Since 2010, each year I have selected a set of bible verses to help inspire the small business community and myself. I am so blessed by the fact that so many people have shared this information around the world. My pastor recently shared a thought, “The only hands that God has is our hands.” We are truly supposed to be representative of him. Each day, I try to be an example of God’s light and love, and I pray that these words encourage you in your entrepreneurial journey.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) Rejoice always, Pray continually, Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
The most valuable thing you can do for your business is pray over it everyday. You should thank God for the good days and bad days, because bad days are just learning opportunities that help us appreciate good days.
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
If you think of your business as a form of service, you will love your customers and they will feel your love. To many small business owners treat their customers like they are a bother. Be grateful for customers, they are how you feed your family. Try to always have a YES attitude.
Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV) Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
I have met many entrepreneurs who fall into the success trap. Once they start making real money, that’s the most important thing to them. Don’t let money or success change you; neither will give you peace or make you happy. Let your brand be love and a spirit of gratefulness, so regardless of what is in your pocket, no one will know the difference from an up day or a down day.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Make time to encourage other entrepreneurs. Sometimes we all get busy, but don’t ever be too busy to share a meal to inspire, mentor or be a sounding board for another business owner. It’s a heavy burden we carry as business owners, and we all need to remember we are not alone.
Proverbs 12:1 (NIV) Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.
Honest feedback is a gift. Seek it out and embrace it as a learning opportunity. Try not to be defensive. Focus on growth. Being a life long learner is key to being successful in business. Make yourself into a student of business, and you’ll never go wrong.
1 Peter 5:5 (NIV) In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.”
Seek out mentorship. Make sure to position yourself around people who can help you grow.
Colossians 3:13 (NIV) Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Forgiveness is such as asset in business. There will be people who will try to use you, trick you or get over with a better deal than they deserve, but when you hold onto anger you to drinking poison hoping it will make someone else sick. Let it go. Have a short memory when it comes to those who have wronged you.
Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV) Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
Be known for great leadership and service to your customers, but also to your employees and vendors. If you make it about serving them, they will do all they can to serve the best interest of your business. Don’t forget to serve your family too. They go through a lot to support your travel and long work hours. Treat them like your #1 customer.
Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Be patient! What God has for you is for you and it will be amazing when it comes. He can dream it bigger than you can. When I think about what my life was like just 7 years ago, and I see how he continually blesses me as @SmallBizlady, I am living proof of this bible verse.
I know that these powerful verses will bless you and your business this year. Please reach out to me and let me know how you are using this post as a source of inspiration. Now, go out and be a blessing to others. Remember Judges 18:6 (NIV) … “Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord’s approval.”
Thank you, I will incorporate this in my daily habits. Habits I believe will access me in becoming a successful business women.
I am a new business starter. Need guidance and motivation
This is inspiring
Thank you for doing this. It helps me to stay on track with the stuff that really matters.
I find that I need the word of God to help me in my small business endeavors. coming across your website is a blessing . thank you for sharing this vital information…
more grace, more inspiration….
This was very inspirational and I will apply it to my life as a business owner. Thank you for sharing! God bless you!
Thank you, Cherie! Best of luck to you.
Melinda
i appreaciate you much more,for your effort pains and sacrifice to put all these in place.more grace to your Elbow.
I needed to read this. A lot of business owners need God today. If we had more God in business, the integrity part would be extremely high and less greedy CEO’s.
Thanks for reading, Jacob.
-Melinda
Thanks for the encouragement! I don’t have my own business yet but I believe God for it. So thanks for the Scriptures I will try to apply them to my life.
May this post inspire you to start that business, Katrina!
-Melinda
Thanks i
t’s a great encouragement for biz owners
Im a hairstylist and I have a client today coming back in because she isn’t happy with her hair. I haven’t had one of these in years and it came as such a personal blow… I was looking for some guidance and a verse to help me get through this day and came across your post. LOVE THIS. Thank you!
Proverbs 12:1 (NIV) Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.
Honest feedback is a gift. Seek it out and embrace it as a learning opportunity. Try not to be defensive. Focus on growth. Being a life long learner is key to being successful in business. Make yourself into a student of business, and you’ll never go wrong.
This is so wonderful. Did I knw that the Bible can inspire me businesswise.. You such a blessed lady, I pray that this knowledge I have aquired now will help me grow my business… Be blessed.
very inspiring,thanks and be blessed.
Thanks Ms Melinda for sharing these truth with us. It is much appreciated!! I have a copy of “Become your own boss in 12 months” i just started reading it but am loving it. Am keying in to all the facts. God bless you.
This was very touching I am a firm believer and know god mighty works…….But think god I just was googling bible verses for small businesses! This came up…I pray that god continue to shine his blessings up on you!
Thanks for your post,it has ignited my spirit
Again, for the second time we will be starting up a new business, still I’m having fear. After reading this article, I feel relieved, motivated and inspired.
Thanks Yahweh for using this message to give me strength.
Melinda I wanted to say a huge thank you for your love and light and guidance.
You are truly amazing and inspiring.
I am in the process of setting up my own business, I have ordered your book and I am so excited and can’t wait to receive it.
God bless
Angela