By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

It’s that time again! Some of you are returning to high school or college, while others are stepping foot on campus for the first time. You might be feeling excited, nervous, or maybe a mix of both. A new school year can stir up lots of emotions, for you and your parents and teachers. That can lead to tension at home and in the classroom.

I have four scriptures for us to review that I hope you will find encouraging. You may want to write them down on sticky notes and post them somewhere you can read them throughout the day. I suggest on your mirror, inside a notebook, or even on your car visor. When you’re experiencing a difficult moment, you can turn to these scripture verses and remember how much God loves you and how much power you wield as a follower of Jesus.

That’s right, you have power. It doesn’t always feel that way, does it? But you do. You have the power to speak up when something is wrong, to lead by example, and to change the world. Wherever you are-your classroom, your dorm room, your campus-that is your ministry. That is where you can share God’s love with others and show people a different way of living. Pretty cool, huh?

The Student Becomes the Teacher

You may be a student, but there’s a lot you can teach others. The wonderful thing about school is that teaching occurs inside and outside the classroom, and not just by teachers. Coaches, counselors, janitors, even other students, can all teach one another. I promise your teachers and professors learn just as much from you as you do from them! Don’t believe me? Let’s take a look at two scripture verses about how students can teach too.

1 Timothy 4:12 – Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.

Other people will know Christ by the manner of your living. When you smile at someone in the hallway, or sit with someone at lunch who is sitting alone, or volunteer to help in the classroom, you are acting as Christ’s hands and feet. It’s possible that your actions may be the only time someone experiences God’s love. Set a good example of what it means to follow Christ, and you just might change someone’s life. Remember, it’s not just your classmates who are watching you. Your teachers also see you. It doesn’t matter that you are younger than them, or that they are the authority figures. They can still learn from how you live your life.

Galatians 6:6 – But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches.

The world isn’t always kind. High school and college campuses are often places of intense judgment. Teasing and bullying occur fairly frequently. Peer pressure is real. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming, like nothing you do makes a difference. Let me assure you that every act of kindness makes a significant difference. Your words and actions have power. The ability to make the world a better place lies within you because the Holy Spirit lives inside you. That little voice in the back of your end telling you that something is unjust? That’s the Spirit nudging you to speak up and stand up. I know it can be scary but if you pray for confidence, God will give it to you.

Never Stop Learning

While there is much you can teach others, you are still in school to learn. And there’s so much to learn! Remember, education is broader than the state-mandated curriculum. Athletes learn sportsmanship and teamwork. Artists learn how to see the world through different perspectives. Look to your teachers, coaches, and peers to learn from their lives and experiences.

Philippians 4:9 – Do the things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Whether you attend a religious school or a secular school, your teachers have more to teach you than the standard subject matter. Math and science are important, yes, but don’t ignore the life lessons your teachers impart. A good teacher doesn’t just care about you as a student but also as a person. They understand that you have hopes and dreams, along with challenges and obstacles. While they may not always be able to address your desires and concerns directly, they can still give you a safe space to be yourself and to explore those desires and concerns on your own. The patience and kindness they extend to you and your classmates is their way of reflecting Christ’s love. When you follow the example of Godly teachers, you will find peace in both your soul and in the classroom.

Psalm 143:10 – Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God.
Your Spirit is good.
    Lead me in the land of uprightness.

Jesus is the ultimate Teacher. He often uses the people in our lives to teach us how to live and follow God’s will. This can include our peers. Your classmates may come from different countries and different religions. They may play different sports or listen to different music or read different books than you do. It’s through those differences that you can learn about yourself and about God. Jesus tells us to love our neighbors. Your classmates are your neighbors! Even though their lives may look completely different from yours, they still deserve your love and mercy. That is God’s ultimate will for us, to love as Jesus loves.

Happy New Year

As a new school year begins, my prayer for you is that remember how much God loves you. None of us can predict how this year will go. We can, however, keep God at the center of our lives and trust in God’s timing and providence. Most of all, we can take the initiative to live our lives in ways that are pleasing to God and that reflect God’s love to those around us.

Best of luck to you this school year.

All scripture verses are quoted from the World English Bible, public domain.