We all need encouragement from time to time. Sometimes, it comes from family members. Sometimes, we get it from other guys. And many times, we dads need to dive deep into God’s Word to find encouraging verses for men.
That shouldn’t come as a surprise. As one early American confession of faith explains, Christians believe the Bible is “a perfect treasure of divine instruction” with “God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter.” And the Westminster Catechism states, “Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and duty God requires of man.”
But more important than any human confession, the Bible itself claims to be unique. In the Old Testament, Scripture is called a lamp and light for our lives. In the New Testament, it’s described as alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). So, it just makes sense to believe that encouraging Scriptures for men live within its pages.
Starting the Search
Of course, most of us understand that we need to dig deeper into God’s Word. The problem is the Bible is so big and covers so much historical and theological ground. We don’t always know where to start.
Well, you can start by studying a single book, like John’s Gospel. It provides a unique look at who Jesus is and why He came to earth. From there, you could move to something incredibly practical, like the book of James.
But you could also start smaller, meditating on what God says to you through individual verses. To help with that, here are ten encouraging Scriptures for men, broken down into three important categories: personal relationships, ministry guidance, and spiritual growth.
I’ve used the Christian Standard Bible, but you can look them up in any translation you’d like. The version you use is not nearly as important as taking that first step toward letting their message transform your life.
10 Encouraging Scriptures for men
Scriptures around personal relationships. Relationships are vital to becoming the man God called you to be. That’s why the Bible says so much about our connections with family and friends:
1. Aside from God, no relationship is more vital to you as a man. And it starts with loving the way Jesus loved.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25).
2. If you focus on raising your kids in the Lord, your odds of stirring them to anger go down dramatically.
“Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
3. Whether you’re young or old, married or single, you need the encouragement and accountability of other men. Surround yourself with friends who will sharpen you.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
Ministry guidance. You may not be called to full-time vocational service, but God has given you a ministry to fulfill. He also gave you verses like these to help you become His hands and feet in a broken world:
4. Moses left some big shoes to fill, and Joshua probably wrestled with doubt. But he could be courageous because God promised His presence each step of the way.
“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
5. When God says that nothing in this world can drive a wedge between Him and you, that’s exactly what He means. He’s crazy about you. So, remember: You are loved—no matter what.
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
6. Satan would like nothing better than to tear you, your family, and your ministry to pieces. Prepare for his attacks by running to the true Lion for protection.
“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Spiritual Growth. God could have transported you directly to heaven once you accepted Jesus as Savior. Instead, He left you on earth to grow in your relationship with Him and ministry for Him. These are some verses men can use to nurture that process:
7. This is my life verse—even though I’m several years removed from being a “young” man. Still, we all need this regular reminder that God’s Word is what steers us away from pitfalls that can devastate our lives.
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping your word” (Psalm 119:9)
8. Go ahead with your physical workouts. Just don’t forget Who really gives you the strength you need today and for eternity.
“For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).
9. If you ever catch yourself wondering what God wants you to do, remember three words: justice, faithfulness, and humility. Pursue those priorities because they mirror God’s priorities.
“Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
10. Your highest goal is to move beyond knowing about Jesus to knowing Him as He really is. You’ll have ups (resurrection power) and downs (suffering and death), but you’ll never regret the effort you put into knowing Him better.
“My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death” (Philippians 3:10).
The Bottom Line
So, now you’ve got a place to start. But that’s only the beginning. As you continue digging into God’s Word, look for more wisdom and insight. Then, live out those verses each day. Knowing the truth doesn’t do much good if you don’t obey the truth.
I’d also encourage you to start memorizing these verses. Once they’re in your heart, God can use them to make an even greater impact on your life.
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