“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Obedience to God
In our daily lives, we often strive to make choices that reflect our faith and obedience to God. When we think of being pleasing to God, we understand that it flows from our willingness to follow His commandments and really live in a way that honors Him. Obeying God’s teachings not only deepens our relationship with Him, but also allows us to witness His goodness manifest in our lives. We can do what pleases Him when we seek to align our actions with His will and love each other as He instructed. Obedience becomes a clear indication of our love for God.
John 14:15
“If you love me, keep my commands.” – John 14:15
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
1 John 2:3-5
“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. If anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him.” – 1 John 2:3-5
Acts 5:29
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’” – Acts 5:29
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!” – James 1:22
Faithful Stewardship
Being pleasing to God often involves how we manage the gifts and resources He has provided us, which we refer to as stewardship. God calls us to be faithful stewards of everything we have, whether it’s our time, talents, or treasures. When we start to view our possessions as blessings to be shared and used for His kingdom, we begin to cultivate a heart that pleases Him. This way of living invites us to make choices that align with God’s will while impacting others positively.
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10
Matthew 25:21
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” – Matthew 25:21
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Love for Others
A vital aspect of being pleasing to God is how we love and treat one another. God commands us to love our neighbors, our friends, and even our enemies. When we show love and kindness, we reflect the character of Christ. It strengthens our relationships and creates a community that is warm and welcoming, showing the world that we are truly His followers. When we focus on love for others, we find ourselves aligned with God’s heart.
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
Matthew 22:37-39
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:37-39
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Prayer and Communication with God
Being in constant communication with God is key to being pleasing to Him. Prayer allows us to express our thoughts, seek guidance, and build a deeper relationship with our Creator. When we regularly pour out our hearts before Him, we align our desires with His and invite His will into our lives. Prayer can change us and lead us to paths that are replete with God’s blessings. Making time for prayer is essential as we strive to be pleasing to God.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24
Matthew 21:22
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:22
Living Righteously
Another strong theme of being pleasing to God is living righteously. God calls us to live our lives in accordance with His standards, which is reflected in our behavior and character. When we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, we can shine as examples of God’s truth in our world. Our morality matters as a way to honor God and draw others to Him while we ensure our actions align with His word. Seeking righteousness allows us to live in a way that truly pleases our Creator.
Proverbs 21:3
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” – Proverbs 21:3
Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” – Matthew 5:6
Ephesians 5:8-10
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:8-10
Philippians 1:11
“Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” – Philippians 1:11
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” – 2 Timothy 2:22
Perseverance and Patience
Being pleasing to God also involves how we face difficulties and challenges. God encourages us to persevere and practice patience even when the going gets tough. By trusting Him in our trials and being patient, we show our faith in His goodness and sovereignty. It pleases God when we display resilience and hope. He walks with us during hard times, and as we wait for His promises, we can strengthen our faith and deepen our reliance on Him.
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1
James 1:12
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12
1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Faith and Trust in God
Finally, being pleasing to God relies heavily on our faith and trust in Him. Believing in God’s promises and trusting His plans fosters an environment where we can experience His presence and blessings. We can have confidence that our God is working for our good, and this trust empowers us to overcome our fears and doubts. By placing our faith in Him, we can live in a way that brings Him glory and gives us peace.
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
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.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Final Thoughts
Being pleasing to God is a journey that requires our obedience, love for others, communication with Him, righteous living, patience, and faith. Each of these elements weaves together to create a beautiful tapestry of faith that reflects God’s love and grace. We are called to serve others, stay connected with God through prayer, and trust Him in all circumstances. As we commit ourselves to these principles, we can honor the Lord and experience the joy of walking in His ways. Let us remember that every step we take toward being more pleasing to God brings us closer to a thriving relationship with Him.
We can further explore how to live a godly life through various scripture as we aim toward growth in grace. Let’s continue to seek His truth and follow the path that leads us to His heart. If you’re interested in more ways we can live for Christ, check out Bible Verses About Living a Godly Life and Bible Verses About Living for Christ.