A Biblical Moral Compass

into our moral selves to reveal spiritual areas of growth and development. A Biblical moral compass, available for all to follow, is found in the bible. Unlike the sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7, which emphasizes spiritual poverty and righteousness, Luke’s account focuses more on social justice, compassion for the marginalized, and unconditional love for one’s enemy. In this setting on the plain, Jesus relates to all people, whether rich or poor, Jew or Gentile. His sermon reaches those often overlooked, making everyone feel included and valued as part of a larger community. Unlike the sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7, which emphasizes spiritual poverty and righteousness, Luke’s account focuses more on social justice, compassion for the marginalized, and unconditional love for one’s enemy. In this setting on the plain, Jesus relates to all people, whether rich or poor, Jew or Gentile. His sermon reaches those often overlooked, making everyone feel included and valued as part of a larger community.

In the passage involving the beatitudes, Jesus highlights those who are poor, hungry, and grieving. Unlike the fortunate, the satisfied, and the proud Christians who are blessed beyond measure, the marginalized are often neglected.  Where is the justice and mercy? Is it the responsibility of the fortunate to provide resources for the unfortunate? Although our opinions may vary, what does God have to say? One answer can be found in Micah 6:6-8, NIV when God spoke to the Israelites. He questioned the Israelites about their reverence toward him. God answered the question in v.8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” In light of this passage, take some time to reflect on your life and consider where you stand.

One of the most challenging commands of Jesus’ sermon is to love one’s enemy. Loving in this way requires the believer to go beyond the limits. “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:27, 28 ESV). Is it easy to love others who hate you? Of course not. Proverbs 6:16-19, God shares his feelings about an evil person: There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. An enemy, an evil person, does not have another person’s best interest at heart. I agree that it is not easy to love this kind of person, but it is necessary. The Lord Jesus Christ commands Christians to love beyond their capabilities. God’s character is love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV). Saving humanity from eternal death is God’s reason to love. He loves all of us, even our enemy. A beautiful example of love and forgiveness is between a prisoner and a victim. When one offers forgiveness, and the other accepts mercy is on display. Jesus had mercy on us. Why give the same mercy to others? This command challenges us to reflect on our capacity to love and forgive.

Others need to observe our behavior as we build on a solid foundation. Christians encounter difficult moments and unbearable struggles on this journey.  We know that stormy moments will come, and those moments may cause us to lose faith in God. He did not promise that we would be exempt from life’s struggles. He promised to be with us.

As wise builders, we build on the truths of God. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV). Let us continue to build our lives on a solid foundation, Jesus Christ. Others need to see our strength and witness. The Apostle Paul shares his view about a wise builder, “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder, I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care of how he builds upon it. No one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11, ESV). When we follow the standards of the Holy Bible, we become wise builders. When the storms of life come, our foundation will remain firm.

A Biblical moral compass is available for us to follow. The word of God will guide us to have compassion for those who need it the most, be led through the power of the Holy Spirit to love our enemies unconditionally and learn how to become wise builders by building a foundation in Christ Jesus that cannot be shaken. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2, NIV).

Check out Dr. Clayton’s book Recalibrate Your Biblical Moral Compass, foreword by Dr. Adlín Cotto. Dr. Clayton is a Carroll Alumnus and Resident Fellow.