I think we all could use a little help when it comes to spending some quiet time every day, just relaxing and getting away from the stress that comes in all forms during our next twenty-four hour blocks that we've just woken up to.
These are some Bible verses that help me to keep the right things in perspective and allow me to treat my fellow man with more respect and decency than I otherwise would. They really influence me to have a closer relationship with Jesus and I'm very glad they are in the Bible for us to read.
First:
"Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don’t impose it on others. You’re fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you’re not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you’re out of line. If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe, then it’s wrong" - Romans 14:22-23
Keeping the relationship, with God, personal is important because it's not about putting on a show. If people notice you act different and ask about why, that's your time to witness for Jesus' power to change you and give Him the glory. It's not about imposing, it's about knowing what you believe personally and showing other people, actions speak louder than words.
Second:
"Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. 'I’ll do the judging,' says God. 'I’ll take care of it.' " - Romans 12:17-19
I'm a firm believer that if everyone put more effort into getting along, instead of being right, we'd have a happier life. We can never please everyone and there are some instances we may think getting revenge is what's best for us to do, however, I like the idea of Jesus taking care of it for us. This takes the weight off our shoulders and that's something I know I could use.
Third:
"Whoever mocks poor people insults their Creator; gloating over misfortune is a punishable crime". - Proverbs 17:5
If you're well to off, awesome. That means your life has been successful as far as wealth goes. What I find often happens is that people live for the money and then have lost their actual love for living life and they get complacent. Don't mock someone who appears to be poorer than you, especially because they just might be more joyful in their humble circumstances than you are in your extravagant ones.
Fourth:
"People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. 'Let these children alone. Don’t get between them and me. These children are the kingdom’s pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.' " - Luke 18:15-17
KISS is a wonderful acronym for the saying "Keep It Simple Stupid". Children can accept things when they're given to them, they are okay with relying on those in control. Teenagers/Adults tend to want the control and get their own things, do things how they want. People overthink God's kingdom and turn it into a popularity contest, when it's actually something you accept, then let Jesus perfect. Pretty simple right?
Fifth:
"The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped". - Proverbs 11:25
If we go through life only helping ourselves, we get no assistance from others. Instead, if we were to help one person, then they'll hopefully be able to help us out, and that's two people working towards something. Help two more people and you have three people who can give you some help back. Plus when you give, there is this feeling of joy and fulfillment that CANNOT be beaten, it doesn't even have to be a big elaborate scheme, just help someone out.
I'll just leave this right here!
