The 5 Don’ts and the 5 Do’s of Christianity Simplified

Christianity is a faith rooted in love, compassion, and a dedication to following Jesus Christ’s teachings. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul’s letters, believers are provided with both encouragement and guidance on how to live in a way that reflects God’s love. Paul's epistle to the Colossians offers both clear “don’ts” — actions and attitudes to avoid — and “do’s” — virtues to cultivate, providing Christians with a practical roadmap for a life that honors God.

In Colossians 3:5-8, Paul lists five specific behaviors to avoid and contrasts them with virtues that embody the character of God. He begins by identifying Christians as “God’s chosen people” — emphasizing their holy, beloved status. This reminder underscores that Christian life is not just about following rules but about embracing an identity as God’s children. Let’s dive into the five don’ts and five do’s, simplified for everyday practice.

The 5 Don’ts: What to Avoid as a Christian

In Colossians 3:5 and 3:8, Paul warns against certain behaviors that distance us from God and bring harm to ourselves and others. These actions come from the flesh, representing earthly, self-centered desires. Paul calls Christians to “put to death” these behaviors, an indication of their serious, destructive nature.

1. Sexual Immorality

Sexual immorality includes any sexual behavior outside of the boundaries God has set. Scripture consistently emphasizes sexual purity, not as a restriction but as a way to honor God with our bodies. By avoiding sexual immorality, Christians are called to treat themselves and others with respect and uphold the sacredness of human relationships.

2. Impurity

Impurity is any thought, action, or intention that corrupts one’s character or moral purity. This can include dishonesty, manipulative behaviors, and even harboring unhealthy thoughts. Avoiding impurity means striving for a pure heart and mind that seeks to reflect God’s holiness.

3. Passion and Evil Desires

The reference to passion here isn’t about ambition or zeal but about uncontrolled desires that lead to sin. This might include a desire for revenge, hatred, or any emotion that fuels sinful action. Christians are encouraged to redirect these desires toward things that glorify God rather than feed personal agendas.

4. Greed, which is Idolatry

Greed — an insatiable desire for more — can quickly become idolatry when it takes precedence over God. Greed shifts our focus from spiritual wealth to material gain, leading to a lack of contentment. By renouncing greed, Christians align themselves with God’s purpose, prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possessions.

5. Anger, Wrath, and Malice

In Colossians 3:8, Paul further instructs believers to rid themselves of anger, wrath, and malice. While anger itself isn’t always sinful, unchecked anger can lead to hostility and harm. Christians are called to respond with grace rather than vengeance, resisting the pull of malice or bitterness.

The 5 Do’s: What to Embrace as a Christian

Alongside these “don’ts,” Paul provides a positive framework of virtues that embody Christ’s teachings. These “do’s” are actions and attitudes to cultivate that reflect the heart of God and demonstrate the love Christians are called to show others.

1. Compassionate Heart

As Paul writes in Colossians 3:12, a compassionate heart is one that actively empathizes with others. Compassion moves beyond sympathy and seeks to understand and relieve others’ suffering. Christians are encouraged to practice compassion in all areas of life, treating others with the same love and understanding that God shows us.

2. Kindness

Kindness is a simple yet powerful expression of God’s love. Through kind words and actions, Christians display God’s grace and invite others to experience His goodness. Kindness is more than politeness; it’s a genuine expression of care that can make a significant impact on someone’s life.

3. Humility

Humility involves seeing ourselves rightly in relation to God and others. It is not thinking less of oneself, but thinking of oneself less. As followers of Christ, Christians are called to serve others selflessly, placing others’ needs before their own, as Jesus demonstrated in His life and teachings.

4. Gentleness

Gentleness, or meekness, is the strength of character to be patient and mild-mannered, even when tested. It’s the opposite of aggression or harshness. Gentleness reflects trust in God’s sovereignty and encourages peaceful, loving relationships with others.

5. Patience

Patience enables Christians to endure challenges without giving in to frustration or despair. It’s a mark of maturity and faith in God’s timing. In relationships, patience allows us to forgive others and bear with them, even when it’s difficult. This virtue strengthens the Christian community, fostering unity and understanding.

Living Out the 5 Do’s and Don’ts: 

Paul’s teachings in Colossians aren’t merely rules; they’re reflections of God’s desire for His people to live differently. As “God’s chosen ones,” Christians are called to a higher standard. This calling goes beyond just avoiding sinful behaviors. It involves actively cultivating a life that mirrors the character of Christ.

Paul’s reminder that believers are “holy” and “beloved” encourages Christians to view these guidelines as part of their identity. Holiness, being set apart, isn’t achieved through personal effort but through God’s grace, as Christians embrace their role in God’s family. As John 3:16 affirms, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” This foundational love motivates Christians to follow the 5 do’s and 5 don’ts as a reflection of God’s love for them.

Practical Steps to Apply These Principles Daily

1. Daily Reflection
   Start each day by reflecting on one virtue from the “do” list. Pray for guidance to embody compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience in specific situations.

2. Identify Triggers for the Don’ts
   Identify what might trigger behaviors like anger, greed, or impure thoughts. Recognize these areas and seek God’s help to address them through prayer and accountability.

3. Create a Supportive Community
   Surround yourself with other believers who encourage spiritual growth. A supportive community can help you stay focused on living out these values and avoiding the pitfalls of the “don’ts.”

4. Regular Prayer and Scripture Study
   By spending time in prayer and Scripture, such as in passages like Colossians 3, Christians can grow closer to God and align their lives more fully with His desires.

5. Practice Forgiveness and Grace
   Living by the 5 do’s and don’ts requires humility and a willingness to forgive. When we fall short or see others struggle, practicing grace allows everyone to continue growing in Christ.

In summary, the 5 don’ts and the 5 do’s found in Colossians 3 provide Christians with a simple yet profound framework for living a Christ-centered life. Avoiding behaviors like sexual immorality, impurity, and anger, while cultivating compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, allows Christians to reflect God’s love to the world. By embracing this guidance, believers can live lives that honor God and draw others to the truth and hope found in Jesus Christ.

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