Matthew 12 - CEVUS06 & MB

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.

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

The Bible is rich with wisdom regarding the power of our words. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that the tongue—though small—holds the capacity to uplift, destroy, heal, or harm. The words we speak can shape destinies, mend relationships, or cause deep wounds. Let’s explore seven Bible verses that illuminate the profound power of the tongue.

1. Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

The words we choose to speak can bring encouragement, love, and healing, or they can cause hurt, division, and destruction. The “fruits” we reap from our words reflect their power—whether for good or ill.

2. James 3:5-6 – “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.”

Although it is a small part of the body, the tongue can cause significant harm, much like a small spark can ignite an entire forest fire. James warns believers of the dangers of careless speech, reminding us that words can spread like wildfire, causing damage that can be difficult to undo.

3. Proverbs 12:18 – “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Words spoken in haste or anger can cut deeply, inflicting pain and damage similar to physical wounds. Conversely, wise and thoughtful words can bring comfort, peace, and restoration, highlighting the importance of controlling our speech and choosing our words carefully.

4. Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

We are urged to avoid corrupting or harmful talk and instead speak in ways that edify and encourage others. Words have the power to build up or tear down, and we are encouraged to use our speech to impart grace and support to those around us.

5. Proverbs 15:4 – “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

A gentle tongue, like a tree of life, offers nourishment, strength, and growth. In contrast, perverse or harsh speech can crush a person’s spirit, leading to discouragement and despair. The verse encourages us to speak with kindness and gentleness, fostering life and growth in others.

6. Matthew 12:36-37 – “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Jesus’ words in Matthew are a sobering reminder of the accountability we have for our speech. Every word we speak—careless or otherwise—will be subject to judgment. Our words reflect our hearts, and they play a role in our justification or condemnation. This verse underscores the importance of being mindful of our speech, knowing that it has eternal consequences.

7. Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Words that are kind, loving, and considerate are likened to honeycomb—sweet and nourishing, bringing joy and health to both the speaker and the listener. The verse encourages us to speak in ways that bring sweetness and well-being to others, reflecting the love and grace of God through our words.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that the tongue, though small, wields immense power. It can bring life or death, healing or harm, joy or sorrow. As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words wisely, to speak life, and to reflect God’s love through our speech. By guarding our tongues and choosing our words carefully, we can positively influence those around us and honor God with our speech.

A Question about the Sabbath

(Mark 2.23-28Luke 6.1-5)

7 Bible Verses about The Power of the Tongue

The Bible consistently teaches that the tongue, though small, wields immense power. It can bring life or death, healing or harm, joy or sorrow. As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words wisely, to speak life, and to reflect God's love through our speech. By guarding our tongues and choosing our words carefully, we can positively influence those around us and honor God with our speech.

One Sabbath, Jesus and his disciples were walking through some wheat fields. His disciples were hungry and began picking and eating grains of wheat. 2 Some Pharisees noticed this and said to Jesus, “Why are your disciples picking grain on the Sabbath? They are not supposed to do this!”

3 Jesus answered:

You surely must have read what David did when he and his followers were hungry. 4 He went into the house of God, and then they ate the sacred loaves of bread that only priests are supposed to eat. 5 Haven't you read in the Law of Moses that the priests are allowed to work in the temple on the Sabbath? But no one says they are guilty of breaking the law of the Sabbath. 6 I tell you there is something here greater than the temple. 7 Don't you know what the Scriptures mean when they say, “Instead of offering sacrifices to me, I want you to be merciful to others?” If you knew what this means, you would not condemn these innocent disciples of mine. 8 So the Son of Man is Lord over the Sabbath.

A Man with a Paralyzed Hand

(Mark 3.1-6Luke 6.6-11)

9 Jesus left and went into one of their synagogues, 10 where there was a man whose hand was paralyzed. Some Pharisees wanted to accuse Jesus of doing something wrong, so they asked him, “Is it right to heal someone on the Sabbath?”

11 Jesus answered, “If one of your sheep fell into a ditch on the Sabbath, wouldn't you lift it out? 12 People are worth much more than sheep, and so it is right to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then Jesus told the man, “Hold out your hand.” The man did, and it became as healthy as the other one.

14 The Pharisees left and started making plans to kill Jesus.

God's Chosen Servant

15 When Jesus found out what was happening, he left there and large crowds followed him. He healed all of their sick, 16 but warned them not to tell anyone about him. 17 So God's promise came true, just as Isaiah the prophet had said,

18 “Here is my chosen servant!

I love him,

and he pleases me.

I will give him my Spirit,

and he will bring justice

to the nations.

19 He won't shout or yell

or call out in the streets.

20 He won't break off a bent reed

or put out a dying flame,

but he will make sure

that justice is done.

21 All nations will place

their hope in him.”

Jesus and the Ruler of the Demons

(Mark 3.20-30Luke 11.14-23Luke 12.10)

22 Some people brought to Jesus a man who was blind and could not talk because he had a demon in him. Jesus healed the man, and then he was able to talk and see. 23 The crowds were so amazed they asked, “Could Jesus be the Son of David?”

24 When the Pharisees heard this, they said, “He forces out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons!”

25 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he said to them:

Any kingdom where people fight each other will end up ruined. And a town or family that fights will soon destroy itself. 26 So if Satan fights against himself, how can his kingdom last? 27 If I use the power of Beelzebul to force out demons, whose power do your own followers use to force them out? Your followers are the ones who will judge you. 28 But when I force out demons by the power of God's Spirit, it proves that God's kingdom has already come to you. 29 How can anyone break into a strong man's house and steal his things, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can take everything.

30 If you are not on my side, you are against me. If you don't gather in the harvest with me, you scatter it. 31-32 I tell you any sinful thing you do or say can be forgiven. Even if you speak against the Son of Man, you can be forgiven. But if you speak against the Holy Spirit, you can never be forgiven, either in this life or in the life to come.

A Tree and Its Fruit

(Luke 6.43-45)

7 Bible verses about end times

We will all stand before Jesus and be judged. We are all guilty of sin, from which we must repent and ask for forgiveness. It is by God’s grace we are forgiven.

33 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. You can tell what a tree is like by the fruit it produces. 34 You are a bunch of evil snakes, so how can you say anything good? Your words show what is in your hearts. 35 Good people bring good things out of their hearts, but evil people bring evil things out of their hearts. 36 I promise you on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. 37 On that day they will be told they are either innocent or guilty because of the things they have said.

A Sign from Heaven

(Mark 8.11Mark 12Luke 11.29-32)

38 Some Pharisees and teachers of the Law of Moses said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a sign from heaven.”

39 But Jesus replied:

You want a sign because you are evil and won't believe! But the only sign you will get is the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 He was in the stomach of a big fish for three days and nights, just as the Son of Man will be deep in the earth for three days and nights. 41 On the day of judgment the people of Nineveh will stand there with you and condemn you. They turned to God when Jonah preached, and yet here is something far greater than Jonah. 42 The Queen of the South will also stand there with you and condemn you. She traveled a long way to hear Solomon's wisdom, and yet here is something much greater than Solomon.

Return of an Evil Spirit

(Luke 11.24-26)

43 When an evil spirit leaves a person, it travels through the desert, looking for a place to rest. But when the demon doesn't find a place, 44 it says, “I will go back to the home I left.” When it gets there and finds the place empty, clean, and neat, 45 it goes off and finds seven other evil spirits even worse than itself. They all come and make their home there, and the person ends up in worse shape than before. That's how it will be with you evil people of today.

Jesus' Mother and Brothers

(Mark 3.31-35Luke 8.19-21)

46 While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and brothers came and stood outside because they wanted to talk with him. 47 Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to talk with you.”

48 Jesus answered, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” 49 Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “These are my mother and my brothers! 50 Anyone who obeys my Father in heaven is my brother or sister or mother.”

Taeji ta Sabata rota

(Marako 2:23-28Luka 6:1-5)

1 Ono vosi Yesu kate ugu aba ämvu inya ro yasi Sabata si oko; taeri'bai ndaro a'doyite täbiri ro, ago ànya etoyi drî inya ro okyena te ago kecina onyate. 2 Ondro Parusii kondreyi tase ono te oko, ànya atayite Yesu ri ekye: “Mindre, taeri'bai miro kayi tase Ota leko oyene Sabata si ono oyena!”

3 Yesu zatadrite ekye: “Inye'do mìzi tase Dawidi koyebe tu ana si 'dooko nda ndi lidri ndaro be orivoya täbiri ro ana tana ṛoko ya? 4 Nda cite zo Lu roya, ago nda ndi lidri ndaro yibe nyàyi ambata se ozobe Lu ri ana te, se Ota voro ko ànyari onyane; se toto ni kohanii ri ambata ana onyane. 5 Kode mìzi ṛoko ni Ota Musa roya anjioko Sabata cini si kohanii se Yekalu ya iyi enjiyi ota Sabata rote, caoko ati kote taenji ro ànya lomvo ya? 6 Mata ämiri ono ŋga aza orivoya noŋwa para ndrani Yekalu ri. 7 Taegyi ka ata ekye: ‘Male yauni ayani, ko tori olo.’ Aba ondro ka'do mìni ta ono takacina gwo endaro, aba ämiri lidri se taenjiako ono kozine i'do, 8 tana Ŋgwa Lidri ro ni Opi Sabata ro.”

Yesu Ede Mano se Drí na Ciṛiciṛiro ana te

(Marako 3:1-6Luka 6:6-11)

9 Yesu e'be vo ana te ago oyite zotaeriro ya. 10 Mano aza drí ciṛiciṛi robe orivoya zotaeriro ya lau. Lidri azaka orivoya lau se leyite Yesu kicune ta takozi oyero ta, ago ànya ejiyi nda te ekye: “Inye'do 'di edene Sabata si ṛo ko taenji yi Ota amaro lomvo ya?”

11 Yesu zatadrite ekye: “Ondro ka'do alo aza amiro orivoya toto timele alodi be ago ondro aba ko'de gwo 'bu ociekye aza ya Sabata si, inye'do nda uruna anya ko ago ewena anya ko tesi ya? 12 Lidri orivoya para ndrani timele ri! Ka'do inye Ota amaro le ämäri azi opane Sabata si.” 13 'Dooko nda atate mano se drí ciṛiciṛi robe ana ri ekye: “Nyozo drí miro a'dwi.” Ndi nda ozo drí te a'dwi, ago go a'dote kado, kpa oso äzirina ronye. 14 'Dooko Parusii foyite ago äyiyitate Yesu ufune.

Ruindu'ba Onjionji Lu ro

15 Ondro Yesu keri tase äyibe nda lomvo ana tana te oko, nda oyite lozo ni vo ana yasi; ago lowa du soyite nda vo. Nda ede 'dise cini adravoro te 16 ago ozotate ànyari ko ta ndaro itine azii ri. 17 Nda yete inye tana ko'ba tase Lu katabe nebi Yesaya si ana ka'do robe ŋgye se ekye:

18 “Ruindu'ba maro ni no se manjibe ono,

se mulube, ago ta ndaro si ma ni.

Mezina Tori maro 'da nda dri,

ago nda ayona vure maro tana 'da tu'dei ri.

19 Nda unina ko kala diṛine ago totrene,

ago unina ko ugu totrene ata be litiŋwa drisi.

20 Nda unina ko äjäyi se edirute ogone,

kode lamba se kate ujwe ezwene.

Nda uguna taoye ndi 'duro inye madale nda o'bana taŋgye lutu a'done ŋgaopeṛe be,

21 ago lidri cini o'banayi mi ànyaro 'da nda dri.”

Yesu ago Belezebula

(Marako 3:20-30Luka 11:14-23)

22 'Dooko lidri azaka eziyi mano aza te Yesu re se orivoya miako ago ni ata ko tana nda orivoya demona be. Yesu ede mano ana te, ago nda a'dote mbara be ta atane ago ndrevote. 23 Lowa cini larote tase Yesu koyebe ana ta. Ànya ejiyitate ekye: “Inye'do ono a'dona ndi ni Ŋgwa Dawidi ro owo ya?”

24 Ondro Parusii keriyi ta ono te oko, ànya zayitadrite ekye: “Nda ka demonai lofo toto tana dri'ba ànyaro Belezebula kani mbara ozo ndäri oyezana inye.”

25 Yesu ni tase ànya kayibe ugu tavona usuna ana te, ta'dota nda atate ànyari ekye: “'Bädri aza se kabe andivo iro lonyi gboko ro se kabe kyila oye azi be 'do unina ko orine madaro. Ago 'ba'desii kode katidri aza se lonyi andivo iro te gboko ro se kabe kyila oye azi be 'do pereruna 'da. 26 Kpa inye ondro ka'do gboko alo aza ka ugu kyila oye azi be miri 'bädri'ba Satani ro roya, anjioko lonyiru ṛote nja gboko ro ago pereruna 'da ndriŋwa! 27 Nyà ata mìkye ma demonai lofo tesi tana Belezebula kani mbara ozo märi oyezana inye. Ka'do inye a'di kani mbara ozo oso'bai ami vo ri ànya lofoza tesi ya? Tase oso'bai ami vo kayibe oyena ka'date anjioko ami orivoya koziro! 28 Ondro ka'do ma demonai lofo tesi Tori Lu rosi, ono ka'da ndi anjioko Miri 'Bädri'ba Lu ro ro ikyite nja ämidri.

29 “Mano aza unina ko vo oŋgone zo mano mbäräkä aza roya lakaza ndaro urune e'be gialo ndäri mano se mbäräkä 'do embene käti, 'dooko nda o'dena gwo ŋga zo ndaro ro topane.

30 “'Diaza se ko mabe ṛo orivoya endaro kyilaro mabe, 'diaza se pa ma ko kala ŋga ro koto si ṛo endaro ka ugu perena. 31 Tana ta ono ta mata ämiri, änina ndi lidri e'bene ta takozi aza rota ago tase aza undiro ànya kabe atana rota, oko nda se kabe tase undiro atana Tori Alokado lomvo änina ko ànya e'bene tana ro. 32 'Diaza se kabe ta ata Ŋgwa Lidri ro lomvo änina ndi e'bene; oko nda se kabe ta ata Tori Alokado lomvo änina ko e'bene alona; ca yauono kode äduako.

Ce ndi Doŋgo Anyaro be

(Luka 6:43-45)

33 “Ka'dobe a'done doŋgo kado be beṛo miri a'done ce kado be, ondro ka'do mi orivoya ce koziro be, nya'dona doŋgo koziro be. Äni ce te beti doŋgo ro se anya kabe owana yasi. 34 Ami inii ono; mìnina takado atane eŋwanye ondro ka'do ami orivoya undiro ya? Tana kala kani ŋgase orivoya twi ya ya ono atana. 35 'Di kado ka ŋgase kado nda be sina ya ndaro ya 'do lofona tesi; ago 'di kozi ka ŋgase kozi nda be sina ya ndaro ya 'do lofona tesi.

36 “Ṛo ämiri unine endaro Tu Vure rosi 'dicini itina ta iro 'da, ata se cini koziro nda katabe 'do. 37 Ayena vure miro 'da ata miro si; edrena tana 'da miri kode mi orivoya kadoro kode koziro.”

Lidri le Talaro ro

(Marako 8:11-12Luka 11:29-32)

38 'Dooko miemba'bai azaka Ota ro ndi azaka Parusii robe atayite ekye: “Miemba'ba, màle miri talaro ro oyene.”

39 Oko Yesu atate ekye: “Lidri tu ono ro orivoya koziro ago luako. Nyà ma eji talaro ro ta ya? Hwa! Talaro ro se ozone ämiri toto talaro ro nebi Yona ro ayani. 40 Kpa oso Yona koribe kituna nätu ago ŋgäkyina nätu ya ti'bi 'desi roya ronye, kpa oso inye Ŋgwa Lidri ro orina 'da 'budri ya gyini zele kituna nätu ago ŋgäkyina nätu. 41 Tu Vure rosi lidri Ninewe ro oŋganayi 'da kuru ago kicunayi ami 'da, tana ànya etayidrite ni takozii ànyaro yasi ondro ànya keriyi taope Yona rote owo; ago endaro mata ämiri ono, 'diaza orivoya noŋwa para ndrani Yona ri! 42 Tu Vure rosi 'Bädri'ba Tokoro Sheba ro oŋgana 'da kuru ago kicuna ami 'da, tana anya ikyite ni 'bädri lozo yasi tavouni 'Bädri'ba Solomo ro erine, ago endaro mata ämiri ono, 'diaza orivoya noŋwa para ndrani Solomo ri!

Ego Tori Undiro ro

(Luka 11:24-26)

43 “Ondro tori undiro kofote tesi ni 'diaza yasi oko, ugu abate 'bädri gyiako yasi ugu vo uṛibe loliza. Ondro kusu vo kote oko, 44 anya atate andivo iro ri ekye: ‘Magona ndi kovole zo maro ya vose mikyibe ni kigye si ana.’ Ndi anya gote kovole ago usu zo te awi, wäṛi, ago ŋga cini ara te nja kigye. 45 'Dooko anya fote tesi ago ezi torii azaka njidrieri te kozi parandra ni andivo anyaro ri, ago ànya ikyiyite ago riyite lau. Ago ori 'di ana ro kozina a'dote ndrani se käti ri. Ono ni tase kabe oye a'done lidri koziro tu ono ro ri owo.”

Endre Yesu ro ndi Ädrupii be

(Marako 3:31-35Luka 8:19-21)

46 Ondro Yesu drigba ugu ta atavoya lidri ri oko, endre ndaro ndi ädrupii ndaro be esayite. Ànya edreyite tesi, ànya leyi atane nda be. 47 Ta'doro alo aza lidri se lau ana ro atate ndäri ekye: “Mindre, endre miro ndi ädrupii miro be orivoya edrevoya tesi, ànya leyi atane mibe.”

48 Yesu zatadrite ekye: “A'di ni endre maro ya? Ago a'di ni ädrupii maro ya?” 49 'Dooko nda ka'davote taeri'bai ndaro dri ago atate ekye: “Mìndre! Kwoi ni endre maro ndi ädrupii maro be! 50 Nda se kabe tase Täpi maro vo'buyakuru ya kolebe ndäri oyene oyena ni orivoya ädrupi maro, endreŋwa maro, ago endre maro owo.”