In Christianity, conscience is the inner guide that helps believers distinguish right from wrong. It is considered God-given, helping people make moral choices that reflect God’s will. Conscience works alongside free will, allowing humans to choose actions that are loving, just, and moral.
Biblical Teachings on Conscience
Romans 13:1 – “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Christians are encouraged to obey human law as part of following God.
Romans 14:22-23 – emphasizes acting according to conscience: “Everything that does not come from faith is sin.”Acting against one’s conscience is morally wrong.
1 Corinthians 8:7-13 – warns believers to respect the conscience of others, particularly when deciding on actions that may affect them.
Conscience and Free Will
Christians believe that God created humans with free will, the ability to choose right from wrong. Conscience helps guide these choices according to God’s moral law. It is also seen as the inner voice of God, encouraging obedience to divine commands, such as:
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), which provide clear guidance on right and wrong, including prohibitions on lying, stealing, and murder.
The Great Commandments – “Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31), which frame conscience in terms of love, justice, and care for others.
Educating the Conscience
Christianity teaches that conscience should be formed and educated:
Proverbs 4:7 – “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Philippians 4:8 – encourages Christians to focus on things that are true, just, pure, and lovely, forming moral reasoning.
James 1:5 – teaches that prayer can guide believers to make wise, moral choices.
A well-formed conscience enables Christians to make moral decisions, avoid sin, and act in ways that uphold justice, compassion, and God’s will.
Conscience and Obeying or Breaking Laws
Conscience can guide Christians in deciding whether to obey or disobey human laws:
If laws are just, Christians are generally expected to follow them (Romans 13:1).
If laws are unjust or immoral, conscience may compel Christians to resist them in order to uphold God’s higher law. For example: Laws permitting slavery or racial discrimination violate the command to “love your neighbour”. Historical examples include Christians resisting Nazi laws or Jim Crow laws in the USA.
Summary
Conscience in Christianity is a moral guide given by God. It directs believers to act according to divine law, reflect on moral choices, and distinguish right from wrong. By following conscience, Christians seek to live ethically, showing love, justice, and compassion, while using free will responsibly.