39 Bible Verses about striving

with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Not that I have already attained this -- that is, I have not already been perfected -- but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me.

Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.

I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth, and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile -- like chasing the wind!

"Exert every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.

Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that -- whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent -- I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,

And the Lord's slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient,

Better is one handful with some rest than two hands full of toil and chasing the wind.

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, set things right, be encouraged, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

You have not yet resisted to the point of bloodshed in your struggle against sin.

Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules.

One who argues with his creator is in grave danger, one who is like a mere shard among the other shards on the ground! The clay should not say to the potter, "What in the world are you doing? Your work lacks skill!"

Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.

What does a man acquire from all his labor and from the anxiety that accompanies his toil on earth?

He says, "Stop your striving and recognize that I am God! I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!"

"If men fight, and one strikes his neighbor with a stone or with his fist and he does not die, but must remain in bed,

In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Then I considered all the skillful work that is done: Surely it is nothing more than competition between one person and another. This also is profitless -- like chasing the wind.

Am I now trying to gain the approval of people, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ!

Do not go out hastily to litigation, or what will you do afterward when your neighbor puts you to shame?

So the Lord said, "My spirit will not remain in humankind indefinitely, since they are mortal. They will remain for 120 more years."

Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen.

Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord.

Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to join fervently with me in prayer to God on my behalf.

So let us acknowledge him! Let us seek to acknowledge the Lord! He will come to our rescue as certainly as the appearance of the dawn, as certainly as the winter rain comes, as certainly as the spring rain that waters the land."

Do not let anyone accuse or contend against anyone else: for my case is against you priests!

making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

eternal life to those who by perseverance in good works seek glory and honor and immortality,

This is the reason I do my best to always have a clear conscience toward God and toward people.

By David. O Lord, fight those who fight with me! Attack those who attack me!

He will rescue me and protect me from those who attack me, even though they greatly outnumber me.

For to the one who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to the sinner, he gives the task of amassing wealth -- only to give it to the one who pleases God. This task of the wicked is futile -- like chasing the wind!

Do not wear yourself out to become rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.

It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one's heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile -- like chasing the wind.

But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.