1TI 4:12
Be thou an example of the believers, in word.
1 Tim. 4:12
How important it is to speak words that are good. So many (even those who say they are Christians) use terrible language. No cuss words or off-color words should escape your lips. Your language should show that you are a believer. That means we should talk as Christ talked - in love, compassion, and grace.
Be thou an example of the believers . . . in conversation.
In this verse the word “conversation” doesn’t mean speech. It’s a word that was used when the Bible was translated into English to mean the way you live. So let’s rephrase our verse: Be an example of the believers in the way you live. Other people should be able to read your life like a book. And what they should read is: I am a Christian - my life is Christ-like. What an example to follow. Keep it up!
Be thou an example of the believers . . . in charity [love].
Feelings of hatred toward another don’t have any place in a Christian’s life. We should all hate sin, as God does, but we should always care about other people and try to find ways to show the kindness of God to them. The Lord showed kindness to everyone. He never held a grudge. He never had bitter feelings towards those who had wronged Him. We should be just like Him.
Be thou an example of the believers . . . in faith.
It says in 2 Cor. 5:7, “We walk by faith, not by sight,” and in Romans 1:17, “The just shall live by faith.” This should be our practice too. Do you trust the Lord for His safekeeping and care? Or do you worry about what tomorrow may bring? A Christian living by faith is one who looks up to God each day, leaves his cares with Him, and goes on with life in peace and contentment.