Romans 8 - CEVUS06 & HBN

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Love and relationships are important aspects of life, especially for younger generations navigating friendships, family dynamics, dating, and social connections. In a world where love is often portrayed in a confusing, fleeting, or superficial way, the Bible offers clear and timeless wisdom on what love truly means and how to build healthy relationships.

Here are seven Bible verses that will help guide you through the complexities of love and relationships.

1. 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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

In a world that sometimes focuses on instant gratification and fleeting emotions, the Bible reminds us that love is more about giving than receiving. Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice to act with kindness and humility, even when it’s hard.

2. Matthew 22:37-39 — “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Jesus simplifies love and relationships into two commandments: loving God first and then loving others. When your relationships are rooted in love for God, they will naturally reflect a love that values and respects others.

3. Proverbs 17:17 — “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

Friendships and community are crucial, especially for the younger generation navigating through life’s challenges. Genuine friends love in every season, not just when it’s easy or convenient. They are there to support you during difficult times, and they offer strength and encouragement when you need it most.

4. 1 John 4:18 — “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

Many young people experience anxiety, fear, or insecurity in relationships, whether it’s fear of rejection, fear of not being enough, or fear of vulnerability. But this verse reminds us that real love, the kind of love God gives, casts out fear. In healthy relationships, love should create a sense of safety, not fear or insecurity. When you’re in a relationship that reflects God’s love, you will feel valued and cherished, not afraid or anxious.

5. Ephesians 4:2-3 — “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

In a world where arguments and conflict are common, these verses from Ephesians encourage us to practice humility, patience, and unity in our relationships. It’s not always easy, but maintaining peace and working toward understanding are key aspects of healthy connections. Love isn’t about always being right; sometimes it’s about listening, understanding, and choosing peace over conflict.

6. Song of Solomon 8:4 — “Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.”

For young people, particularly in the context of dating and romantic relationships, this verse offers wisdom about timing and patience. Culture often pressures young people to rush into relationships or equates physical attraction with love. However, the Bible encourages us to wait for the right timing, to allow love to grow naturally and genuinely, without rushing into anything prematurely. This ensures that relationships are based on genuine connection and mutual respect.

7. Romans 12:10 — “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Instead of asking, “What can I get out of this relationship?” we are encouraged to honor and respect others, putting their needs ahead of our own. True love is about devotion and commitment, not just convenience or personal gain. When you prioritize honoring others, you build relationships that are strong, meaningful, and lasting.

Conclusion

Navigating love and relationships as a young person can be challenging, especially in a world filled with mixed messages about what love is and how relationships should work. However, these Bible verses provide a clear and countercultural view of love: one that is selfless, patient, kind, and enduring. Love isn’t just about feelings, it’s about action, commitment, and putting others before yourself. When your relationships are rooted in these principles, they will flourish in ways that bring fulfillment, joy, and peace. So, take these truths with you as you navigate love and relationships, always remembering that God’s love is the foundation of all healthy connections.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.-2

Prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a direct line of communication with God. The Bible offers numerous verses that can guide and inspire us in our prayer life. Here are seven Bible verses that can help you to pray:

1. Matthew 6:9-13

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”

The Lord’s Prayer, provides a perfect model for prayer. It includes elements of praise, submission to God’s will, requests for daily needs, forgiveness, and guidance. Using this structure can help us cover all aspects of our spiritual life in prayer.

2. Philippians 4:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

You are encouraged to turn your worries into prayers. This verse emphasizes importance of approaching God with your needs and anxieties, coupled with a heart of gratitude. This verse reminds you that prayer is a means to relieve anxiety and to trust in God’s provision.

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Praying continually doesn’t mean being on our knees all day but maintaining a constant awareness of God’s presence and turning to Him throughout our day. It encourages an attitude of gratitude and joy in all circumstances.

4. James 5:16

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

James 5:16 emphasizes the power of communal prayer and confession. It encourages us to support each other through prayer and to recognize the importance of a righteous person’s prayer. You are encouraged to seek out prayer partners and to be diligent in your intercessions for others.

5. Romans 8:26

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

You can find comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit assists you in your prayers, especially when you are uncertain about what to pray for. The Spirit’s intercession ensures that your prayers align with God’s will, providing a deeper connection in your communication with God.

6. Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Jesus assures you that your earnest seeking and asking will not go unanswered. This promise can bolster your confidence in approaching God with your needs and desires, knowing that He listens and responds.

7. 1 John 5:14-15

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

God is attentive to your prayers. It highlights the importance of aligning your requests with His will, giving you confidence that your prayers are heard and will be answered in accordance with His divine plan.

Conclusion

Prayer is a powerful and essential practice in the Christian life. These seven Bible verses offer guidance, encouragement, and assurance in our prayer journey. By meditating on and incorporating these scriptures into your prayer life, you can deepen your relationship with God, approach Him with confidence, and experience the transformative power of prayer.

Living by the Power of God's Spirit

1 If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won't be punished. 2 The Holy Spirit will give you life that comes from Christ Jesus and will set you free from sin and death. 3 The Law of Moses cannot do this, because our selfish desires make the Law weak. But God set you free when he sent his own Son to be like us sinners and to be a sacrifice for our sin. God used Christ's body to condemn sin. 4 He did this, so that we would do what the Law commands by obeying the Spirit instead of our own desires.

5 People who are ruled by their desires think only of themselves. Everyone who is ruled by the Holy Spirit thinks about spiritual things. 6 If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace. 7 Our desires fight against God, because they do not and cannot obey God's laws. 8 If we follow our desires, we cannot please God.

9 You are no longer ruled by your desires, but by God's Spirit, who lives in you. People who don't have the Spirit of Christ in them don't belong to him. 10 But Christ lives in you. So you are alive because God has accepted you, even though your bodies must die because of your sins. 11 Yet God raised Jesus to life! God's Spirit now lives in you, and he will raise you to life by his Spirit.

12 My dear friends, we must not live to satisfy our desires. 13 If you do, you will die. But you will live, if by the help of God's Spirit you say “No” to your desires. 14 Only those people who are led by God's Spirit are his children. 15 God's Spirit doesn't make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father. 16 God's Spirit makes us sure that we are his children. 17 His Spirit lets us know that together with Christ we will be given what God has promised. We will also share in the glory of Christ, because we have suffered with him.

A Wonderful Future for God's People

18 I am sure what we are suffering now cannot compare with the glory that will be shown to us. 19 In fact, all creation is eagerly waiting for God to show who his children are. 20 Meanwhile, creation is confused, but not because it wants to be confused. God made it this way in the hope 21 that creation would be set free from decay and would share in the glorious freedom of his children. 22 We know that all creation is still groaning and is in pain, like a woman about to give birth.

23 The Spirit makes us sure about what we will be in the future. But now we groan silently, while we wait for God to show that we are his children. This means that our bodies will also be set free. 24 And this hope is what saves us. But if we already have what we hope for, there is no need to keep on hoping. 25 However, we hope for something we have not yet seen, and we patiently wait for it.

7 Bible verses to help you pray

26 In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. 27 All of our thoughts are known to God. He can understand what is in the mind of the Spirit, as the Spirit prays for God's people. 28 We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose, 29 and he has always known who his chosen ones would be. He had decided to let them become like his own Son, so his Son would be the first of many children. 30 God then accepted the people he had already decided to choose, and he has shared his glory with them.

God's Love

31 What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? 32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won't he freely give us everything else? 33 If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them? 34 Or can anyone condemn them? No indeed! Christ died and was raised to life, and now he is at God's right side, speaking to him for us. 35 Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death? 36 It is exactly as the Scriptures say,

“For you we face death

all day long.

We are like sheep

on their way

to be butchered.”

37 In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. 38 I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, 39 and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Midhe gi Dhigirim

1 A minoŋ ẖukm gwati gwaje degen lina lo di al Masiiẖ Yasuuⓐ, lina lati lathelila gi dhuŋun dha aŋinu no, abi gi dhuŋun dha Dhigirim. 2 Ŋinena naamuus gwa Dhigirim dhina dhimidho di al Masiiẖ Yasuuⓐ gwiminyi guda galo gi naamuus gwa ŋidi ŋina ŋike a ai. 3 Ŋinena gwina gwati gwuthi ŋoma di naamuus apai no, ŋinena muluŋw nono aŋinu yai, a Kalo gina gukejo Ŋare ŋuŋun gwiro ŋinena s̱uura gwa aŋinu ina yuthi ŋida ŋina ŋike, yan ŋidi ŋina ŋike, ŋwakimiye ŋida ŋina ŋike kaŋinu. 4 Di dhuŋun dhina dhiŋir dha naamuus meajini dega, lina lati lathelila gi dhuŋun dha aŋinu no, abi gi dhuŋun dha Dhigirim. 5 Ŋinena lina lo gi dhuŋun dha aŋinu lathigeta afkaar gwegen gi ŋidi ŋa aŋinu; abi lina lo gi dhuŋun dha Dhigirim lathigeta afkaar gwegen gi ŋidi ŋa Dhigirim. 6 Ŋinena ireye je galo gwa aŋinu gwiro ai; abi ireye je galo gwa Dhigirim gwiro midhe a audhaijiye galo. 7 Ŋinena fikr gwa aŋinu gwikiilo Kalo gai; ŋinena athuŋw uthejo naamuus gwa Kalo kuni no, a minoŋ ko gwati gwuthi ŋoma no. 8 A minoŋ lina lo gi aŋinu lati luthi ŋoma liŋiriye Kaloŋa dhugore no. 9 Abi nyaŋa lati lo gi aŋinu no, abi gi Dhigirim, ada Dhigirim dha Kalo dhimaje dagalo ganu. Abi ada kwiji gweta gwati gwimuthi Dhigirima dha al Masiiẖ, ŋeda gwati gwiro gwuŋun no. 10 A ada al Masiiẖ gwimaje dagalo ganu, a aŋinu imai gi dhuŋun dha ŋidi ŋina ŋike; abi dhigirim dhimidho gi dhuŋun dha dhuŋun dhina dhiŋir. 11 Abi ada Dhigirim dha ŋeda gwina gwidireyo Yasuuⓐuŋw dai dhimaje dagalo ganu, a ŋeda gwina gwidireyo al Masiiẖuŋw dai gwaji gwamidhiye aŋina yalo ina yaio ko Dhigirim dhai dhuŋun dhina dhathije dagalo ganu. 12 A minoŋ, limega lai, alŋa luthi gamja, gati giro ga aŋinu, dilmidhe gi dhuŋun dha aŋinu no, 13 abi ada nyaŋa limamidhe gi dhuŋun dha aŋinu, nyaŋa laji lai; abi ada nyaŋa limarinya ŋiro ŋa aŋinu Dhigirim dhai, nyaŋa laji lai; abi ada nyaŋa limarinya ŋiro ŋa aŋinu Dhigirim dhai, nyaŋa laji lamidhe.

Keleŋa ga Kalo

14 Ŋinena peth lina ludhunu Dhigirim dhai dha Kalo, ŋediŋa liro keleŋa ga Kalo. 15 Ŋinena athanya apo dhigirima dha gukini manaŋ gi ŋidheny no; abi nyaŋa limapai Dhigirima danyaro keleŋa guŋun, a gi dhuŋun ibidha anure gwula, anarnu, Babo gwai, a Babo. 16 A Dhigirim ko dhiro shaahid gwan dhigirim dega, darnu alŋa liro keleŋa ga Kalo. 17 A ada alŋa limaro keleŋa, a minoŋ alŋa luthi ŋelenya ko Kalo ŋalai, dilapai ŋelenya al Masiiẖ ŋalai; ada alŋa limaicaijiye ŋeda ŋalai gi ŋwuredeny ŋwuŋun, dilmajidhini ko ŋeda ŋalai.

Majdh gwina gwaji gwaje

18 Ŋinena nyi gwadhura darnu ŋwuredeny ŋwa ŋwamun ibiŋwa ŋwati ŋwaudhi dilubiye gi majdh gwina gwaji gwaŋini dega ganu no. 19 Ŋinena dhunijo gwina gwuthi uminyi gwa ŋidi ŋina ŋigitinu gwathidhunijo aŋinuŋw gwa keleŋa ga Kalo. 20 Ŋinena ŋidi ŋina ŋigitinu ŋimagitini ŋwora ganu ŋwa ŋidi ŋina ŋiro tur, ŋati gi dhuŋun dhina dhibupilo no, ŋwubiro gi dhuŋun dha ŋeda gwina gwimalgitijo ŋwora ganu ŋwegen dhunijo gwai. 21 Ŋinena ŋidi ŋina ŋigitinu ko ŋaji ŋagududhini galo gi gukini gwa ŋidi ŋina ŋidigiro gi ẖurriiya gwina gwuthi majdh gwa keleŋa ga Kalo. 22 Alŋa liliŋidhi darnu ŋidi peth ŋina ŋigitinu ŋathare alumi ŋiya ŋwuredeny ŋwai di a ŋinena. 23 A ŋati ŋiro minoŋ degen dogo no, abi alŋa ko lina luthi fruuta gwina gwiro kwerkwereny gwa Dhigirim, a alŋa ko lathare gi lidom lega dildhunijo dilro keleŋa ga Kalo, gwina gwiro bibre gwa aŋinu yega. 24 Ŋinena dhunijo gwai gwega alŋa limagilaŋini; abi dhunijo gwina gwaŋinu gwati gwiro dhunijo no; ŋinena akwai kwiji gweda gwuthi ŋoma duŋw dhunijo ŋida ŋina ŋathuŋwul aŋa ŋinena? 25 Abi ada alŋa limadhunijo ŋida ŋina ŋati ŋimalaŋa no, a minoŋ alŋa ladhunijo ŋida ibiŋa mutha gwai dugore. 26 A minoŋ Dhigirim ko dhathigathaje muluŋw nono gwega uwa; ŋinena athana liŋidhi dabiŋaijo Kaloŋa gwiro ŋinena gwina gwaudhi dilabiŋaijo Kaloŋa no; abi Dhigirim dhiro dhina dhathabiŋadhaijo Kaloŋa dega gwai are gwai gwina gwati gwuthi ŋoma duŋwabiŋini no. 27 A gwina gwathi bupini galo gi dugor ganu gwiliŋidhi aŋ gwiro fikr gwa Dhigirim, ŋinena athuŋw abiŋadhaijo Kaloŋa gwan liji lina liŋir didirel gi dhuŋun dhina dhibupo Kalo. 28 A alŋa liliŋidhi darnu ŋidi peth ŋathapaijiye ŋiro ŋina ŋiŋir degen lina luminyu Kaloŋa, a degen lina lurninu gi dhuŋun dhina dhibupuŋw. 29 Ŋinena lina luminyuŋwulo kwereny, ŋwulgegata dilro ŋinena s̱uura gwa Ŋari ŋuŋun, duŋwuro lira gi limega ganu loinyadho. 30 A lina limuŋwulgeta kwerkwereny, ŋwulurniye ko; a lina limuŋwul urniye, ŋwuliŋiriye ko; a lina limuŋwuliŋiriye, ŋwulmajidhe ko.

Uminyi gwa Kalo

31 A minoŋ alŋa larakwai gi dhuŋun ibidha? Ada Kalo gimalije, ei gwuthi ŋoma duŋwuro dhuwan dhega? 32 Gwina gwati gwidoinyo dijidhedha Ŋare ŋuŋun no, ŋwubuminyi dijidhedha Ŋare ŋuŋun ŋan alŋa peth, akwai gwati gwijidhedha ŋida peth tur ŋeda ŋalai no. 33 Ei gwuthi ŋoma dapai ẖukm gweda gi liji lina luthinilo Kalo ganu? Kalo giro gina gathiŋiriye. 34 Ei gwiro gwina gwathakimiye? Al Masiiẖ gwiro gwina gwaio, abi gwoinyadhanu gwimadire ko, gwina gwo ko gi dhoi dhina dhiro dhiŋir dha Kalo, gwina gwathabiŋadhaijo Kaloŋa gwan alŋa ko. 35 Ei gwuthi ŋoma dijiguda ganu gi uminyi gwa al Masiiẖ? Dhuŋun dhina dhibur, i ŋwuredeny, i irini, i jamu, i dije galo ŋwumirinya, i dije kalo gina gike, i kalala? 36 Gwiro ŋinena ulinuŋwna, Anaŋa gwan ŋa lathirinyini saaⓐa peth ja aŋin; alŋa limadhuredhini liro ŋinena jaŋal jadhi rinyini. 37 Abi gi ŋidi ibiŋa peth alŋa luthi ŋoma dibiŋiye dhinyuŋw gwega ŋeda gwai gwina gwuminyije. 38 A ŋinena nyi gwuminyu darnu ai, i midhe, i malaayka, i liji lina luthi ŋelenya, i ŋoma, i ŋidi ŋina ŋo ŋinena, i ŋina ŋaji ŋila gidon, 39 i olalaŋ, i ŋidi ŋina ŋolaŋ ganu, i ŋidi ŋiter ŋina ŋigitinu ŋati ŋuthi ŋoma dijiguda ganu di uminyi gwa Kalo, gwina gwo di al Masiiẖ Yasuuⓐ gwina gwiro Kweleny gwega no.