31 Bible Verses about Nurture

and you fathers don't exasperate your children: but instruct them in the discipline and institution of the Lord.

fathers, don't treat your children with severity, lest they be discourag'd.

especially when I reflect upon the sincerity of your faith, and the attachment your grand-mother Lois first show'd, and then your mother Eunice, examples which I am persuaded you will follow.

and that from your infancy you were acquainted with the sacred writings, which point you the way to salvation, by believing in Christ Jesus:

we behav'd to you with a tender regard, even as a mother, who nurses her own children. Our affection therefore to you being so great, we were as ready to give our lives for you, as we were to communicate the divine gospel to you, so much did you engage our love. for you remember, my brethren, our labour and toil: how we worked day and night, that in preaching the gospel of God, we might not be chargeable to any of you.read more.
you are witnesses, and God is so too, how holy, how just and irreproachable our behaviour was to you, who believe. you likewise know, that we exhorted and encouraged every one of you, as a father doth his children, conjuring you to live suitably to the favour of God, who has called you to his kingdom and glory.

So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me more than these do? yes, Lord, said he, you know that I love you. Jesus reply'd, feed my lambs. then he ask'd him the second time, Simon son of Jonas do you love me? yes, Lord, said he; you know that I love you. Jesus reply'd, feed my sheep. Jesus said to him the third time, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me? Peter was grieved at his asking him the third time, "do you love me?" and he said to him, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, feed my sheep.

and when they were arriv'd he told them, you know how I have always behav'd towards you from the first day of my arrival in Asia: how I have serv'd the Lord with all resignation, with tears, and trials occasion'd by the insidious practices of the Jews: that I have conceal'd nothing that might be useful to you, but have inform'd you of it, and instructed you therein, both in publick and in private:

This I don't write to give you any confusion, but by way of remonstrance, to you who are my dear children. for though you may have ten thousand christian preceptors, you cannot have many fathers; since it was I that first instructed you in the gospel of Christ Jesus:

whilst night and day we make our ardent requests to him, that we may once more be present with you, that nothing may be wanting to the perfection of your faith?

attach'd to the truth, that has been taught him, that he may be able to teach others sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it.

I address myself to you pastors, as being a pastor myself, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who is to partake of the glory, that shall hereafter be made manifest; to exhort you to feed the flock of God, which is among you: to take care of it, voluntarily, without reluctance, not from any view to sordid gain, but out of real affection; not to domineer over the laity, but to be examples for their imitation;

that the word of God may not be blasphemed. the young men likewise exhort to be modest. In all things show yourself a pattern of virtue: in teaching shewing uncorruptness,

I have not desir'd to get from any one either silver, or gold, or apparel. you yourselves can witness, that what was necessary for myself and those who were with me, these very hands have supply'd. my constant example has shown you that the disabled should be assisted by your labours, remembring the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "it is a greater happiness to give than to receive."

and therefore I intreat you, to copy after me. 'tis for this end I have sent you Timothy, who is my dear disciple, and a faithful christian, who will inform you how I behave my self in every church where I teach the gospel of Christ.

Imitate herein my example as I do that of Christ.

practise what I have taught, what you have learnt of me, what you have heard me preach, and seen me practise. this do, and the God of peace will then be with you.

since the gospel we preach'd, did not consist only of words, but was fully confirm'd by miracles and gifts of the holy spirit, you yourselves being witnesses, what we did among you and for you. and you imitated us, and were imitators of the Lord, having receiv'd the word, notwithstanding all your afflictions, with that alacrity, which the holy spirit inspires.

and we exhort you, brethren, reprove the disorderly, comfort the pusillanimous, support the weak, and be patient toward all men. Don't allow any one to return evil for evil, but strive to do all the good you can to one another, and to all the world.

A weak convert receive as a friend without regard to any difference of opinion.

but take care that this liberty of yours does not prove a scandal to the weak. for if any man see you who have a just notion of idols, sitting at table in their temple, will not the person who is wrong in his notions be incouraged to eat what is offered to idols, tho' contrary to his own opinion? so that your notions may endanger the life of thy weak brother, for whom Christ died.read more.
but when you thus offend against the brethren, by wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. wherefore if my eating makes my brother offend, I will never eat flesh rather than make my brother offend.

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, do you, who are spiritual, restore him with all gentleness, taking heed lest you yourselves be overcome by temptation. bear with one another's infirmities, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

wherefore comfort and edify one another, as you have hitherto done.

in charity, in patience: the aged women likewise, to behave with sanctity of manners, not false accusers, not given to tipling, but to lectures on virtue, that they may teach the young women prudence, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, good oeconimists, beneficent, submissive to their husbands,

which is without any mixture, and will make you thrive. Since you have tasted how good the Lord is,

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, nor have you yet sufficient strength.

Brethren, be not childish in understanding: be as innocent as babes, but use your understanding like men.

On this head we have many things to say, not easily to be comprehended, because of your prejudices. for though by this time you ought to be capable of teaching others, you want to be instructed anew in the first principles of the divine oracles; and are in such a state as to stand in need of milk, rather than of solid nourishment. now he that is disciplined like a child, is not prepared for the doctrine of justification:read more.
such solid nourishment is only fit for such as are arriv'd at their full growth and strength, whose senses have been exercis'd in distinguishing what is good, and what is prejudicial.

on the contrary, may you increase in the favour, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! to him be glory both now and for ever. AMEN.

but as we lay aside the veil, the divine light gradually informs the mind, according as we attend to that spiritual sense, which points out the Lord.

but being sincere in mutual love, may be entirely united to Christ, who is the head:

We are oblig'd, my brethren, to render thanks to God continually upon your account, as it is but just; since your faith still improves, and your mutual love is always increasing.