Life Verses
Life verses are those scriptures that have special meaning in a particular Christian’s life. Often, these verses are tied to extreme life events, profound spiritual awakenings, or memories of important Christian mentors who touched our lives. Yet, it is surprising how many Christians I find don’t have life verses. What won’t surprise you is that I have four!
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
The scripture above was the first! It is connected to a corn field passed during a lunchtime walk in West Chester, PA on September 12, 2001; the day after… There was no traffic, airliners approaching Philly airport, or human sounds, only crickets, birds, and the breeze moving among the corn stalks. It was the voice of the Creator at a time when the world seemed to stand still.
“In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15
Aggressive and judgmental witnesses, neither gentle nor respectful, almost derailed my Christian journey. This passage speaks to Christian behavior and testimony under persecution and always. There may be truth in that adage that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Do you have acidity or sweatness in your heart?
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5
In my book, there are three commandments to rule them all, three commandments to find them, three commandments to bring them all, and in the light, He binds them! These three are 1) love God, 2) love neighbor, and 3) love… (we’ll come back to number 3). This verse is the first and the hallmark of the Jewish religion. This verse is called the “Shema” which literally means “hear” or “listen.” I have recently adopted the practice of beginning worship with the Shema every Sunday, swapping out “Isreal” with “people.” Hear O people: the Lord our God…
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34
The fourth comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. He gave the church this commandment on how to live with one another in a unified way that will sway people’s hearts toward a loving God. If they see us “one-anothering,” they will be inclined to join us in worshiping the Author of One-Anothering.
I encourage you to listen for that special Life Verse. Let the Lord speak through the scriptures, and may the verse chosen for you guide your life!
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