The Bible is home to hundreds of inspiring and uplifting stories, but what can they teach us? There are so many lessons to be learned from the greatest story ever told that it’s impossible to list all of them here, so we’ve chosen five important ones that you can’t possibly miss.
Every story has a lesson, and every lesson has a place in our lives. From the Old Testament to the New, here are five Bible lessons that you simply can’t miss.
1. Humility
From the humility of Biblical leaders like Jesus and Moses to the humility included in the Psalms and other writings, the Bible is full of lessons on the subject. Humility is an important emotion because it grounds us to the present and keeps ego out of the way. It’s far too easy to get tripped up on personal desires, but the ego presents a complex set of problems to daily life.
The Bible teaches us that humility not only brings us closer to ourselves, but also to God. He expects us to be humble before Him and our fellow men, as was his son, Jesus. Jesus preached humility, but he also lived it. He humbled himself before his heavenly Father, and gave his life for the sins of man so that we could enter heaven. That is a shining example of humility.
A humble person is usually more self-aware and kinder to their neighbors. They’ll perform more selfless acts, and generally move through life with empathy and compassion for other people. These emotions can lead to more satisfying personal relationships and more opportunities in life.
2. Devotion To God
Whether you’re listening to Bible stories online or reading straight from the Book itself, it’s nearly impossible to miss the most resounding message the Bible offers: devotion to God and his plan. Devoting yourself to his hands is a big leap of faith, but God rewards such faith on a daily basis. It’s important to remember that each day comes with many blessings, and devotion to God is what keeps those blessings coming. There are thousands of passages on how to devote yourself to God’s will and to entrust him with your life.
Matthew 25:31-46
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…”
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Philippians 4:8-9
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
3. God’s Power
It’s easy to forget that God is an all-powerful being when we don’t directly see his daily works. God often falls to the back of our minds when we become used to his creations. Everything you see around you is a product of his power, but sometimes, a more potent lesson is needed to ensure we remember his power.
Stories like Noah’s Flood remind us that God is all-powerful and is always watching to ensure that we stay faithful and true.
4. God’s Mercy
Though God is all-powerful, that does not mean he is without mercy. God’s mercy shows in many stories, and he forgives mankind many times over for its sins. He gives his only son to save the world from sin. He is merciful to Noah, to Abraham, to Moses, and many other of the Bible’s most important figures. The bottom line is that God is merciful, but to learn of his mercy, you need to read about his work.
Bible stories are a great way to teach kids about God’s work, including his mercy. Some stories are more intense than others, so mind the age of the children you’re preaching to. Most stories have a universal lesson, however, that can appeal to all ages.
5. God’s Love
God’s love is such that he created an entire world for us, gave us guidelines to live by, and sacrificed Jesus so that we might enter Heaven. His love shows in the things he creates and the opportunities that he provides us. If you’re not sure how God’s love appears in your life, look closer and read his stories. You’ll see it!
