Change is a central theme in the Christian journey. As followers of Christ, we are not called to remain as we are, but to be transformed daily into the likeness of Jesus. The Bible teaches that true change begins in the heart and is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Whether it’s turning away from sin, renewing our minds, or developing godly character, God invites us to participate in the process of transformation. The following themes and verses from the New Living Translation help guide us on how to change ourselves in accordance with God’s will.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Not Changing Yourself for Others
Repentance Begins the Journey
Real change starts with repentance—a sincere turning away from sin and turning toward God. Repentance is not just feeling sorry, but making a decision to live differently by God’s grace. The Bible teaches that when we repent, God forgives us and begins a new work in us. This is the first and most crucial step in changing yourself spiritually and morally.
Acts 3:19
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven…”
Luke 13:3
“Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.”
Proverbs 28:13
“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”
Isaiah 55:7
“Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.”
Renewing the Mind
Changing yourself is not just about behavior—it’s about thinking differently. The Bible emphasizes the need to renew our minds so we can discern and follow God’s will. This change comes through daily reading of Scripture, prayer, and aligning our thoughts with God’s truth. A renewed mind leads to a transformed life and a deeper understanding of God’s purpose for us.
Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
Ephesians 4:23
“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”
Philippians 4:8
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right…”
Colossians 3:2
“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Putting Off the Old Self
When we follow Jesus, we are called to let go of our old sinful nature and embrace a new life in Him. This means intentionally turning away from actions and attitudes that don’t reflect Christ. The Bible encourages us to “put off” the old and “put on” the new. Changing yourself involves daily surrender and choosing to live in obedience to God’s Word.
Ephesians 4:22
“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.”
Colossians 3:9-10
“Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature…”
Galatians 5:24
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.”
Romans 6:6
“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives.”
Titus 2:12
“And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.”
Walking in the Spirit
True transformation comes from the Holy Spirit working within us. As we yield to the Spirit, we develop godly habits and produce spiritual fruit. Changing yourself means letting the Spirit lead your decisions, your thoughts, and your lifestyle. Walking in the Spirit brings freedom from sin and leads us into a life that honors God in every area.
Galatians 5:16
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”
Romans 8:13
“For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
“So all of us… can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him…”
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…”
Romans 8:5
“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Acceptance of Yourself
Persevering Through the Process
Changing yourself takes time, effort, and perseverance. Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. The Bible encourages us to stay the course, even when we fall or face trials. God is faithful to complete the work He began in us. Our responsibility is to keep moving forward in faith, trusting that each step of obedience leads to lasting transformation.
Philippians 1:6
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished…”
Hebrews 12:1
“…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up…”
James 1:4
“So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
Galatians 6:9
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
2 Peter 1:5-6
“In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence…”
Living as a New Creation
When we surrender our lives to Christ, we become new creations. Our identity changes, and we are no longer defined by our past. God gives us a new heart, a new purpose, and a new destiny. Changing yourself means living out this new identity with confidence, knowing that you have been made new through Christ’s work on the cross.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Ezekiel 36:26
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you…”
Galatians 2:20
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
Romans 13:14
“Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession…”
Changing Yourself to Reflect Christ
The ultimate goal of changing yourself is to become more like Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to mirror His love, humility, obedience, and holiness in our daily lives. This transformation is not done by our own strength but through the work of the Holy Spirit. As we grow in Christlikeness, our lives serve as a light to the world and a testimony of God’s grace and power to change hearts.
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.””
1 John 2:6
“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”
Romans 8:29
“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son…”
Philippians 2:5
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.'”