasizing humility and selflessness.
  2. Ephesians 4:2 – “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” This verse encapsulates the attitude Christians are encouraged to have towards others: humility, patience, and love.
  3. Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” This famous passage lists the attitudes and qualities that should be evident in a Christian’s life, seen as direct outcomes of living by the Spirit.
  4. Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This proverb highlights the power of our attitudes in communication, advocating for a gentle approach.
  5. Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” From the Sermon on the Mount, this beatitude emphasizes the importance of inner purity – an attitude of heart – in relating to God.
  6. Colossians 3:12 – “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” This verse serves as a reminder to adopt attitudes that reflect a life transformed by faith – compassion, kindness, and patience are highlighted as key qualities.
  7. James 1:19-20 – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Here, James emphasizes the importance of being thoughtful and restrained in our reactions, advocating for an attitude of patience and understanding.
  8. 1 Peter 5:6 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” This verse stresses the value of humility, a cornerstone attitude in the Christian life, promising that God honors those who remain humble.
  9. Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” This proverb emphasizes the importance of guarding one’s heart, as it is the source of our attitudes and actions.
  10. Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” This verse encourages believers to focus their minds on positive and noble things, shaping an attitude that reflects God’s goodness and truth.
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Through these verses, the Bible presents a comprehensive guide to cultivating attitudes that align with Christian values. It emphasizes the importance of attitudes that foster love, humility, and compassion, while cautioning against those that lead to sin and discord. By embracing these teachings, believers are encouraged to shape not only their actions but also their thoughts and feelings in accordance with God’s will.