“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” – Matthew 5:44
Bible Verses About Being The Bigger Person
1. John 15:12 – This verse reminds us of Jesus’ command to love others as He loved us, setting the standard for being the bigger person.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
2. Romans 12:18 – It’s a call to pursue peace with others, even when it’s challenging.
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” – Romans 12:18
3. Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer can diffuse anger, demonstrating the strength in being the bigger person.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
4. Ephesians 4:32 – This verse encourages kindness and forgiveness, essential traits of those who choose to be bigger individuals.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
5. Colossians 3:13 – This verse highlights the need to bear with each other and forgive grievances.
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
6. Luke 6:31 – The golden rule, urging us to treat others with the respect we desire.
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” – Luke 6:31
7. Proverbs 19:11 – This wisdom emphasizes the virtue of discretion when anger arises.
“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” – Proverbs 19:11
8. Philippians 2:4 – This verse encourages us to look out for the interests of others as a big person does.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
9. Matthew 7:1 – A reminder to avoid judgment, which aligns with the act of being the bigger person.
“Judge not, that you be not judged.” – Matthew 7:1
10. 1 Peter 3:9 – We’re called to repay evil with blessing, a true sign of maturity.
“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless; for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9
11. Galatians 6:1 – When seeing someone’s fault, restore them gently, reflecting a bigger heart.
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” – Galatians 6:1
12. Mark 11:25 – This verse speaks about the importance of forgiveness in our prayers.
“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25
13. Luke 23:34 – Even at His crucifixion, Jesus exemplified being the bigger person by asking forgiveness for others.
“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'” – Luke 23:34
14. Romans 14:19 – We should strive for things that promote peace and building one another up.
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” – Romans 14:19
15. James 1:19 – Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger captures the essence of the bigger person.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” – James 1:19
16. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 – We are reminded to seek good and not repay evil.
“See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:15
17. Proverbs 17:14 – Stopping a quarrel can prevent larger problems.
“The beginning of strife is like letting out water; so quit before the quarrel breaks out.” – Proverbs 17:14
18. Psalm 34:14 – Pursue peace and actively seek it.
“Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalm 34:14
19. Matthew 5:39 – Turning the other cheek indicates the ultimate strength.
“But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” – Matthew 5:39
20. Titus 3:2 – Encouraging peace and humility promotes a bigger attitude.
“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” – Titus 3:2
21. Philippians 4:5 – Letting our reasonableness be known is a key aspect.
“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” – Philippians 4:5
22. Proverbs 25:21-22 – This lesson encourages kindness to adversaries, reflecting strength.
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” – Proverbs 25:21-22
23. Matthew 18:21-22 – Forgiveness shouldn’t be limited; we should forgive indefinitely.
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” – Matthew 18:21-22
24. Exodus 23:4-5 – Helping your enemy in need showcases true strength of character.
“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going stray, you shall bring it back to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him.” – Exodus 23:4-5
25. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – Love is patient and kind, guiding us in our actions.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
26. Acts 7:60 – Stephen’s forgiveness mirrors Christ’s attitude of mercy.
“And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” – Acts 7:60
27. Galatians 5:13 – Serving one another in love is a higher calling.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
28. 2 Timothy 2:24 – A servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle.
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil.” – 2 Timothy 2:24
29. Matthew 5:16 – Our good deeds should shine before others as an example.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
30. Revelation 21:4 – This gives hope that all wrongs will be made right.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
31. Psalm 37:8 – Refraining from anger is wise advice.
“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” – Psalm 37:8
32. Matthew 6:14-15 – Forgiveness from God is tied to our ability to forgive others.
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
33. Luke 10:27 – Loving your neighbor plays into our role in being larger than disputes.
“And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.'” – Luke 10:27
34. Hebrews 12:14 – Strive for peace and holiness.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
35. Job 42:10 – When we pray for others, we are blessed.
“And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” – Job 42:10
36. Matthew 19:19 – Jesus emphasized the importance of loving others and honoring parents.
“Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 19:19
37. Isaiah 1:17 – God calls us to seek justice and help the oppressed.
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” – Isaiah 1:17
38. Luke 6:36 – Being merciful is a call to action.
“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:36
39. Matthew 5:9 – Peacemakers are called children of God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9
40. 1 Thessalonians 4:9 – Loving one another shows growth in our faith.
“Now concerning brotherly love, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:9
Final Thoughts
Each of these verses provides a guiding principle for being the bigger person when faced with conflicts. They encourage us to prioritize love, kindness, and forgiveness. Being proactive in our relationships and overcoming grievances is a true reflection of our character. We embrace a higher calling when we choose compassion and patience over anger and resentment.
It is not easy, but through God’s help, we can grow in this character. Let’s remember these verses and apply them in our daily lives. The call to be bigger isn’t just for our sake; it’s for a better world where love triumphs over hurt.
I encourage you to explore more biblical insights on different topics that relate to love and forgiveness, such as Jesus’ sacrifice or gossip. These teachings can deepen your understanding and practice of faith in a very powerful way.