Topical Encyclopedia
The term "conscientious" refers to an individual's desire to do what is right, particularly in terms of moral and ethical standards. In a biblical context, being conscientious involves aligning one's actions and decisions with the teachings and commandments of Scripture, guided by a well-formed conscience.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible emphasizes the importance of a good conscience in the life of a believer. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the role of conscience in the Christian life. In
Acts 24:16 , Paul states, "In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man." This verse highlights the dual responsibility of maintaining integrity both in one's relationship with God and in interactions with others.
Conscience and the LawThe conscience is often seen as an internal witness to God's law.
Romans 2:14-15 explains, "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them." This passage suggests that the conscience acts as a moral compass, guiding individuals in accordance with God's standards, even in the absence of explicit knowledge of the law.
Conscience and Christian LibertyThe New Testament also addresses the role of conscience in matters of Christian liberty. In
1 Corinthians 8:7-13 , Paul discusses the issue of eating food offered to idols, acknowledging that some believers may have a weak conscience regarding such practices. He advises, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" (
1 Corinthians 8:9). Here, Paul underscores the importance of being conscientious not only for one's own sake but also for the sake of others, ensuring that personal freedoms do not lead others into sin.
Conscience and Spiritual WarfareA clear conscience is also vital in spiritual warfare. In
1 Timothy 1:18-19 , Paul exhorts Timothy, "Fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith." This passage indicates that a good conscience is integral to maintaining faith and avoiding spiritual ruin.
Conscience and AccountabilityThe Bible teaches that individuals are accountable to God for their actions, and the conscience plays a crucial role in this accountability.
Hebrews 13:18 encourages believers to pray for leaders, "Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way." This reflects the understanding that a clear conscience is associated with living honorably and being accountable before God.
Conscience and RepentanceWhen a believer's conscience convicts them of sin, it serves as a call to repentance. In 1
John 1:9 , the promise is given, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." A conscientious heart responds to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, leading to confession and restoration.
ConclusionThe conscientious believer seeks to live in accordance with God's will, guided by a well-informed and sensitive conscience. This involves a commitment to righteousness, accountability, and a willingness to respond to the Holy Spirit's conviction. Through Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Christians are called to cultivate a conscience that reflects the character and teachings of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Governed by rules of right and wrong; -- said of a person.
2. (a.) Characterized by a regard to conscience; conformed to the dictates of conscience; -- said of actions.
Greek
4147. plouteo -- to be rich... yields)! The Laodiceans were too highly motivated (
conscientious) about
matters, and lacked real commitment for wise prioritizing.
...Strong's Hebrew
3824. lebab -- inner man, mind, will, heart... Word Origin from an unused word Definition inner man, mind, will, heart NASB Word
Usage anger (1), breasts (1),
conscientious* (1), consider* (5), courage (1
...3477. yashar -- straight, right
... Word Origin from yashar Definition straight, right NASB Word Usageconscientious*
(1), fittest (1), Jashar (2), just (1), proposal of peace (1), right (35...
Library
Drunkenness.
... This is a Temperance Platform upon which every sober, informed, andconscientious
person may stand. Would it be narrow or uncharitable...
The Teen Age Teacher
... Manly Christian leadership will help boys to grow naturally into Christian manhood,
while only the kind, sympathetic touch of theconscientious Christian woman...
In what Sense we are to Leave the World
... caution is this! But how little is it observed, even by those that are,
in other respects,conscientious Christians! Indeed some...
Introduction
... difficulty of determining where to draw the line of special exception to general
requirements and how to discover the sincerity ofconscientious objection to...
Eusebius as a Writer
... He was at leastconscientious and honest in his work, and never allowed himself
to palm off ignorance as knowledge, or to deceive his readers by sophistries...
The Form of Concord. AD 1577.
... learning, with less force but more elasticity, with less intuition but more logic
and system than Luther, and with a most delicate andconscientious regard for...
Felicitous Phrases
... conscience, heart, and life.conscientious, clear-headed, and accurate.... methodical,
sensible, andconscientious. might, majesty, and power....
Youthful Confessors
... in our passage is a noble example of religious principle applied to small details
of daily life, and shows how God crowns suchconscientious self-restraint...
Joseph of Arimathea
... with. It is shared by a young man who is expected to undertake some doubtful
transaction, but fromconscientious scruple hesitates....
Tendencies Toward a Manifestation of the Unity of the American...
... relations of the sects are sometimes those of respect and good will, sometimes of
sharp competition and jealousy, sometimes of eager andconscientious hostility...
Thesaurus
Conscientious (1 Occurrence)... dictates of conscience; -- said of actions. Multi-Version Concordance
Conscientious (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 29:34 But the priests
...Desolation (131 Occurrences)
... devoted themselves to its study and subtle interpretation, and the pious beheld
the highest moral accomplishment in the extremelyconscientious observance of...
Conscience-stricken (2 Occurrences)
Conscience-stricken. Consciences, Conscience-stricken.Conscientious ....
Consciences, Conscience-stricken.Conscientious . Reference Bible.
Scrupulous (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Careful;conscientious; moral; as, a
scrupulous performance of duties. 2. (a.) Full of scruples...
Conscious (93 Occurrences)
Abomination (78 Occurrences)
... devoted themselves to its study and subtle interpretation, and the pious beheld
the highest moral accomplishment in the extremelyconscientious observance of...
Prophets (270 Occurrences)
... had afterward clothed them in the form of prophecy, he would have been guilty of
a deception, something unthinkable in the case of soconscientious a preacher...
Prophecy (37 Occurrences)
... had afterward clothed them in the form of prophecy, he would have been guilty of
a deception, something unthinkable in the case of soconscientious a preacher...
Resources
What does the Bible say about conscientious objection? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about pacifism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the origin of the peace sign? | GotQuestions.orgConscientious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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