10 Most Underrated Bible Verses
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Most Christians know the importance of reading Scripture on a regular basis, and how blessed we are to have His Word. I have to confess, though, that for my first few years as a believer, I avoided any Bible passages that challenged me. And sadly, most of the verses I glossed over had to do with being renewed in spirit.
I was stubborn and rebellious then, hoping to receive God’s blessings without having to change. But I’ve come to see how much the Lord values character. So now, verses that I used to avoid look more to me like little gems reflecting His light.
10 Verse That I Used to Underrate
I underrated all of these when I was newer to the faith, but now I study and refer to them often. Each one contains a powerful message about who we are in Christ and the way to live righteously. I cherish them, and share them with others.
5 Verses about Our Sinful Nature
1. Romans 3:23
“...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”
I learned early on as a believer that part of being human is having a sinful nature. Meditating on that used to bring up feelings of shame and guilt. Over time, though, I began to grasp the rest of Paul’s message: yes, we are all sinners, but because of Jesus’ work on the cross, we are redeemed. Now this verse brings up gratitude and a desire to show grace to those around me.
2. Romans 5:3
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance…”
Hardly anyone welcomes times of suffering, but I always went out of my way to avoid them. In fact, it was impossible for me to imagine a positive aspect to any kind of trial. But this verse has taught me that God wants to show me a way to accept the difficulties of the moment while looking ahead to see how He will use them to mature me.
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke…”
At some point as a child, I began to fear being reprimanded by authority figures, like a teacher or my parents. When I became a Christian I transferred that fear onto God, dreading His anger and correction. But learning about His motivation for that correction - to give me a better quality of life - helped the fear melt away. Reading this verse makes me appreciate that my Heavenly Father wants the best for me.
4. Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
One of my biggest faults before becoming a believer was holding grudges against people. Whether they actually hurt me or I just thought they did, anger and resentment welled up and stayed in my heart. So the idea that God wants us to quickly extend forgiveness seemed unfair. But the end of this verse finally sunk in - God is actually calling me to follow His example - and He’s already forgiven me for so much.
5. Psalm 149:4
“For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”
After admitting that I had a human sinful nature, the next challenge was to accept that I couldn’t fix myself. I didn’t have the power or ability - but it was wonderful to realize that God could, and would. This verse reminds me that He loves me fully at whatever stage of growth I’m in. He’ll change me and bless me along the way.
5 Verses about Showing Patience with Others and with the Lord
1. Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…”
I, like many people, have struggled with being an impatient person. And when I accepted Jesus as my Savior, I wanted to be delivered from everything right away. It took a while before I saw the value of slowing down and letting God work in His timing. This verse is a clear invitation to let myself calm, settle, and trust. It reassures me that He has good plans for me, even as I wait.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Because of things that happened to me when I was young, I felt needy even as an adult. I still tried to be a loving and giving person anyway, but I was like a dried up well instead. Then I began to understand that God would fill me up with the strength and grace I needed to truly love others. Now this verse is both a caution and a promise for me: that as I receive God’s love, I am to give it away - and I will always receive something as well.
“...being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience…”
One result of being an impatient person has been that I’ve given up on many things or people too quickly. The idea of staying for the long haul was tough. But experiences as a Christian have taught me the value of determination and steadfastness when God calls me to it. And now this verse reminds me that the Lord offers me all I need to stand firm.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Like many young adults, I dreamed about my future - achieving big things, and the fame or riches that would satisfy me. But as time went on and I didn’t reach any lofty heights, I grew discouraged and jealous of others who were doing better. I’m glad to say God has softened my heart to the point where I’m genuinely happy for the success of others. And this verse tells me that when I keep my focus on loving and obeying God, He will bring me that sense of satisfaction that I always craved.
5. Hebrews 12:9
“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!”
I grew up in a household that was not Christian, with parents who didn’t lay down or enforce many rules. I didn’t learn about setting healthy boundaries and following Godly principles from them, and was a bit stubborn about it early in my Christian walk. But in this verse, I see God’s desire to gently retrain my mind and heart to live in a more disciplined way - not to make my life rigid, but to free me to experience more joy every day.
At the start of my Christian journey, I was filled with all sorts of faulty thinking that needed adjusting. God wanted to shine His light on every corner of my heart, and used His Word as a way to start. I’m so grateful for every verse in the Bible - they have helped me seek more of Him and His Ways.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
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