Today we will talk about Bible verses about striving. Many Christians may wonder what it truly means to strive in our faith. Striving is about putting in the effort to grow closer to God, to live out His Word, and to uplift those around us. It’s a journey filled with perseverance and determination, one that we all share as we seek to fulfill our purpose in Christ. So, as we meditate on these scriptures, let’s open our hearts and embrace the encouragement and wisdom God has for us. We are not alone in this journey; together, we are called to strive towards our heavenly goals.
Bible Verses About Striving
Striving for God’s Kingdom
In our pursuit of living out the gospel, we often talk about striving for God’s Kingdom. This means putting God’s will above our own and making the effort to embody His love and teachings in our daily lives. Striving for God’s Kingdom challenges us to seek out His righteousness, extending love to those around us as we aim to be shining examples of Christ. We find strength in His promises and grow in faith as we work towards building a community that reflects His grace.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
Luke 13:24
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” – Luke 13:24
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Matthew 11:12
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.” – Matthew 11:12
Striving in Prayer
Striving in prayer is about diligently seeking God’s presence and guidance. It reminds us that prayer is not just a routine but a vital part of our relationship with God. Just as athletes train their bodies, we are called to cultivate our spiritual lives through prayer. This striving builds our faith and strengthens our connection with the Lord, allowing us to draw on His wisdom and love in our everyday experiences. It encourages us to be persistent, knowing that God hears our hearts and answers in His perfect timing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
James 5:16
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” – Ephesians 6:18
Striving for Personal Growth
Striving for personal growth is about embracing change and challenges as we walk in faith. Each day is an opportunity to become a better version of ourselves, to learn from our experiences and to rely on God’s strength. As we aim to grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, we become equipped to serve others and reflect Christ’s love more fully. It’s an exciting journey filled with lessons and growth, where we constantly seek to improve our character and actions in the light of God’s Word.
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18
Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” – Proverbs 1:5
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Striving for Community
Striving for community is important in our Christian walk because we are not meant to journey alone. As believers, we are called to support one another, share our struggles, and celebrate our victories together. This fellowship nurtures our faith and helps us grow stronger in our pursuit of God. Embracing community allows us to serve, learn, and challenge each other in love, reminding us that we each have a role to play in reflecting the body of Christ. Together, we can strive to uplift and encourage each other on our paths of faith.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.” – 1 John 1:7
Ephesians 4:16
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” – Ephesians 4:16
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Striving for Peace
Striving for peace involves seeking harmony in our hearts and in our relationships with others. In a world full of chaos, God calls us to be peacemakers, embodying His love and grace. Striving for peace is more than the absence of conflict; it’s actively pursuing reconciliation and understanding among ourselves and with others. As we surrender our worries to God and work towards being peaceful individuals, we find joy and rest in His promises, ultimately enhancing our communities and nurturing our spirits.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” – Colossians 3:15
Striving for Joy
Striving for joy can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially in difficult times. However, we learn from the Bible that joy is not merely about our circumstances but rather a persistent state of being rooted in our relationship with God. When we strive for joy, we choose to trust in God, regardless of what’s happening around us. It’s about finding joy in the little things and remaining grateful for our blessings. As we make an effort to focus on the positive and nurture joy within our hearts, we become beacons of hope for others.
Nehemiah 8:10
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:11
John 15:11
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” – Romans 15:13
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
Striving for Faithfulness
Striving for faithfulness reminds us of God’s unchanging nature and His call for us to reflect that in our lives. It’s about being dedicated to God and committed to keeping our promises to Him and to others. As we strive for faithfulness, we can find assurance and strength in knowing that God will equip us for the tasks ahead. This pursuit encourages us to live authentically, aligning our actions with God’s Word. Faithfulness nurtures trust and deepens relationships, creating a solid foundation in our spiritual journey.
1 Corinthians 4:2
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2
Proverbs 28:20
“A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” – Proverbs 28:20
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Revelation 2:10
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” – Revelation 2:10
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
Striving to Overcome Challenges
Striving to overcome challenges is an integral part of our faith journey. Life presents us with various obstacles, both big and small, that test our strength and resilience. However, we are not called to face these hardships alone. God equips us with the courage and wisdom needed to overcome the trials we encounter. Striving through these challenges ultimately builds our character and brings us closer to God. It encourages us to keep our eyes on Him, reminding us that every problem is an opportunity for growth and deeper faith.
James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-4
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Striving to Live in Love
Striving to live in love is a core teaching of Jesus and a testament to our faith. Love is meant to be the guiding force behind our actions and interactions. By striving to embody love, we reflect God’s nature and fulfill His greatest commandments: to love Him and our neighbors. This pursuit fosters compassion, understanding, and kindness in our lives, creating a ripple effect that can positively impact everyone we encounter. Let us strive to speak, think, and act in love, making the world a better place for us all.
1 John 4:8
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:8
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
Ephesians 5:2
“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these Bible verses about striving, we see the call to action in our faith journey. Each verse emphasizes the importance of perseverance, community, love, and growth in our personal and spiritual lives. We are reminded that we are not alone, as God walks with us every step of the way, providing wisdom and strength. By striving together, we can encourage one another, lift each other up, and become brighter lights in the world around us. Let’s hold onto these truths and strive to embody them in our daily lives, knowing that our efforts are an offering unto the Lord.
In everything we do, we should strive for God’s Kingdom, lean into prayer, and pursue love and joy in our hearts and relationships. Remember to support each other in the pursuit of righteousness and encourage one another in overcoming challenges. As a community of believers, we strengthen each other and exemplify God’s grace. Together, let’s strive to follow His call and reflect His love in all that we do.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
