Bible – The Bible Society of Lesotho

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

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.

The Great Banquet

(Luke 14.15-24)

1 Once again Jesus used stories to teach the people:

2 The kingdom of heaven is like what happened when a king gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3 The king sent some servants to tell the invited guests to come to the banquet, but the guests refused. 4 He sent other servants to say to the guests, “The banquet is ready! My cattle and prize calves have all been prepared. Everything is ready. Come to the banquet!”

5 But the guests did not pay any attention. Some of them left for their farms, and some went to their places of business. 6 Others grabbed the servants, then beat them up and killed them.

7 This made the king so furious that he sent an army to kill those murderers and burn down their city. 8 Then he said to the servants, “It is time for the wedding banquet, and the invited guests don't deserve to come. 9 Go out to the street corners and tell everyone you meet to come to the banquet.” 10 They went out on the streets and brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike. And the banquet room was filled with guests.

11 When the king went in to meet the guests, he found that one of them wasn't wearing the right kind of clothes for the wedding. 12 The king asked, “Friend, why didn't you wear proper clothes for the wedding?” But the guest had no excuse. 13 So the king gave orders for this person to be tied hand and foot and to be thrown outside into the dark. That's where people will cry and grit their teeth in pain. 14 Many are invited, but only a few are chosen.

Paying Taxes

(Mark 12.13-17Luke 20.20-26)

15 The Pharisees got together and planned how they could trick Jesus into saying something wrong. 16 They sent some of their followers and some of Herod's followers to say to him, “Teacher, we know that you are honest. You teach the truth about what God wants people to do. And you treat everyone with the same respect, no matter who they are. 17 Tell us what you think! Should we pay taxes to the Emperor or not?”

18 Jesus knew their evil thoughts and said, “Why are you trying to test me? You show-offs! 19 Let me see one of the coins used for paying taxes.” They brought him a silver coin, 20 and he asked, “Whose picture and name are on it?”

21 “The Emperor's,” they answered.

Then Jesus told them, “Give the Emperor what belongs to him and give God what belongs to God.” 22 His answer surprised them so much that they walked away.

Life in the Future World

(Mark 12.18-27Luke 20.27-40)

23 The Sadducees did not believe people would rise to life after death. So that same day some of the Sadducees came to Jesus and said:

24 Teacher, Moses wrote that if a married man dies and has no children, his brother should marry the widow. Their first son would then be thought of as the son of the dead brother.

25 Once there were seven brothers who lived here. The first one married, but died without having any children. So his wife was left to his brother. 26 The same thing happened to the second and third brothers and finally to all seven of them. 27 At last the woman died. 28 When God raises people from death, whose wife will this woman be? She had been married to all seven brothers.

29 Jesus answered:

You are completely wrong! You don't know what the Scriptures teach. And you don't know anything about the power of God. 30 When God raises people to life, they won't marry. They will be like the angels in heaven. 31 And as for people being raised to life, God was speaking to you when he said, 32 “I am the God worshiped by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” He isn't the God of the dead, but of the living.

33 The crowds were surprised to hear what Jesus was teaching.

The Most Important Commandment

(Mark 12.28-34Luke 10.25-28)

34 After Jesus had made the Sadducees look foolish, the Pharisees heard about it and got together. 35 One of them was an expert in the Jewish Law. So he tried to test Jesus by asking, 36 “Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus answered:

7 Bible Verses About Loving One Another

The greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Jesus says that all the law and the prophets depend on these two.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 38 This is the first and most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” 40 All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.

About David's Son

(Mark 12.35-37Luke 20.41-44)

41 While the Pharisees were still there, Jesus asked them, 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose family will he come from?”

They answered, “He will be a son of King David.”

43 Jesus replied, “How then could the Spirit lead David to call the Messiah his Lord? David said,

44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord:

Sit at my right side

until I make your enemies

into a footstool for you.’

45 If David called the Messiah his Lord, how can the Messiah be a son of King David?” 46 No one was able to give Jesus an answer, and from that day on, no one dared ask him any more questions.

1 Then Iesus answered, and spake vnto them againe in parables, saying, 2 The kingdome of heauen is like vnto a certaine King which maried his sonne, 3 And sent foorth his seruants, to call them that were bidde to the wedding, but they woulde not come. 4 Againe hee sent foorth other seruants, saying. Tell them which are bidden, Beholde, I haue prepared my dinner: mine oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all thinges are readie: come vnto the mariage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their wayes, one to his farme, and another about his marchandise. 6 And the remnant tooke his seruants, and intreated them sharpely, and slewe them. 7 But when the King heard it, he was wroth, and sent foorth his warriers, and destroyed those murtherers, and burnt vp their citie. 8 Then saide hee to his seruants, Truely the wedding is prepared: but they which were bidden, were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore out into the high wayes, and as many as ye finde, bid them to the mariage. 10 So those seruantes went out into the hie wayes, and gathered together all that euer they found, both good and bad: so the wedding was furnished with ghestes. 11 Then the King came in, to see the ghestes, and sawe there a man which had not on a wedding garment. 12 And he sayd vnto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither, and hast not on a wedding garment? And he was speachlesse. 13 Then sayd the King to the seruants, Binde him hand and foote: take him away, and cast him into vtter darkenes: there shalbe weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but fewe chosen. 15 Then went the Pharises and tooke counsell how they might tangle him in talke. 16 And they sent vnto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we knowe that thou art true, and teachest the way of God truely, neither carest for any man: for thou considerest not the person of men. 17 Tell vs therefore, how thinkest thou? Is it lawfull to giue tribute vnto Cesar, or not? 18 But Iesus perceiued their wickednes, and sayd, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shewe me the tribute money. And they brought him a peny. 20 And he sayde vnto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They sayd vnto him, Cesars. Then sayd he vnto them, Giue therefore to Cesar, the things which are Cesars, and giue vnto God, those things which are Gods. 22 And when they heard it, they marueiled, and left him, and went their way. 23 The same day the Sadduces came to him (which say that there is no resurrection) and asked him, 24 Saying, Master, Moses sayd, If a man die, hauing no children, his brother shall marie his wife by the right of alliance, and raise vp seede vnto his brother. 25 Nowe there were with vs seuen brethren, and the first maried a wife, and deceased: and hauing none yssue, left his wife vnto his brother. 26 Likewise also the second, and the third, vnto the seuenth. 27 And last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore in the resurrection, whose wife shall she be of the seuen? for all had her. 29 Then Iesus answered, and sayd vnto them, Ye are deceiued, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marie wiues, nor wiues are bestowed in mariage, but are as the Angels of God in heauen. 31 And concerning the resurrection of the dead, haue ye not read what is spoken vuto you of God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Iacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the liuing. 33 And when the multitude heard it, they were astonied at his doctrine. 34 But when the Pharises had heard, that he had put the Sadduces to silence, they assembled together. 35 And one of them, which was an expounder of the Lawe, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is ye great commandement in the Lawe? 37 Iesus sayd to him, Thou shalt loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soule, and with all thy minde. 38 This is the first and the great commandement. 39 And the second is like vnto this, Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe. 40 On these two commandements hangeth the whole Lawe, and the Prophets. 41 While the Pharises were gathered together, Iesus asked them, 42 Saying, What thinke ye of Christ? whose sonne is he? They sayd vnto him, Dauids. 43 He sayd vnto them, How then doeth Dauid in spirit call him Lord, saying, 44 The Lord sayd to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footestoole? 45 If then Dauid call him Lord, howe is he his sonne? 46 And none could answere him a worde, neither durst any from that day foorth aske him any moe questions.