When considering human nature in the Bible, it is important to first understand what the Bible is and what it teaches. The word Bible comes from the Greek word “biblos” which means book. It is made up of 66 books which were written over a span of 1,500 years by around forty authors, compiled into one book. The Bible is the Word of God, and it explicitly spells out both the divine nature of God and the human nature of man.
The Bible teaches us that people are created in the image and likeness of God. In Genesis 1, it states “Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.’ ” This verse shows that humans were made to be like God, thus possessing the same nature which is the “image of God”.
Furthermore, the Bible teaches us that humans were made to have relationships with one another, and this is a reflection of God’s relationship with us. Genesis 2:18-25 reads “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.’” This verse shows that human relationships and companionship are part of our human nature, which is a reflection of God’s desire for us to be in relationships and communities with one another.
It is also important to mention that the Bible teaches us that humans have a sinful nature. In Romans 3, it states: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” In this verse, the Bible acknowledges that humans are born with a sinful nature. We all make mistakes and fall short of the glory of God. This is our human nature.
The Bible also teaches us that we have the freedom to choose how we will live our lives and our choices have consequences. Deuteronomy 30:19 reads: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.” This verse demonstrates that humans have the freedom to choose, which is part of our human nature. We have the choice to live lives which reflect God’s love and grace, or lives that are rebellious, full of greed and sin.
Another important aspect of our human nature is our capacity to love. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” Here, we see that God loves us and He wants us to love one another. This is an example of how much capacity humans have to love, in spite of our sinful nature.
The Nature Of Relationships
When it comes to relationships, human nature is complicated and can manifest in many different ways. The Bible teaches us that relationships are important, however, it also teaches us that our relationships are only meaningful if they are based on love and respect. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reads “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This verse demonstrates that human relationships should ultimately be rooted in love, and not in envy, pride, or selfishness.
The Bible also teaches us that our relationships should be based in mutual understanding and respect. Ephesians 4:29 reads “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This verse shows that we should be careful about the words we use, especially in our relationships, and that we should always strive to speak kindly and respectfully.
Finally, the Bible teaches us that relationships should be based on trust and forgiveness. Matthew 18:21-22 reads “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” This verse demonstrates that forgiveness is one of the foundations of meaningful relationships, and that it should be a part of our human nature.
The Nature Of Self-Discovery
The Bible also teaches us that humans have a capacity for self-discovery, which is ultimately part of our human nature. In Jeremiah 29. “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 speaks to the idea of self-discovery, and how God has a plan for us that we often don’t understand until we take the time to explore and discover who we are and what our purpose is in life.
The Bible also teaches us about the importance of knowledge, which is a key element of self-discovery. Proverbs 1:7 reads “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse demonstrates the importance of knowledge and understanding, and how it can lead us to a better understanding of ourselves and who we are.
The Bible also teaches us the importance of hard work and perseverance in our journey of self-discovery. Proverbs 22:29 reads “ Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” This verse shows us that hard work can pay off and can lead to success. It demonstrates the importance of striving for excellence and not settling for mediocrity.
Finally, the Bible teaches us that as we seek to discover our true selves, we should always remember that God is in control. Psalm 139:16 reads “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” This verse reminds us that God is ever-present and is always looking out for us as we seek to discover who we are and what He has in store for us.
The Nature Of Stewardship
The Bible teaches us the importance of being good stewards of the earth and its resources. In Genesis 2:15 it states, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” This verse shows us that we are called to be stewards of the earth, and that it is our duty to take care of the earth and use its resources responsibly.
The Bible also shows us the importance of being good stewards of our money. In 1 Timothy 6 it reads, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” This verse demonstrates that even though money can be a good thing, we should be careful not to let it consume us or be the focus of our life.
The Bible also teaches us the importance of being good stewards of our time. Ephesians 5:15-16 reads, “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 shows us that it is important to make the most of our time and to use it for good. We should be careful not to waste our time on things that don’t add value to our lives.
Finally, the Bible teaches us about the importance of being good stewards of our relationships. 1 Thessalonians 5:13-14 reads, “Be at peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” This verse reminds us that our relationships should be rooted in love, respect, and kindness, and that it is important to be a good steward of the relationships in our lives.
The Nature Of Community
The Bible teaches us the importance of community and how our relationships with each other are part of our human nature. In Acts 2:44-45 it reads: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” This verse shows us that we are called to live in community with one another and to be generous and giving.
The Bible also teaches us that community is more than just the people you surround yourself with; it is also the environment in which you live. Psalm 24:1 reads “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” This verse reminds us that we should be mindful of how we use and take care of the world around us. Every action we take has an effect and can shape our communities for better or worse.
The Bible also teaches us that living in community means striving for justice and fairness. Isaiah 58:6 reads “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” This verse shows that we should strive to be agents of justice and fairness in our communities, and that it is our duty to do what we can to seek justice and help those in need.
Finally, the Bible teaches us that community is more than just what we can do for each other — it is also about how we can help and encourage each other. Hebrews 10:24 says “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” This verse demonstrates the importance of taking an active role in our communities. We should strive to not just help those in need, but also to build them up and to encourage them.
The Nature Of Becoming
The Bible teaches us that we have the capacity to grow and to become better versions of ourselves. Philippians 2:12-13 reads “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” This verse shows us that it is possible to become better versions of ourselves through faith in God and that we can always strive to grow and improve.
The Bible also teaches us about the importance of taking risks and embracing change. Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 reads “Cast your bread upon the waters
