Helpful Bible Verses

These are some sayings from the Bible that have been helpful to me in my life's journey. Feel free to read through them.

John

More verses related to marriage

RELEASING ANGER AND BITTERNESS

While God desires that we recognize our anger and bitterness toward others, harboring those feelings and refusing to work toward the restoration of broken relationships is contrary to His will. We need to prayerfully confront and confess inner feelings of anger, and then surrender them to the loving healing of our heavenly Father.

God calls us first to confront our own feelings openly and honestly....

Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be king to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving you because you belong to Christ.

Ephesians 4: 31-32 TLB

For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other. For the whole Law can be summed up in this one command: “Love others as you love yourself.” But if instead of showing love among yourselves you are always critical and catty, watch out! Beware of ruining each other. Galatians 5: 13-15 TLB

Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God’s best blessings. What out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives. Hebrews 12:15TLB

Anyone who says he is walking in the light of Christ but dislikes his fellow man is still in darkness. But whoever loves his fellow man is “walking in the light” and can see his way without stumbling around in darkness and sin. For he who dislikes his brother is wandering in spiritual darkness and doesn’t know where he is going, for the darkness has made him blind so that he cannot see the way.

1 John 2: 9-11 TLB

A man with hate in his heart may sound pleasant enough, but don’t believe him; for he is cursing you in his heart. Though he pretends to be so kind, his hatred will finally come to light for all to see. Proverbs 26: 24-26 TLB

Our heavenly Father calls us to work actively toward forgiving others and restoring broken relationships...

Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you. Matthew 6:14TLB

I am warning you! “Rebuke your brother if he sins, and forgive him if he is sorry. Even if he wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, forgive him.” Luke 17: 3-4 TLB

Follow God’s example in everything you do just as much loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to him. Ephesians 5: 1-2 TLB

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too. Mark 11: 25 TLB

Dear brothers, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humble help him back onto the right path, remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong. Galatians 6: 1 TLB

When you forgive anyone, I do too. And whatever I have forgiven (to the extent that this affected me too) has been by Christ’s authority, and for your good. A further reason for forgiveness is to keep from being outsmarted by Satan, for we know what he is trying to do. 2 Corinthians 2: 10 -11 TLB

BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES

The Scriptures are clear that we are both responsible and accountable to God for our behavior and attitudes:

Yes, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14: 12 TLB

And I tell you this, that you must give account on Judgment Day for every idle word you speak. Matthew 12: 36 TLB

Your words now reflect your fate then: either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned. Matthew 12: 37 TLB

God tolerated man’s past ignorance about these things, but now he commands everyone to put away idols and worship only him. For he has set a day for justly judging the world by the man he has appointed, and has pointed him out by bringing him back to life again. Acts 17: 30-31 TLB

Remember, too, that knowing what is right to do and then not doing it is sin.

James 4: 17 TLB

God disciplines those He loves in order to bring about a change of behavior or attitude:

Being punished isn’t enjoyable while it is happening -- it hurts! But afterwards we can see the result, a quiet growth in grace and character. Hebrews 12: 11 TLB

And we will never stop thanking God for this: that when we preached to you, you didn’t think of the words we spoke as being just our own, but you accepted what we said as the very Word of God -- which, of course, it was -- and it changed your lives when you believed it. 1 Thessalonians 2: 13 TLB

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from you own experience how his ways will really satisfy you. Romans 12: 2 TLB

When we submit to the loving discipline of our Heavenly Father, He is faithful to lead us toward righteousness:

But if we confess our sins to him, he can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. (And it is perfectly proper for God to do this for us because Christ died to wash away our sins.) 1 John 1: 9 TLB

Do not let sin control you puny body any longer; do not give in to its sinful desires. Do not let any part of your bodies become tools of wickedness, to be used for sinning; but give yourselves completely to God -- every part of you-- for you are back from death and you want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes. Sin need never again be your master, for now you are no longer tied to the law where sin enslaves you, but you are free under God’s favor and mercy. Romans 6: 13-14 TLB

If you have really heard is voice and learned from him the truths concerning himself, then throw off your old evil nature -- the old you that was a partner in your evil ways -- rotten through and through, full of lust and shame. Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature. Ephesians 4: 21-24 TLB

But when the Holy Spirit controls our live he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; and here there is no conflict with Jewish laws. Those who belong to Christ have nailed their natural evil desires to his cross and crucified them there.

Galatians 5: 22-24 TLB

And I will give you a new heart -- I will give you new and right desires -- and put a new spirit within you. I will take out your stony hearts of sin and give you new hearts of love. And I will put my Spirit within you so that you will obey my laws and do whatever I command. Ezekial 36: 26-27 TLB

BOUNDARIES

God helps us to establish healthy boundaries through His strength and guidance. Proper mental, emotional, and spiritual boundaries enable us to focus on God’s love for us, as well as the ways in which He can use us to better serve the Body of Christ.

When personal boundaries are weakened from turmoil...

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us -- they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5: 3-5 TLB

He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! Trust in the Lord God always, for in the Lord Jehovah is your everlasting strength. Isaiah 26: 4 TLB

I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world. John 16: 33 TLB

For the Scriptures tell us that no one who believes in Christ will ever be disappointed. Romans 10: 11 TLB

Establishing boundaries under God’s direction...

Lord, I am overflowing with your blessing, just as you promised. Now teach me good judgment as well as knowledge. For your laws are my guide.

Psalms 119: 65-66 TLB

In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Proverbs 3: 5-6 TLB

So ever since we fist heard about you we have kept on praying and asking God to help you understand what He wants you to do; asking Him to make you wise about spiritual things; and asking that the way you live will always please the Lord and honor Him, so that you will always be doing good, kind things for others, while all the time you are learning to know God better and better, We are praying, too, that you will be filled with His mighty, glorious strength so that you can keep going no matter what happens -- always full of the joy of the Lord, and always thankful to the Father who has made us fit to share all the wonderful things that belong to those who live in the Kingdom of light. Colossians 1: 9-12TLB

I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress. Psalms 32: 8 TLB

God’s continuing work in our lives...

And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns. Philippians 1: 6 TLB

It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago He planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. Ephesians 2: 10 TLB

I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again I will see His goodness to me here in the land of the living. Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and He will come and save you! Be brave, softhearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and He will help you. Psalms 27: 13-14 TLB

Respecting the boundaries of others...

Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing. Philippians 2: 3-4 TLB

DIVORCE

God’s Word is straightforward in addressing the issue of divorce. The following verses from both the Old and New Testaments speak clearly to biblical viewpoint on divorce.

Marriage is covenant not to be broken. Though the marital relationship may have disintegrated to a disappointing level for any number of reasons, it is not beyond the scope of God’s restoration:

So the Lord God caused the man to sleep very deeply, and while he was asleep, God removed one of the man’s ribs. Then God closed up the man’s skin at the place where He took the rib. The LORD God used the rib from the man to make a woman, and then He brought the woman to the man. And the man said, “Now, this is someone whose bones came from my bones, whose body came from my body. I will call her ‘woman,’ because she was taken out of man.” So a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one body.

Genesis 2:21-24 NCV

God made husbands and wives to become one body and one spirit for His purpose

-- so they would have children who are true to God. So be careful, and do not break your promise to the wife you married when you were young. The LORD God of Israel says, “I hate divorce. And I hate people who do cruel things as easily as they put on clothes,” says the LORD All. Malachi 2: 15-16 NCV

[Jesus replied] “But when God made the world, ‘He made them male and female.’ ‘So a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one body.’ so there are not two, but one. God has joined the two together, so on one should separate them.” Mark 10: 6-9 NCV

Now, for those who are married I have a command, not just a suggestion. And it is not a command from me, for this is what the Lord himself has said: A wife must not leave her husband... And the husband must not divorce his wife.

1 Corinthians 7: 10-11 TLB

Scripture teaches that there are two conditions under which divorce is biblically permissible, though never required: desertion by an unbelieving spouse and sexual infidelity. One must keep in mind God’s over-arching declaration from the book of Malachi: I hate divorce.

But if the husband or wife who isn’t a Christian is eager to leave, it is permitted In such cases the Christian husband or wife should not insist that the other stay, for God wants his children to live in peace and harmony. For, after all, there is no assurance to you wives that your husbands will be converted if they stay; and the same may be said to you husbands concerning your wives. But be sure in deciding these matters that you are living as God intended, marrying or not marrying in accordance with God’s direction and help, and accepting whatever situation God has put you into...

1 Corinthians 7: 15-17a TLB, underlining added

“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.” Matthew 19: 9 NIV

Husbands and wives who profess to be believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are called to seek reconciliation in their marriages, through the authority of the church when necessary. Pastors working on the behalf of the couple can bring fresh insight and opportunity to the restoration process:

“If your fellow believer sins against you, go and tell him in private what he did wrong. If he listens to you, you have helped that person to be your brother or sister again. But if he refuses to listen, go to him again and take one or two other people with you. ‘Every case may be proved by two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, then treat him like a person who does not believe in God or like a tax collector.

Matthew 18: 15-17 NCV

TERMINAL ILLNESS AND GRIEF

Dealing with grief or the news of terminal illness, whether it be one’s own or that of a loved one, requires the consolation and comfort that only God can provide. The following verses focus on the assurance of our Heavenly Father’s faithful love and continual care.

We depend upon the Lord alone to save us. Only He can help us; He protects us like a shield. No wonder we are happy in the Lord! For we are trusting him. We trust His holy name. Yes, Lord, let your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in you alone. Psalm 33: 20-22 TLB

Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to Him for help and saves him out of all his troubles. The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; He rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins. Psalm 34: 17-18 TLB

But now the Lord who created you, O Israel, says, “Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up -- the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 43: 1-3a TLB

Come to me and I will give you rest -- all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke -- for it fits perfectly -- and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; Matthew 11: 28-29 TLB

When Mary arrived where Jesus was, she fell down at His feet, saying, “Sir, if you had been here, my brother would still be alive.” When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jewish leaders wailing with her, he was moved with indignation and deeply troubled. “Where is he buried?” He asked them. They told Him, “Come and see.” Tears came to Jesus’ eyes. John 11: 32-35 TLB

For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away. Our fears for today, or worries about tomorrow, or where we are -- high above he sky, or in the deepest ocean -- nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us. Romans 8: 38-39 TLB

What a wonderful God we have -- He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does He do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 TLB

If you humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, in His good time He will lift you up. Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. 1 Peter 5: 6-7 TLB

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank Him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7 TLB

“Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting God, now trust in me. There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am. If this weren’t’ so, I would tell you plainly.”

John 14: 1-3 TLB

For His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we really are God’s children. And sine we are His children, we will share His treasures -- for all God gives to His Son Jesus is now ours too. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will give us later. Romans 8: 16-18 TLB

HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT

When lives are bogged down with defeat and despair, only the hope that comes through a relationship with our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ can bring about true happiness. God’s Word testifies to His ability to carry us through the difficult times.

Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid of them! For the Lord your God will be with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31: 6 TLB

All who are oppressed may come to Him. He is a refuge for them in their times of trouble. All those who know your mercy, Lord, will count on you for help. For you have never yet forsaken those who trust in you. Psalm 9: 9-10

He is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trusted in Him, and he helped me. Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to Him. The Lord protects his people and gives victory to his anointed king. Psalm 28: 7-8

Why then be downcast? Why be discouraged and sad? Hope in God! I shall yet praise Him again. Yes, I shall again praise Him for His help. Psalm 42: 5 TLB

When I pray, you answer me and encourage me by giving me the strength I need. Psalm 138: 3 TLB

Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will bring me safely through them. You will clench your fist against my angry enemies! Your power will save me. The Lord will work out His plans for my life -- for your loving-kindness, Lord, continues forever. Don’t abandon me -- for you made me. Psalm 138: 7-8 TLB

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 TLB

We are saved by trusting. And trusting means looking forward to getting something we don’t yet have -- for a man who already has something doesn’t need to hope and trust that he will get it. But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn’t happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently.

Romans 8: 24-25 TLB

These things that were written in the Scriptures so long ago are to teach us patience and to encourage us so that we will look forward expectantly to the time when God will conquer sin and death. Romans 15:4 TLB

So I pray for you Gentiles that God who gives you hope will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in Him. I pray that God will help you overflow with hope in Him through the Holy Spirit’s power within you. Romans 15: 13

You can be sure that the more we undergo sufferings for Christ, the more He will shower us with His comfort and encouragement. 2 Corinthians 1: 5

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with lights so that you can see something of the future He has called you to share. I want you to realize that God has been made rich because we who are Christ’s have been given Him!

Ephesians 1: 18 TLB

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting comfort and hope, which we don’t deserve comfort your hearts with all comfort, and help you in every good thing you say and do.

2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17 TLB

All honor to God , the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; for it is His boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God’s own family. Now we live in the hope of eternal life because Christ rose again from the dead. 1 Peter 1: 3

LOVING THROUGH LISTENING

God accomplishes incredible things through people who are able to respectfully and lovingly listen. He offers His quiet, gentle direction to those who wait peacefully upon Him, and He guides us to minister to one another through patiently listening to and sharing of one another’s burdens.

Listening and waiting upon God for direction...

If you will humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, in His good time He will lift you up. Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. 1 Peter 5: 6-7 TLB

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank Him for His answer. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Phil 4: 6-7 TLB

For the eyes of the Lord are intently watching all who live good lives, and He gives attention when they cry to Him. But the Lord has made up His mind to wipe out even the memory of evil men from the earth. Yes, the Lord hears the good man when he calls to Him for help and saves Him out of all his troubles. The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; He rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins. Psalms 34: 15-18 TLB

In everything you do , put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Proverbs 3: 5-6 TLB

When we listen attentively we extend ourselves to others in the love of Jesus Christ...

Now you can have real love for everyone because your souls have been cleansed from selfishness and hatred when you trusted Christ to save you; so see to it that you really do love each other warmly, with all your hearts. For you have a new life. It was not passed on to you from your parent, for the life they gave you will fade away. This new one will last forever, for it comes from Christ, God’s ever-living Message to men. 1 Peter 1: 22-23 TLB

Don’t just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12: 9-10 TLB

Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on other. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing. Philippians 2: 3-4 TLB

When we listen respectfully we become instruments of God through which He offers encouragement and hope...

What a wonderful God we have -- He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 TLB

Now we can look forward to the salvation God has promised us. There is no longer any room for doubt, and we can tell others that salvation is ours, for there is no question that he will do what he says. In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and king to each other and in doing good. Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is drawing near. Hebrews 10: 23-25 TLB

Now glory be to God, who by His mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of -- infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. Ephesians 3: 20 TLB

Why then be down cast? Why be discouraged and sad? Hope in God! I shall yet praise Him again. Yes, I shall again praise Him for His help. Psalms 42: 5 TLB

MARRIAGE

The apostle Paul sets forth a concise discussion concerning the marriage relationship in his letter to the Ephesians. The Holy Spirit establishes the husband as the spiritual leader of the home, yet he is not to be domineering. The wife is to be respectful and submissive, but is not to be considered a door-mat. Unconditional love is foundational to the relationship, and given human nature, only possible when the marriage is dedicated to seeking the love of Jesus Christ.

And further, you will submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. You wives must submit to your husband’s leadership in the same way you submit to the Lord. For a husband is in charge of his wife in the same way Christ is in charge of his body the Church. (He gave his very life to take care of it and be its Savior!) So you wives must willingly obey your husbands in everything, just as the Church obeys Christ. And you husbands, show the same kind of love to your wives as Christ showed to the Church when he died for her, to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God’s Word; so that he could give her to himself as a glorious Church without a single spot or wrinkle or any other blemish, being holy and without a single fault. That is how husbands should treat their wives, loving them as part of themselves. For since a man and his wife are now one, a man is really doing himself a favor and loving himself a favor and loving himself when he loves his wife! No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it, just as Chris cares for his body the Church, of which we are parts. (That the husband and wife are one body is proved by the Scripture, which says, “A man must leave his father and mother when he marries so that he can be perfectly joined to his wife, and the two shall be one.”) I know this is hard to understand but it is an illustration of the way we are parts of the body of Christ. So again I say, a man must love his wife as a part of himself; and the wife must see to it that she deeply respects her husband -- obeying, praising, and honoring him. Ephesians 5: 21-33 TLB

Characteristics of LOVE...

SACRIFICIAL: And here is how to measure it -- the greatest love is shown when a person lays down his life for his friends: John 15:13TLB

STRONG AND ENDURING: If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. 1 Corinthians 13: 7 TLB

FORGIVING: Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love makes up for many of your faults. 1 Peter 4: 8 TLB

BEYOND HUMAN UNDERSTANDING: and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled up with God himself. Ephesians 3: 18-19 TLB

Characteristics of RESPECT...

DEMONSTRATES HONOR AND UNSELFISHNESS: As a result we were showered with gifts, and when the time came to sail, people put on board all sorts of things we would need for the trip. Acts 28: 10 TLB

SHOWS REVERENCE FOR THE LORD: Oh, that they would always have such a heart for me, wanting to obey my commandments. Then all would go well with them in the future, and with their children throughout all generations!

Deuteronomy 5: 29 TLB

LEADS TO A RIGHTEOUS LIFESTYLE: Obey God because you are his children; don’t slip back into your old ways -- doing evil because you knew no better. But be holy now in everything you do, just as the Lord is holy, who invited you to be his child. 1 Peter 1: 14-15 TLB

STRENGTHENS OUR INTIMACY WITH JESUS CHRIST:

Jesus replied, “Because I will only reveal myself to those who love me and obey me. The Father will love them too, and we will come to them and live with them. John 14: 23 TLB

SEXUAL INTIMACY OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE

God speaks directly to this subject through His Word, calling us to focus upon the benefits and blessing of self-control and obedience, rather than the denial of physical pleasure. Consider the biblical perspective.

God’s Word, not our feelings, needs to be our guide.

I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin. Psalm 119: 11 TLB

The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. 2 Timothy 3: 16 TLB

Our natural desires run contrary to the way God would have us live.

Obey God because you are his children; don’t slip back into your old ways -- doing evil because you knew no better. But be holy now in everything you do, just as the Lord is holy, who invited you to by his child. He himself has said, “You must be holy, for I am hole.” 1 Peter 1: 14-16 TLB

Those who let themselves be controlled by their lower natures live only to please themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please God. Romans 8: 5 TLB

For the free gift of eternal salvation is now being offered to everyone; and along with this gift comes the realization that God wants us to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures and to live good, God-fearing lives day after day,

Titus 2: 11-12 TLB

God tells us through His Word that sex outside of marriage and sexual immorality are one in the same: they are both sin.

For God wants you to be holy and pure and to keep clear all sexual sin.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 TLB

Honor your marriage and its vows, and be pure; for God will surely punish all those who are immoral or commit adultery. Hebrews 13: 4 TLB

Let there be no sex sin, impurity or greed among you. Let no one be able to accuse you of any such things. Ephesians 5:3 TLB

But if you give yourself to the Lord, you and Christ are joined together as one person. That is why I say to run from sex sin. No other sin affects the body as this one does. When you sin this sin it is against your own body. Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the Holy Spirit God gave you, and that he lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because he owns it. 1 Corinthians 6: 18-20

God calls us to turn from our sin, enjoy fellowship with Him, and allow His strength to sustain us:

Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3: 19 TLB

He is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trusted in him, and he helped me. Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to him.

Psalm 28: 7 TLB

As believers, God calls us to be examples of His love:

We try to live in such a way that no one will ever be offended or kept back from finding the Lord by the way we act, so that no one can find fault with us and blame it on the Lord. 2 Corinthians 6: 3

For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other. Galatians 5: 13 TLB

RELATIONSHIPS

The relationship that we have with our heavenly Father, and the relationships that we maintain among ourselves, are not to be taken lightly. The Scriptures speak to both of these relationships in regard to both responsibility and hope!

We can trust in our relationship with God...

I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again I will see his goodness to me here in the land of the living. Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, softhearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you. Psalms 27: 13-14 TLB

Great is his faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins afresh each day. My soul claims the Lord as my inheritance; therefore I will hope in him. The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him, to those who seek for him.

Lamentations 3: 23-25 TLB

Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 TLB

I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life I will advise you and watch your progress. Psalms 32: 8 TLB

He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! Trust in the Lord God always, for in the Lord Jehovah is your everlasting strength. Isaiah 26: 3-4 TLB

God calls us to love, support, and encourage one another...

God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into this wicked world to bring to us eternal life through his death. In this act we see what real love is: it is not our love for God but his love for us when he sent his son to satisfy God’s anger against our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us as much as that, we surely ought to love each other too. Mark 5: 1-2

Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, it they need lodging, for the night. Romans 12: 10-13 TLB

And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up. That’s why whenever we can we should always be kind to everyone, and especially to our Christian brothers. Galatians 6: 9-10 TLB

God calls us to forgive others...

Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as god has forgiven you because you belong to Christ. Ephesians 4 : 31-32 TLB

Follow God’s example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to him. Ephesians 5: 1-2 TLB

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too. Mark 11: 25 TLB

Remember that the man I wrote about, who caused all the trouble, has not caused sorrow to me as much as to all the rest of you -- though I certainly have my share in it too. I don’t want to be harder on him than I should. He has been punished enough by your united disapproval. Now it is time to forgive him and comfort him. Otherwise he may become so bitter and discouraged that he won’t be able to recover. Please show him now that you still do love him very much.

2 Corinthians 2: 5-8 TLB

RESPONSIBILITY

God calls us to live a responsible life in order that we might receive the fullness of His blessings as well as to be used in service to others. Learning to become more responsible takes dedication, commitment, and trust in the perfecting work of the Holy Spirit. Becoming a responsible person brings blessings to our lives, as God entrusts us to be effective witnesses of His love.

All have sinned and are not good enough for God’s glory, and all need to be made right with God by His grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free form sin through Jesus Christ. Romans 3: 23-24 NCV

Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. Everything is clear and lies open before Him, and to Him we must explain the way we have lived. Hebrews 4: 13 NCV

A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance. Blessed is the man who reveres God, but the man who doesn’t care is headed for serious trouble. Proverbs 28: 13-14

Don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame! Hosea 4: 4 NLT

So each of us will have to answer to God. For that reason we should stop judging each other. We must make up our minds not to do anything that will make another Christian sin. Romans 14: 12-13 NCV

if anyone thinks he is important when he really is not, he is only fooling himself. Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others. Then he can be proud for what he himself has done. Each person must be responsible for himself. Galatians 6: 3-5 NCV

Remember, too, that knowing what is right to do and then not doing it is sin.

James 4: 17 TLB

You have had enough in the past of the evil things the godless enjoy -- sex, sin, lust, getting drunk, wild parties, drinking bouts, and the worship of idols, and other terrible sins. Of course, your former friends will be very surprised when you don’t eagerly join them anymore in the wicked things they do, and they will laugh at you in contempt and scorn. 1 Peter 4: 3-4 TLB

Your love must be real. Hate what is evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves. Do not be lazy but work hard, serving the Lord with all you heart. Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. Share with God’s people who need help. Bring strangers in need into your homes. Wish good for those who harm you; wish them well and do to curse them. Be happy with those who are happy, and be sad with those who are sad. Live in peace with each other. Do not be proud, but make friends with those who seem unimportant. Don not think how smart you are. If someone does wrong to you, do not pay him back by doing wrong to him. Try to do what everyone thinks is right. Do your best to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12: 9-18 NCV

Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace. Anyone who speaks should speak words from God. Anyone who serves should serve with the strength God gives so that in everything God will be praised through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4: 10-11 NCV

So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don’t be fools; be wiser: make the most of every opportunity you have for going good. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to. Ephesians 5: 15-17 TLB

To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. Matthew 25; 29 NLT

RESTING IN THE LOVE OF GOD

God ministers to broken and aching hearts in a variety of ways. The Holy Spirit touches our lives through:

ASSURANCE...

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called His children -- think of it -- and we really are! But since most people don’t know God, naturally they don’t understand that we are His children. 1 John 3:1 TLB

That is why I am suffering here in jail, and I am certainly not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to safely guard all that I have given him until the day of his return. 2 Timothy 1: 12

COMFORT...

But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel, and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven! Psalms 73: 23-24 TLB

My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. No one shall snatch them away from me. John 10: 27-28 TLB

FAITH...

Yet there is one ray of hope: His compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins afresh each day. Lamentations 3: 21-23

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it, and He will. Psalms 37: 5 TLB

HOPE...

“For I know the plans I have for you,“ says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29: 11 TLB

Now we can look forward to the salvation God has promised us. There is no longer any room for doubt, and we can tell others that salvation is ours, for there is no question that He will do what He says. Hebrews 10: 23

PEACE...

So now, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith in His promises, we can have real peace with Him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5: 1 TLB

“I am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the worlds gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14: 27 TLB

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God you needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7 TLB

TRUST...

As part of the act of faith by which a person establishes a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, trust is placed in the ability of Jesus Christ to restore the broken relationship between God and sinful man. Once Christ has been received as Lord and Savior, the believer begins to develop the confidence and trust in God to fulfill all the promises which Scripture makes to the maturing Christian.

We can trust God because He always tells the truth...

He has given us both his promise and his oath, two things we can completely count on, for it is impossible for God to tell a lie. Now all those who flee to him to save them can take new courage when they hear such assurances for God; now they ca know without doubt that He will give them the salvation he has promised them. Hebrews 6: 18 TLB

God will continue to be true even when every person is false. Romans 3: 4 NCV

We can trust God because He loves us...

We know how much God loves us because we have felt his love and because we believe him when he tells us that he loves us dearly. God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in him. And as we live with Christ, our love grows more perfect and complete; so we will not be ashamed and embarrassed at the day of judgment, but can face him with confidence and joy because he loves us and we love him too. We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do to us and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us. So you see, our love for him comes as a result of his loving us first. 1 John 4: 16-19 TLB

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but abiding love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. Psalms 32: 10 TLB

We can trust God because He is in control...

May the God of peace himself make you entirely pure and devoted to God; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept strong ad blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes back again. God, who called you to become his child, will do all this for you just as he promised. 1 Thessalonians 5: 23-24 TLB

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him They are the people he called, because that was his plan. Romans 8: 28 NCV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “ plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29: 11 NIV

We can trust God because He will help us in times of trouble...

In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown you efforts with success. Don’t be conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead, trust and reverence the Lord, and turn your back on evil; when you do that, then you will be given renewed health and vitality. Proverbs 3: 5-6 TLB

But remember this -- the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different. Many others have face exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation’s power so that you can bear up patiently against it. 1 Corinthians 10: 13 TLB

SEXUAL PURITY

The struggle that we encounter with immoral sexual thoughts and/or practices teams from the very fact that we are sinful by nature. There is victory, however, in the grace of God! Once sexual immorality is confronted and confessed, we can rely on the power of God for strength in the midst of temptation.

God calls us to accept recognize and accept responsibility for our wayward sexual tendencies...

Be decent and true in everything you do so that all can approve your behavior. Don’t spend you time in wild parties and getting drunk or in adultery and lust or fighting or jealousy. But ask the Lord Jesus Christ to help you live as you should, and don’t make plans to enjoy evil. Romans 13: 13-14

Don’t you know that those doing such things have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who live immoral lives, who are idol worshipers, adulterers or homosexuals -- will have no share in his Kingdom. Neither will thieves or greedy people, drunkards, slanderers, or robbers. 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10

Dear brothers, you are only visitors here. Since your real home is in heaven, I beg you to keep away from the evil pleasures of this world; they are not for you, for they fight against your very souls. 1 Peter 2: 11 TLB

honor your marriage and its vows, and be pure; for God will surely punish all those who are immoral or commit adultery. Hebrews 13: 4 TLB

God calls us to confession...

Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires. Don’t toss me aside, banished forever from your presence. Don’t take you Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalms 51 : 10-12

O loving and kind God, have mercy. Have pity upon me and take away the awful stain of my transgressions. Oh, wash me, cleanse me from this guilt. Let me be pure again. Psalms 51: 1-2 TLB

A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance. Proverbs 28: 13 TLB

Admit your faults to one another and pray for each others so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results. James 5: 16 TLB

God cleanses and strengthens us through His grace...

Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord Acts 3: 19TLB

“Come, let’s talk this over!” says the Lord; “no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!” Isaiah 1: 18

All day and al night your hand was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, “ I will confess them to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Psalms 32: 4-5

So overflowing is his kindness toward us that he took away all our sins through the blood of his Son, by whom we are saved; Ephesians 1: 7 TLB

But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ does, then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from every sin. 1 John 1: 7 TLB