13 Ignored Bible Verses That Will Transform Your Life

Did you know that a lot of Christians today, which may even include you and me, ignore certain Bible verses in the Bible? Yes, that’s right! That’s why, in this blog, let me share with you 13 of the most ignored bible verses by many Christians.

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself skimming through certain Bible verses, feeling their weight but quickly moving on, as if they were too challenging to truly embrace? You’re not alone.

In today’s fast-paced world, many Christians find themselves selectively following Scripture, gravitating towards the comforting passages while quietly sidestepping those that demand more of us. We know the verses—we’ve heard them in sermons, read them in our quiet times—but how often do we truly live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God?

The truth is, it’s easy to cherry-pick the verses that align with our current lifestyle or that require the least amount of sacrifice. But what about those verses that challenge us to love our enemies, to give generously, to live a life of purity, or to trust God in the face of overwhelming anxiety?

These are the verses that, if followed, could radically transform our lives and our faith.

In this blog, I want to shed light on this overlooked reality within modern Christianity. We need to confront the tendency to ignore the harder teachings of the Bible, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because these teachings hold the key to a deeper, more authentic walk with God.

So, let’s dive into 13 of the most commonly ignored Bible verses, and together, let’s rediscover the power and purpose they hold for our lives.

5 Reasons For Ignored Bible Verses

According to a report, the American Bible Society found out that about 26 million people stopped reading the Bible during the pandemic. However, the pandemic is not the only reason people start ignoring the Bible.

Christians may ignore certain Bible verses for a variety of reasons, each rooted in the complexities of human nature, societal influences, and spiritual struggles. Here are some key reasons:

1. Conviction Avoidance

The Bible is a mirror that reflects our flaws and shortcomings. Certain verses convict us of sins we’d rather not confront, such as pride, unforgiveness, or greed. Rather than facing the discomfort of conviction, it can be easier to gloss over or avoid those passages altogether.

2. Misinterpretation or Lack of Understanding

Some verses are ignored simply because they are difficult to understand or seem contradictory to other parts of Scripture. Without proper interpretation or guidance, these verses might be set aside as too confusing or irrelevant.

3. Fear of Change

Many Bible verses call for significant changes in behavior, mindset, or lifestyle. For example, verses that encourage us to forgive those who hurt us or to give up material wealth can be intimidating. Fear of the unknown or the potential discomfort that comes with change can lead to ignoring these challenging teachings.

4. Spiritual Apathy

In the busyness of life, spiritual apathy can set in, making it easy to neglect the deeper demands of Scripture. When our relationship with God becomes more about routine than genuine connection, it’s easy to ignore verses that call us to a higher standard of living.

5. Selective Application

Some Christians may selectively apply Scripture, focusing on verses that support their personal beliefs or justify their actions while ignoring those that challenge them. This selective approach can create a skewed understanding of God’s word, where only the “comfortable” verses are followed.

Ultimately, ignoring Bible verses can weaken a Christian’s spiritual life, leading to a shallow faith that misses out on the fullness of what God offers. Addressing this tendency requires intentionality, humility, and a willingness to embrace the whole counsel of God’s word, even when it challenges us to step outside our comfort zones.

13 Ignored Bible Verses You Should Know

There’s no denying that many Christians today overlook a significant number of Bible verses. In fact, a Gallup survey mentioned the following:

“A record-low 20% of Americans now say the Bible is the literal word of God, down from 24% the last time the question was asked in 2017, and half of what it was at its high points in 1980 and 1984. Meanwhile, a new high of 29% say the Bible is a collection of “fables, legends, history and moral precepts recorded by man.”

By ignoring, I mean they are aware of these verses but choose not to follow what they teach. They don’t live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. More often than not, a typical Christian will simply choose whatever is convenient for them to follow at any given time.

To help you understand this prevailing problem in Christianity, I want to raise awareness by sharing a list of the most ignored Bible verses. In this blog, I’ll share with you 13 Bible verses that many Christians often overlook.

1. James 1:27

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

Many people today consider themselves religious. They attend church, participate in rituals, and speak the language of faith. But as we look deeper, we must ask ourselves: Does our religion align with what God defines as pure and undefiled?

James 1:27 cuts through the superficial and goes straight to the heart of true religion. It’s not about appearances; it’s about actions—actions that reflect the very character of God. James tells us that real faith is evident in how we care for the vulnerable. Orphans and widows, in the context of the early church, were among the most defenseless and marginalized individuals. They had no one to support them, no safety net to catch them when they fell. And James is clear: True religion is about stepping into their pain, offering help, and being the hands and feet of Jesus (Yahshua) in a broken world.

But James doesn’t stop there. He pairs this call to compassionate action with a call to personal holiness: “to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” In today’s society, we’re constantly bombarded with influences that can stain our character and pull us away from God’s standards. It’s easy to compromise, to let a little bit of the world’s values seep into our lives. But James reminds us that true religion isn’t just about what we do—it’s also about who we are. We are called to live in the world, but not to be of it. We must guard our hearts, our minds, and our actions, ensuring that they remain pure before God.

This verse is a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that true religion isn’t about the external; it’s about the internal transformation that leads to outward action. It challenges us to examine our lives, to ask ourselves: Are we living out a faith that is pure and undefiled before God?

2. Matthew 5:44

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

Loving our enemies—just reading those words can stir up resistance in our hearts. In a world that often celebrates revenge and justifies holding grudges, Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:44 feels countercultural, even impossible. But this is exactly what makes the Christian faith so radical, so transformative.

When Jesus calls us to love our enemies, He isn’t asking us to condone their actions or to ignore the pain they’ve caused. Instead, He’s challenging us to rise above our natural instincts and to reflect the love and grace that He has shown us.

Loving our enemies doesn’t mean we have to feel warm and fuzzy towards them; it means choosing to act in love, even when our emotions tell us otherwise. It means blessing those who curse us, doing good to those who hate us, and praying for those who persecute us.

This kind of love is powerful because it breaks the cycle of hatred and revenge. It opens the door for healing, for reconciliation, and for God’s redemptive work to take place. It’s easy to love those who love us back, but Jesus calls us to a higher standard—a love that mirrors His own sacrificial love on the cross.

When we embrace this command, we allow God to work in and through us in ways that go beyond human understanding. We become vessels of His grace, channels of His peace, and instruments of His love in a world that desperately needs it.

3. 1 Timothy 6:10

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

In a world where success is often measured by wealth, it’s no surprise that Paul’s warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 is frequently ignored or misunderstood. We live in a society that encourages the pursuit of financial gain, often at the expense of spiritual growth, relationships, and integrity. But Paul’s words are a stark reminder of the dangers that come with prioritizing money above all else.

Notice that Paul doesn’t say money itself is evil—it’s the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil. It’s the insatiable desire for more, the greed that blinds us to the needs of others, and the pursuit of wealth that leads us away from God. This love of money can lead to all sorts of destructive behaviors: dishonesty, exploitation, and a hardened heart that cares more about profit than people.

Paul also speaks of the consequences of this love—how it can lead people to stray from the faith and pierce themselves with many sorrows. We see this all around us: lives destroyed by the pursuit of wealth, families torn apart by greed, and souls burdened by the empty promises of materialism. The love of money promises happiness but delivers heartache.

As Christians, we’re called to a different standard. We’re called to be stewards of the resources God has given us, to use them for His glory and the good of others, not for selfish gain. We’re called to find our contentment in Christ, not in the fleeting pleasures of wealth. When we understand this, we can break free from the love of money and experience the true riches that come from a life lived in service to God and others.

4. Matthew 7:21

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

Matthew 7:21 is one of those verses that can send chills down the spine of any believer. It’s a sobering reminder that mere words are not enough to secure our place in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is clear: calling Him “Lord” without living a life that reflects His lordship is empty. It’s not enough to profess faith with our lips if our hearts and actions are far from God’s will.

In this verse, Jesus challenges the notion of superficial faith—a faith that is all talk and no action. He is not impressed by lip service or religious rituals done for show. What He seeks is obedience, a life that is in alignment with the will of the Father. This is where many falter. It’s easy to say the right things, to participate in church activities, and to go through the motions of religious life. But true discipleship goes deeper; it requires a transformation of the heart that leads to a life of obedience.

This verse calls us to examine our faith. Are we merely calling Jesus “Lord,” or are we living as if He truly is the Lord of our lives? Are we seeking to do the will of the Father in every area of our lives, or are we content with a superficial faith that requires little of us? Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21 are a wake-up call to move beyond empty religion and into a life of genuine obedience to God.

5. Luke 9:23

“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'”

Luke 9:23 presents us with one of the most challenging calls in all of Scripture: the call to self-denial and daily discipleship. In a world that glorifies self-gratification, comfort, and personal achievement, Jesus’ words stand in stark contrast. He doesn’t call us to a life of ease or self-indulgence; He calls us to a life of sacrifice and commitment.

To deny oneself means to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and comforts in order to follow Christ. It’s a call to prioritize His will over our own, to surrender our lives fully to Him. Taking up our cross daily is not a one-time decision; it’s a daily commitment to live for Christ, even when it’s difficult, even when it requires sacrifice.

The cross, in Jesus’ time, was a symbol of death—a brutal and humiliating execution. So, when Jesus tells us to take up our cross, He’s calling us to die to ourselves, to put to death our selfish desires, and to live for Him.

This level of commitment is rare in a culture that values self above all else. Yet, it’s the path to true discipleship. It’s the way of the Christianity, a way that leads to life, not through comfort or ease, but through sacrifice and surrender. When we embrace this call, we find that in losing our lives for Christ’s sake, we truly find them.

6. Hebrews 10:25

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

In an increasingly individualistic society, where personal autonomy and independence are prized, the importance of gathering together with other believers is often neglected. Yet, Hebrews 10:25 reminds us that regular fellowship is not just a good idea—it’s essential to our spiritual health.

The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. We are part of a body, interconnected with one another, and we need each other for encouragement, support, and accountability. When we gather together, we strengthen one another in faith, we remind each other of God’s promises, and we build each other up in love. This is especially important as we see the Day of Christ’s return approaching, a time when the world will grow darker, and the challenges to our faith will increase.

Forsaking the assembly of believers weakens us spiritually. It leaves us vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks and deprives us of the encouragement we need to stay strong in the faith. Regular fellowship is not just about attending church services; it’s about being in community with other believers, sharing life together, praying for one another, and spurring each other on to love and good deeds.

In a world that often pulls us away from community, Hebrews 10:25 calls us back to the essential practice of gathering together. It’s a reminder that we are stronger together and that we need each other as we journey toward the Day of Christ’s return.

7. Ephesians 4:29

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Words have immense power—the power to build up or tear down, to heal or to wound. Ephesians 4:29 is a clear call for believers to be mindful of the words that come out of their mouths. In a world where gossip, criticism, and harsh speech are all too common, this verse reminds us that our words should always serve to edify and encourage others.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of speaking carelessly, especially in environments where negative talk is the norm. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. Our words should reflect the grace we’ve received from God, offering the same grace to those around us. This means choosing words that uplift, encourage, and build others up, even when it’s easier to criticize or tear down.

Speaking edifying words doesn’t mean avoiding hard truths, but it does mean speaking the truth in love, with the intent of helping and not harming. When we allow our words to be guided by grace, we not only bless others, but we also reflect the character of Christ. This verse challenges us to examine our speech and commit to using our words as instruments of grace and edification.

8. Matthew 18:15-16

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”

In today’s culture, conflicts are often handled poorly—through gossip, public shaming, or outright avoidance. But Jesus gives us a clear and loving method for resolving disputes among believers in Matthew 18:15-16. This passage teaches us to address conflicts directly and privately, with the goal of reconciliation.

When someone sins against us, our natural response might be to talk about it with others or to harbor resentment. But Jesus calls us to something different: to go to the person directly and address the issue privately. This approach shows respect for the other person and opens the door for healing and restoration. It’s about seeking to win the person back, not to win the argument.

If the person doesn’t listen, Jesus instructs us to take one or two others with us, not to gang up on them, but to ensure that the conversation is fair and that the truth is established. This method of conflict resolution is rooted in love and humility, aiming for restoration rather than division. Unfortunately, this approach is often ignored in favor of more harmful methods, but when followed, it leads to peace, understanding, and stronger relationships within the body of Christ.

9. Colossians 3:9

“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”

Honesty and integrity are foundational to the Christian life, yet lying and deceit can easily creep into our daily interactions, even among believers. Colossians 3:9 calls us to a life of truthfulness, reminding us that as followers of Christ, we have put off the old self with its deceitful practices.

Lying may seem like a small sin to some, but it undermines trust and damages relationships. When we lie, we are acting in contradiction to the new nature we have in Christ. We are called to live in the light, to be people of truth who reflect the character of God in all we do. This means being honest, not just in the big things, but in the small things as well.

In a world where dishonesty is often justified or excused, Christians are called to stand out by living lives of integrity. When we commit to telling the truth, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient, we demonstrate the transforming power of the gospel in our lives. Colossians 3:9 is a call to live authentically, with honesty and integrity, as we walk in the newness of life that Christ has given us.

10. Philippians 2:14-15

“Do everything without grumbling or complaining, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

Grumbling and complaining have become almost second nature to many of us. It’s easy to fall into the habit of voicing our displeasure, whether it’s about our circumstances, our jobs, or even our relationships. Yet, in Philippians 2:14-15, we find a challenge that sets a higher standard for believers. We are called to do everything—yes, everything—without grumbling or complaining.

Why is this so important? Because our attitude as Christians reflects our faith to the world around us. When we choose to embrace our tasks and challenges with a spirit of gratitude rather than grumbling, we become blameless and innocent, shining as lights in a world darkened by negativity and dissatisfaction. This doesn’t mean we ignore difficulties or pretend everything is fine when it isn’t, but it does mean we respond to life’s challenges with faith and trust in God, rather than with complaints.

Living out this verse is a powerful testimony to the transformative work of Christ in our lives. It’s an invitation to stand out in a world that often feels entitled to complain, showing instead the joy and peace that come from a life surrendered to God.

11. Philippians 4:6

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, anxiety has become a constant companion for many. The pressures of daily life, financial concerns, health issues, and global uncertainties can all contribute to a sense of overwhelming worry. Yet, in Philippians 4:6, Paul gives us a profound instruction: “Be anxious for nothing.”

This command may seem impossible at first glance, but it comes with a promise and a method. Instead of being consumed by anxiety, we are to bring everything to God in prayer. With a heart full of thanksgiving, we are to present our requests to Him, trusting that He cares for us and is in control.

This verse invites us to exchange our anxiety for peace, through a relationship with God that is built on trust and constant communication. It’s a reminder that no matter what we face, we are not alone, and we don’t have to carry our burdens by ourselves. In a world full of anxiety, this passage is a lifeline to peace, but it’s a promise that is often overlooked or forgotten in the rush and worry of life.

12. Romans 12:2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

The pressure to conform to the patterns of this world is immense. Society bombards us with messages about success, happiness, and identity, often urging us to adopt values and behaviors that are contrary to the teachings of Christ. Romans 12:2, however, offers a radical alternative: do not conform, but be transformed.

This transformation begins in the mind. As believers, we are called to renew our minds through the Word of God, allowing His truth to reshape our thoughts, our attitudes, and ultimately, our lives. This process of renewal helps us to discern and live out God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will, even in a world that pulls us in the opposite direction.

Ignoring this call to transformation is easy, especially when the world’s influence is so pervasive. Yet, living a life that is distinctively Christian—a life that refuses to conform to worldly standards—is essential for demonstrating the power of the gospel. Romans 12:2 challenges us to resist the easy path of conformity and instead embrace the transforming work of God in our lives.

13. Matthew 28:19-20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

The Great Commission is the cornerstone of Christian mission, yet it is often neglected in practice. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. This is not a suggestion or a task for a select few; it is a call for every believer to actively participate in spreading the gospel.

Making disciples involves more than just sharing the good news; it includes baptizing new believers and teaching them to obey all that Jesus has commanded. This is a lifelong journey of growth and learning, both for the disciple and the discipler. However, many Christians either leave this responsibility to others or feel inadequate to fulfill it themselves.

Jesus reassures us that as we go about this mission, we are not alone. He is with us always, guiding and empowering us. Yet, the urgency and importance of this command can often be overshadowed by our own fears, distractions, or complacency. Matthew 28:19-20 is a powerful reminder that the mission of making disciples is at the heart of what it means to follow Jesus, and it is a mission we must embrace with courage and commitment.

Putting an End to Ignored Bible Verses

It’s clear that many Bible verses are often overlooked, but we are called to live by every word that proceeds from God’s mouth (Matthew 4:4). This call is not merely about acknowledging these scriptures, but about truly internalizing them and allowing them to shape our lives.

As we move forward, let us commit to not only memorizing these verses but also embedding their truths into our daily actions and decisions. By doing so, we honor God’s Word and live out the transformative power of Scripture in our everyday lives. Let us strive to be more than hearers of the Word—let us be doers, reflecting the teachings of the Bible in every aspect of our lives.

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