Bible verses no doubt truly provide comfort and wisdom, especially when one is going through tough times. People are inspired by Bible verses because of their exceptional messages that border on wisdom, perspectives, ideas, principles, and truths that elevate, clarify, strengthen, and sanctify one’s thinking. Let the Lord’s words guide you through your day with these biblical verses put forward in this edition by three children.
‘John 3:16 : This phrase emphasises God’s boundless love for humanity’
John 3:16 – ”For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” The reason this is my favorite verse of the Holy Bible is because it encapsulates the essence of God’s love and salvation. Let’s break it down: 1. For God so loved the world: This opening phrase emphasises God’s boundless love for humanity. It is love that extends to every person regardless of their background, mistakes or shortcomings. 2. That He gave His one and only son: God’s love was demonstrated through the sacrificial gift of Jesus Christ. Jesus as God’s son willingly came to die for our sins. 3. Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life: This part reveals the condition for receiving God’s gift. Believing in Jesus as the Saviour leads to eternal life. It is not about our efforts or merits; it is about faith in Christ.
• Afolabi Patrick Oladele – St. Cyprian Catholic Church, New Oko Oba Agege, Agege Deanery, Archdiocese of Lagos.
‘1 John 4:4 : This verse serves as an assurance and encouragement for Christians’
The powerful message of this verse means that Jesus, who lives in every believer, is more powerful than the enemy who is in the world. What an amazing guarantee that God is greater than anything the followers of Jesus will endure or face in the world, because they belong to God. This verse serves as an assurance and encouragement for Christians, they do not have to worry or fear, but be at peace with God. This verse is a promise to everyone who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. The reality is that all people face hardships, go through unexpected battles, and encounter difficult or deceitful individuals, but this verse gives confidence to Christians that God lives within them and they will overcome all their troubles. This aligns with a similar message that Jesus imparted to His disciples during the days before his crucifixion (John 16:33). Christians do not have to be afraid or disheartened in the same way as non-believers because Jesus has overcome their darkest and hardest troubles.
• Abugu Mmesoma Davina, Our Lady Queen Of Nigeria Catholic Church, Clegg, Yaba Deanery, Archdiocese of Lagos.
‘John 3: 16 and Job 1: 11: Teach us to believe in God’
Job 1:11 – ‘But now suppose you take away everything he has he will curse you to your face’ This was the beginning of Job’s problems which took away everything he had. The evil one thought that Job’s faithfulness to God was based on material things but Job did not turn away from God despite the advice from his wife. The Reason I like this verse is because it teaches us to believe in God. We should not curse God or turn away from him no matter the situation or problem. However, we should believe that we are in the hands of God and we should not blame God when something bad happens to us.
• Okoye Ifunanya Mildred, St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Isheri-Olofin, Isolo Deanery, Archdiocese of Lagos.
