Taking risks is part of life, and the Bible offers wisdom on when to step out in faith and when to proceed with caution. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people who trusted God and took risks, often seeing great rewards. We’ll look at what the Bible teaches about risk-taking, faith, and trusting God with the unknown.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Jealous Family Members
What Does The Bible Say About Indigenous Peoples
Genesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This verse emphasizes that all human beings, including indigenous peoples, are created in the image of God. It acknowledges the inherent worth and value of every individual, regardless of their cultural background or ethnicity.
Acts 17:26
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”
This verse affirms the diversity of nations and the sovereign hand of God in determining the times and places in which different peoples would dwell. It recognizes the unique heritage and land of indigenous peoples as part of God’s plan.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This verse celebrates the incredible craftsmanship of God in creating human beings. It reminds us that every individual, including indigenous peoples, is intricately designed and possesses immense worth.
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.”
Jesus’ Great Commission calls for the inclusion of all nations, including indigenous peoples, within the scope of discipleship. It is an invitation to embrace and share the teachings of Christ with people from every cultural background.
Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
This verse reminds us that God is the ultimate owner of the earth and all its inhabitants. It recognizes the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, affirming the value and stewardship of indigenous lands and peoples.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This verse assures us that God has specific plans and purposes for every individual, including indigenous peoples. It brings a message of hope, promising a bright future under God’s guidance and care.
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This verse emphasizes that in Christ, all cultural, social, and gender distinctions are transcended. It teaches that there is unity and equality among believers, including indigenous peoples, in the body of Christ.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
This verse encourages us to place our hope and trust in the Lord, recognizing that He is the source of renewed strength. It offers assurance to indigenous peoples that God will sustain them through their unique challenges and empower them to persevere.
Colossians 3:11
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”
This verse reinforces the message of unity and equality in Christ, reassuring indigenous peoples that their cultural background does not diminish their value in the eyes of God or their place within the Christian community.
Psalm 96:3
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
This verse calls for the proclamation of God’s glory and marvelous deeds among all nations and peoples, including indigenous communities. It highlights the importance of sharing the good news of God’s love and salvation with indigenous peoples.
Leviticus 19:34
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
This verse emphasizes the commandment to show love and hospitality to foreigners and immigrants, recognizing the shared experience of displacement and migration. It encourages inclusive and compassionate treatment of indigenous peoples and all those who are considered “foreigners” in a land.
Proverbs 22:2
“Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.”
This verse reminds us that regardless of economic status or material possessions, all individuals, including indigenous peoples, are equally created by God. It affirms the dignity and worth of every person, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
This verse uses the metaphor of a body to illustrate the unity and interconnectedness of believers in Christ. It emphasizes that regardless of cultural or social differences, all believers, including indigenous peoples, are part of the same spiritual family.
Psalm 67:2-3
“May your ways be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.”
This verse expresses a heartfelt desire for all nations and peoples, including indigenous communities, to know and experience God’s ways and salvation. It encourages the universal praise and worship of God among diverse cultural backgrounds.
Romans 12:5
“So in Christ, though many, we form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
This verse underscores the interdependence and mutual belonging within the body of Christ. It affirms that every individual, including indigenous believers, has a valuable role to play and should be embraced as an integral part of the Christian community.
Joel 2:28
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”
This verse prophesies the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people, without distinction. It includes indigenous peoples as recipients of God’s Spirit, empowering them to participate fully in the work of God’s kingdom.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This well-known verse declares God’s love for the entire world, encompassing all peoples, including indigenous communities. It affirms that anyone who believes in Jesus can receive the gift of eternal life, emphasizing the inclusiveness of God’s salvation.
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
This verse speaks of God’s anointing on the Messiah to bring good news, healing, and freedom to those who are oppressed and brokenhearted. It assures indigenous peoples that God is compassionate and desires to restore and uplift them from their unique struggles and challenges.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse highlights the importance of being peacemakers, reconciling differences and fostering harmonious relationships. It encourages indigenous peoples to seek peace, understanding, and reconciliation amidst cultural diversity.
Psalm 68:5-6
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”
This verse depicts God’s loving nature, showing His care for the vulnerable and marginalized. It reassures indigenous peoples that God is their ultimate protector, provider, and source of belonging, even in the midst of hardship.
Deuteronomy 10:17-19
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”
This passage reminds God’s people of His character and commands them to mirror His love and justice. It specifically instructs them to care for and love foreigners, including indigenous peoples, as a testament to their own history and God’s care for the vulnerable.
Psalm 82:3-4
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
This verse calls for the protection and advocacy for the weak, fatherless, oppressed, and needy. It urges believers to actively stand against injustice and extend care and support to indigenous peoples who may face unique challenges and vulnerabilities.
James 2:8
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.”
This verse highlights the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves, which includes people from all walks of life, including indigenous peoples. It serves as a reminder to approach others with love, respect, and empathy.
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
This verse calls believers to actively pursue justice, defend the oppressed, and advocate for those who are marginalized. It encourages engagement in efforts to address the unique challenges and injustices faced by indigenous peoples.
Romans 10:12
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”
This verse affirms that in Christ, there is no distinction between different ethnic or cultural backgrounds. It assures indigenous peoples that when they call upon the Lord, they are embraced and blessed by the same God who is Lord of all.
Ephesians 2:19
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
This verse proclaims that through faith in Christ, all believers, including indigenous peoples, become part of God’s chosen people and members of His family. It speaks of the deep sense of belonging and identity found in Christ.
Revelation 7:9
“After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
This powerful vision from the book of Revelation reminds us that in the eternal kingdom of God, people from every nation, tribe, and language will be united in worship. It offers indigenous peoples the hope of a future where their unique cultures and identities will be celebrated in the presence of God.