Graduating high school or college is a significant achievement — one that sends young people into totally new phases of life. With that in mind, there are many graduation Bible verses worth sharing.
These Bible verses for graduates offer advice, guidance and reminders that can help graduates focus on what matters most as they enter a new season of life: their faith and reliance in God. Share these Bible verses for graduation with friends, family, neighbors and anyone you know who's moving on to the next chapter of their life.
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10 Bible Verses for the Graduates in Your Life
These Bible verses for high school graduates and college graduates will help parents and young people, alike, prepare for their next chapters in life.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
This Bible verse about graduation reminds us that God will never leave us. It’s one of the most important Bible verse for high school and college graduates, as many will move away from home and start living on their own for the first time, or enter the work force full-time for the first time in their lives. A new chapter in our lives can feel scary at first, but this Bible verse reminds us that God is with us at all times. It’s a reminder of God’s absolute faithfulness.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Leaving high school or college forces people to come up with a plan, whether that be choosing a university or heading into the workforce. What's important during that time period is involving God in discerning our next steps in life. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan for our lives but we must be willing to seek it out. This is one of the most important graduation Bible verses to keep in mind, as it can serve as a true encouragement for graduates to trust God with the next phase of their lives.
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
While graduating and moving onto the next phase of life can be scary, it's also a time to celebrate the hard work that went into moving on to university or earning a degree. Graduation Bible verses can also remind graduates to celebrate their accomplishment and give thanks to God for His guidance and support to get us where we are in life.
Among Bible verses for graduates, Colossians 3:23 reminds us that we are truly working for God, no matter what we do. So, this is one of the Bible verses for college graduates that shows the importance of keeping God at the center of our accomplishments and hard work.
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1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Entering their next phase in life, graduates may feel too young to be taking those next steps. 1 Timothy 4:12 is among the graduation Bible verses that reminds young people not to let their age be a barrier. But one of the reasons that it’s one of the great Bible verses for high school students is that it encourages love, faith and purity – characteristics that aren’t always present in the college experience. This is great leadership advice for young Christians heading to college.
1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)
“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
In a world in which there is so much chaos and infighting, 1 Corinthians 13:8 is among the Bible verses for college graduates and Bible verses for high school graduates that focuses on an essential reminder: “Love never fails.” Entering college or the work force plunges us into an entirely new environment and gives high school and college graduates the chance to form new friendships and relationships. It's important to enter these new relationships with love, so that we can share the light and joy of Jesus with those around us. Remembering to love people — even enemies and those we disagree with — is essential.
Read Also: 10 Powerful Lessons About Love From 1 Corinthians 13: Love Is Patient
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Graduation Bible verses like Philippians 4:4 simply encourage people to rejoice in God no matter what happens. Life can get tough after graduation, as there are many decisions that must be made. But on the day of graduation, it's important to celebrate and give thanks to God for the academic achievements graduates have accomplished thus far. Rather than getting overwhelmed by the unknown of the future, this Bible verse for graduates is a reminder to trust and give thanks to God.
Psalm 119:105-106 (NIV)
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.”
Encouraging young people to let God light their path is essential. Psalm 119:105-106 offers a powerful example of a graduation Bible verse that can have an impact on anyone’s life. As graduates enter the next phase of their life, it's important to remember that all the works we do should glorify -- and point back to -- God. Young people, in particular, have the chance to reflect on God’s goodness as they seek direction.
Psalm 51:10-11 (NIV)
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.”
Young people face many challenges and temptations today. Entering a new university or workplace can cause added peer pressure because we're seeking to build new relationships and be accepted by our collegues and coworkers. Wanting to be accepted, we may be pressured to do things that don't align with the path God is calling us to walk. This is among the Bible verses for graduates that reminds us to ask God to keep our hearts pure and to renew our hearts and minds in those moments of temptation. This is the perfect Bible verse for college and high school graduates to remind them to keep their eyes on the Lord.
Read Also: 5 Powerful Prayers for Heart Change and Life Transformation
James 1:12 (NIV)
“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.”
There will surely be trials in life -- in fact, there usually are trials and tribulations on the path to high school or college graduation. But Bible verses for high school and college graduates like this one remind young people of the importance of their faith during those tough times. If and when challenges and moments of persecution come, this verse encourages people to stay close to God — something that will serve graduates well in their lives.
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Despite challenges in life, this is one of the Bible verses for graduates that reminds them that, no matter what happens, human beings can’t be separated from God’s love. In a new phase of life, it's easy to get caught up in the anxiety and stress of adjusting to all the changes and new experiences. We may feel lonely or like we're the only ones going through those speed bumps at that exact moment and feel far from God. But it's important for high school and college graduates to remember God's love is always there and always available to us. Challenges will certainly come, but there is always hope in Christ.
That rounds out the end of our list of Bible verses for high school graduates and Bible verses for college graduates. We hope you’ll share these Bible verses for graduates with your friends and loved ones.
And if you’re looking for a way to encourage young people who are heading off to college or into the workforce, consider sending them our free Christian Movies that Teach the Fruit of the Spirit guide.
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