The Bible praises the practice of faith through actions, not just words. From repeating good habits to cultivating virtues, the Bible values daily practice as a way to grow spiritually. Here’s how practice is seen in scripture.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Foster Care
What Does The Bible Say About Practice
Psalm 1:2
But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
This verse emphasizes the importance of regularly meditating on God’s law. Practicing meditation on God’s word helps us internalize and apply it to our lives, leading to spiritual growth and wisdom.
Regular meditation allows us to develop a deeper understanding of God’s truth and align our thoughts and actions with His will.
1 Timothy 4:8
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
While physical training has value in the temporal realm, godliness transcends earthly pursuits and holds eternal significance.
This verse encourages believers to prioritize spiritual disciplines and practice godliness, as it not only benefits us in this life but also prepares us for the life to come.
Matthew 7:24
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Putting God’s teachings into practice is compared to the wisdom of building a house on a solid foundation.
This verse underscores the importance of not only hearing God’s Word but also living it out in our daily lives as a demonstration of our faith and commitment to Christ.
James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
This verse warns against the deception of merely listening to God’s Word but failing to put it into action.
It emphasizes the transformative power of practicing obedience to God’s commandments, which authenticates our faith and leads to spiritual growth.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
This verse outlines three practices that the Lord requires of His people: acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Him.
It serves as a reminder to practice righteousness, kindness, and humility in our interactions with others, reflecting the character of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
This verse uses the analogy of a race to encourage believers to practice discipline and perseverance in their spiritual journey.
It motivates us to run the race of faith with dedication and intentionality, striving for the ultimate prize of eternal life with Christ.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
This verse calls us to practice trust and surrender to the Lord, relying on His wisdom rather than our limited understanding.
By submitting to God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives, we can experience His divine guidance and the straightening of our paths.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
This verse urges us to practice wholehearted diligence and excellence in all that we do, recognizing that our ultimate audience is the Lord.
By approaching our work and responsibilities with a mindset of serving God, we can bring glory to Him and find fulfillment in our efforts.
Luke 9:23
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
This verse emphasizes the daily practice of self-denial and carrying one’s cross as a requirement for being a disciple of Jesus.
It calls us to live in constant surrender to Christ, willingly sacrificing our own desires and following Him wholeheartedly each day.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
This verse instructs us to practice intentional and wholesome thinking, focusing our minds on things that are true, righteous, and praiseworthy.
By cultivating positive and godly thought patterns, we can guard our hearts and minds, leading to a transformed perspective and a Christ-centered lifestyle.
1 Peter 2:12
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
This verse calls us to practice righteous living and good deeds in our interactions with unbelievers.
By displaying Christ-like character and conduct, we have the opportunity to positively impact others, leading them to glorify God and consider the claims of the Gospel.
Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
This verse encapsulates the practice of treating others with fairness, kindness, and love.
It encourages us to put ourselves in others’ shoes and act towards them in the same way we desire to be treated, fostering healthy relationships and reflecting the love of Christ.
Ephesians 5:15-16
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.
This verse exhorts us to practice discernment and wisdom in how we live, utilizing every opportunity to honor God.
It reminds us of the urgency of living purposefully in a fallen world and making choices that reflect our commitment to Christ.
John 13:35
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
This verse highlights the importance of practicing love and unity within the community of believers.
Our love for one another should be a distinguishing characteristic of our faith, drawing others to Christ and testifying to the reality of His transformative power.
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 encourages us to practice non-conformity to the world’s values and instead seek transformation through the renewing of our minds.
By aligning our thoughts and attitudes with God’s truth, we can discern His will for our lives and live in accordance with His perfect plans.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.
This verse highlights the fruit of the Spirit and encourages us to practice these qualities in our daily lives.
By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, we can demonstrate the virtues of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to those around us.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
This verse calls us to practice a life of good deeds that bring glory to God and shine His light before others.
When we live in a way that reflects Christ’s love and righteousness, we have the opportunity to impact others and draw them closer to the Father.
Romans 15:2
Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.
This verse encourages us to practice acts of selflessness and kindness towards our neighbors, seeking their well-being and edification.
By considering the needs of others and intentionally building them up, we can emulate Christ’s example and impact our communities for His glory.
Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
This verse emphasizes the practice of encouraging and motivating fellow believers to pursue love and good deeds.
It encourages us to be intentional in our relationships, spurring one another on to a life characterized by Christ-like love and acts of kindness.
1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
This verse challenges us to practice love not only through words but also through tangible actions that reflect sincerity and truth.
It inspires us to demonstrate God’s love to others through practical acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness.
Proverbs 21:13
Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.
This verse highlights the importance of practicing compassion and generosity towards the less fortunate.
It reminds us that neglecting the needs of others can have consequences and encourages us to respond with kindness and empathy.
James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
This powerful passage highlights the inseparable link between faith and action. It challenges us to practice our faith through concrete deeds of love and compassion.
True faith is not merely a belief system but should be reflected in our actions, especially in meeting the practical needs of others.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray continually.
This verse encourages us to practice a lifestyle of unceasing prayer, maintaining open communication with God throughout our day.
By cultivating a consistent and fervent prayer life, we can deepen our relationship with the Lord and experience His guidance and provision.