The Bible speaks of such attributes as love, obedience, integrity, faith, courage, and perseverance--characteristics in the abstract. But how can these qualities be lived out in our lives? God gives us many practical examples in His Word. There we see these attributes put into practice in the lives of the people we meet in the Bible. Many of the Bible stories are written so we can apply the attitudes and actions which God desires to see in us.
For instance, think of courage. Who comes to your mind? What about Daniel who refused to bow to an idol and faced a den of lions. And Queen Esther who approached the king uninvited at the risk of incurring the penalty of death in order to save the lives of the Jews. Imagine the courage and the faith of the lad David when he faced the giant Goliath with only a sling and five smooth stones as weapons.
Abraham is considered the prime example of faith and obedience. His life was characterized by trust in God and immediate obedience to God's instructions.
The example of Joseph, a young slave in Potiphar's household resisting the advances of Potipher's wife, speaks to us loudly of integrity. And Joseph's trust in God through trials and injustices show us how to maintain faith and perseverance. His forgiveness of his brothers who sold him into slavery shows us how to treat the people who have wronged us.
Of course the greatest example of love and forgiveness occurred on the cross when the sinless Son of God gave his life for sinful mankind and said of his tormenters, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34.
The Bible stories are not written for our entertainment, but they are prime examples of how to apply spiritual principles, and they are written for us to study so we can go and do likewise.
Father, thank You for not only telling us how we should live but for showing us as well. May we follow the examples You have given s in Your Word. Amen.
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