Being intentional means being deliberate and purposeful in your actions, thoughts, and behaviors. It means making conscious choices and taking actions that align with your values, goals, and aspirations.

Being intentional requires clarity about what you want to achieve and the steps you must take. It involves setting goals, creating plans, and acting toward achieving them.

As believers of the Gospel,  we believe in the importance of living a purposeful life centered around God’s will and the teachings of Jesus Christ. This requires being intentional about one’s actions, thoughts, and choices and striving to align them with these principles.

Intentionality is also essential in the practice of prayer and worship. Christians believe a prayer is a powerful tool for communicating with God. Still, it requires a deliberate and intentional effort to set aside time for prayer and focus one’s mind on God’s presence.

Additionally, Christians are called to be intentional in their relationships with others, seeking to love and serve their neighbors as themselves. This requires intentionally showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, even in difficult situations.

Bible Verses on Being Intentional

Psalm 90:12

So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Proverbs 16:3

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Proverbs 21:5

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Hebrews 10:23-24

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.

Scriptures on Being Intentional KJV

Colossians 4:5

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 10:26

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing…

Proverbs 13:4

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Proverbs 21:5

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Hebrews 5:14

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Matthew 25:31-43

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…

Leviticus 4:2

Speak to the people of Israel, saying, If anyone sins unintentionally in any of the Lord’s commandments about things not to be done, and does any one of them,

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

Bible Verses about Being Intentional in Relationships

Proverbs 4:23

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Philippians 2:4

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Ephesians 5:21

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Bible Verses about Being Purposeful

Jeremiah 29:11

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.

Proverbs 16:3

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Proverbs 16:9

The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Matthew 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Acts 17:26

And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Being Intentional with God

Being intentional with God means making a deliberate effort to cultivate a relationship with Him and to live by His will. Here are some ways to be intentional with God:

• Prayer: Pray regularly and intentionally, setting aside specific times during the day to connect with God. Pray for guidance, wisdom, and strength to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
• Bible study: Read and study the Bible regularly to better understand God’s character and His will for your life. Apply what you learn to your daily life and seek to live following biblical principles.
• Worship: Attend church regularly and participate in worship services, praising God and giving thanks for His goodness and blessings.
• Serve others: Serve others with a spirit of love and compassion, following the example of Jesus Christ. Look for opportunities to minister to those in need and share God’s love.
• Be mindful of your thoughts and actions: Be intentional about what you think and act, seeking to honor God in all you do. Ask God to help you identify areas where you need to grow and give you the strength and wisdom to overcome any challenges.

By being intentional with God, you can deepen your relationship with Him and experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment that come from living a life that is pleasing to Him.

What does it mean to be intentional with God

To be intentional with God means to be purposeful and deliberate in your relationship with Him. It means consciously seeking Him, communicating with Him, and obeying Him in every aspect of your life.

Being intentional with God involves setting aside time for prayer, reading and studying the Bible, attending church or fellowship with other believers, and seeking to understand and apply His will for your life.

It also means seeking His guidance in decision-making, surrendering your plans to Him, and trusting Him to lead you down the path He has for you.

Moreover, being intentional with God means making Him the center of your life and seeking to glorify Him in all you do. It is about developing a deep and meaningful relationship with Him and striving to grow in your faith and love for Him daily.

Bible characters who were intentional

Many Bible characters were intentional in their faith and relationship with God. Here are a few examples:

1. Daniel – Daniel was intentional in his devotion to God, even in the face of persecution. He prayed three times a day, as was his custom, despite a decree that forbade him from doing so (Daniel 6:10).
2. David – David was intentional in seeking after God’s heart. He wrote many Psalms expressing his deep love for God and his desired to follow Him. David also showed intentionality in repenting and returning to God when he sinned (Psalm 51).
3. Mary – Mary, the mother of Jesus, was intentional in her obedience to God. When the angel Gabriel appeared and told her she would bear a son, she responded with faith and surrender, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).
4. Paul – Paul was intentional in his mission to spread the gospel and make disciples. He endured persecution, imprisonment, and shipwrecks but remained steadfast in his commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:24).

Examples of Jesus being intentional

Jesus was the perfect example of intentionality in all aspects of His life and ministry. Here are a few examples:

1. Prayer – Jesus was intentional about spending time in prayer with His Father. He often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16), and spent an entire night in prayer before choosing His twelve disciples (Luke 6:12-13).
2. Relationships – Jesus was intentional in His relationships with others. He listened to people, showed compassion, and met their needs. He intentionally reached out to the outcasts and marginalized, demonstrating the love of God to all (Luke 19:1-10).
3. Teaching – Jesus was intentional in His teaching, using parables and other methods to convey essential truths to His followers. He often used everyday experiences and objects to illustrate spiritual principles, making His teaching accessible to everyone (Matthew 13:34-35).
4. Sacrifice – Jesus was intentional in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, giving His life for the sins of humanity. He willingly endured the pain and suffering of the cross because of His deep love for us (John 15:13).