Discovering one’s calling or purpose in life is a journey that many embark upon. The Bible contains verses that shed light on the concept of calling and how it relates to our unique gifts and talents. Join us as we explore these scriptures and gain insight into our individual callings.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Future Plans
Bible Verses About Calling
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
This verse shows that God has a unique plan and purpose for each person, even before they are born. It highlights the fact that we are all called by God to fulfill a specific role or purpose in this world.
It is encouraging to know that God knows us intimately and has a plan for our lives. We can find assurance and confidence in knowing that we have been set apart for a purpose that God Himself has ordained.
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
This verse portrays the heart of someone who is willing to respond to God’s calling. It shows the humility and eagerness to be used by God in whatever capacity He desires.
When we surrender ourselves to God and say, “Here am I,” we open ourselves up to be instruments in His hands. It is a declaration of availability and willingness to be used by Him for His purposes in this world.
Matthew 9:37-38
“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.””
This verse highlights the need for more laborers in God’s kingdom. It calls for a sense of urgency in reaching out to people with the Gospel and participating in the work of God’s kingdom.
We are called to pray and ask God to raise up more workers who are willing to answer His call and go into the world to share the good news of Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that the harvest is ready, but it requires workers who are willing to respond to the call.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God‘s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
This verse reminds us that as believers, we have been chosen by God and set apart for a purpose. We are called to be a light in the darkness, declaring the praises of God and pointing others to Him.
We have been called out of the darkness of sin and into the marvelous light of God’s grace. This calling is not just for our own benefit but for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the proclamation of His glory.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This verse is known as the Great Commission, where Jesus gives His disciples and all believers a clear calling to go and make disciples of all nations.
We are called to share the Gospel, baptize new believers, and teach them to live according to Christ’s commands. This verse also brings us comfort, knowing that Jesus promises to be with us always as we fulfill this calling.
2 Timothy 1:9
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”
This verse emphasizes that our calling is not a result of our own efforts or qualifications, but rather a gift of grace from God.
God has saved us and called us to live a holy life, not because of anything we have done, but because of His purpose and grace. It is a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His plan for our lives, which extends back to before the beginning of time.
1 Corinthians 1:9
“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
This verse assures us that God is faithful in His calling. He has called us into a personal relationship and fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ.
Our calling goes beyond just a mission or purpose; it is an invitation to intimately know and walk with Jesus. It is a reminder of the faithfulness of God to guide, protect, and provide for His children as we respond to His call.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This verse assures us that God works all things together for our good. It reminds us that as believers, we have been called according to God’s purpose.
Even in the midst of difficult circumstances or challenges, we can trust that God is at work in our lives. He uses every situation to shape and mold us according to His purpose and to bring about His good plans for our lives.
Ephesians 4:1
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
This verse calls us to live a life that is worthy of the calling we have received from God.
Our calling demands a response from us. It should lead us to live a life that reflects the character and teachings of Christ. It implies that our actions, attitudes, and behaviors should align with the high calling we have received.
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
This verse reminds us that as followers of Christ, we have been called to peace.
God desires for us to live in peace with one another and to allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts. A life of peace should characterize our relationships and interactions with others. Additionally, this verse encourages us to cultivate a heart of gratitude as we respond to God’s calling.
1 Thessalonians 4:7
“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”
This verse emphasizes that God’s calling for us is to live a holy life.
As believers, we are called to pursue holiness, to be set apart from the ways of the world, and to reflect the character of Christ in our daily lives. It is a reminder that our calling is not just about what we do but also about who we are becoming in Christ.
Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
This verse speaks of our calling as an ongoing journey towards a heavenly goal.
We are called to press on, to persevere, and to keep our focus on the ultimate prize that is awaiting us in Christ Jesus. It serves as a reminder that our calling is not just for this present life but is ultimately leading us to an eternal reward in Him.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This verse reminds us that our calling includes responding to evil and insults with blessing.
As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard, to respond to hate with love, and to repay evil with good. By doing so, we are living out our calling and positioning ourselves to inherit the blessings that God has in store for us.
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
This verse directs us to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.
Our calling is not just about avoiding what is wrong but also about actively pursuing what is right. We are called to walk in righteousness, to have faith in God, to love one another, and to live in peace along with others who share the same calling.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God‘s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse reminds us that our calling includes a transformation and renewal of our minds.
As believers, we are called to a different standard, one that is not dictated by the patterns and values of this world. We are called to be transformed and renewed in our minds so that we can discern and align ourselves with the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
This verse reminds us that as we delight in the Lord, He will also fulfill the desires of our hearts.
Our calling involves finding our joy and satisfaction in God alone. As we align our desires with His, He will graciously grant them to us. It is an invitation to seek the Lord above all else and to trust Him with the fulfillment of our deepest desires.
1 Corinthians 7:20
“Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.”
This verse speaks to the importance of contentment and faithfulness in our calling.
Our calling may not always lead us to change our circumstances, but rather to faithfully serve God right where He has placed us. This verse encourages us to embrace our calling within our current situation and to find fulfillment and purpose in serving God faithfully in whatever season of life we find ourselves in.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
This verse reminds us that our calling includes freedom, but it comes with a responsibility.
As believers, we have been called to live in freedom, but this freedom is not meant for self-indulgence. Instead, we are called to use our freedom to serve others humbly in love. It is a calling to live a life that is centered on loving and serving one another, following the example of Christ.
2 Peter 1:10
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.”
This verse encourages us to actively confirm and pursue our calling.
We are called to make every effort to grow in our faith, to develop the character of Christ, and to live out our calling. By doing so, we can be assured that we will never stumble or lose our way. It is a reminder to remain steadfast and committed to the calling that God has placed upon our lives.
Hebrews 3:1
“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.”
This verse reminds us to fix our thoughts on Jesus, who is the source of our calling.
As those who share in the heavenly calling, our focus should be on Christ. It is by fixing our thoughts on Him and following His example that we can fully embrace and live out our calling. Jesus serves as our ultimate model and inspiration in fulfilling the purpose that God has entrusted to us.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
This verse encourages us to commit our plans and endeavors to the Lord.
As we do so, He will establish and guide our steps. It is a reminder that our calling is not in our own strength but in complete reliance on God’s leading and provision. By entrusting our plans to Him, we acknowledge His sovereignty and invite His wisdom and guidance into every aspect of our lives.
Acts 26:16
“‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.”
This verse recounts Paul’s encounter with Jesus, where he was called and commissioned to be a servant and witness of Christ.
It demonstrates that our calling is not just about our personal journey with God but also about being His ambassadors and witnesses in the world. We are called to share our personal encounters with Christ and to testify to others about the goodness and grace of God.
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
This verse highlights the fact that our calling comes from God’s choosing and appointing.
We have been called and appointed by Jesus Himself for a purpose – to go and bear fruit that will last. It is a reminder that our calling is not just based on our abilities or qualifications but on God’s divine plan and purpose for our lives. It also assures us that as we fulfill our calling, God will provide and grant our requests according to His will.
Galatians 1:15
“But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased”
This verse speaks to the fact that God has always had a plan and purpose for our lives.
He set us apart and called us by His grace, not based on anything we have done, but because He is pleased to do so. It is incredible to consider that God knew us even before we were born and has ordained a unique calling for each one of us.
1 Thessalonians 2:12
“We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”
This verse urges us to live lives that are worthy of God, who has called us into His kingdom and glory.
Our calling is not just about our personal fulfillment or achievement but about bringing honor to God’s name and reflecting His character in all that we do. It is a reminder to live purposefully and intentionally, recognizing the weight and significance of the calling we have received.
What Does the Bible Say About Calling?
The Bible teaches us that each one of us has a unique calling and purpose in life. We are called to love and serve God, to love and serve others, and to steward the gifts and abilities given to us by God. In 1 Corinthians 7:17, Paul encourages the believers to remain in the calling they were in when they became followers of Christ, affirming that God has called each of us to live in a particular way.
In Ephesians 4:1, Paul urges us to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. This suggests that our calling is a foundational aspect of our identity in Christ and should be reflected in our daily lives. Furthermore, in 2 Timothy 1:9, Paul speaks of God who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. This highlights the divine and intentional nature of our calling.
God’s specific calling for each of us is revealed through prayer, seeking wisdom, and being attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Our calling may also be evidenced through our natural talents, passions, and the needs we perceive in the world around us.
It is important for us to be obedient and faithful to our calling, as Paul reminds the Ephesians in Ephesians 4:1. We need to walk in a manner that is consistent with the calling we have received, reflecting the love, grace, and truth of Christ to a world in need. As we understand and embrace our calling, we can actively pursue the purposes that God has placed on our lives, serving and glorifying Him in all that we do.