Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "personal" in the Bible encompasses the intimate and individual relationship between God and human beings, as well as the personal responsibilities and characteristics of individuals. This entry explores the personal nature of God, the personal relationship between God and humanity, and the personal attributes and responsibilities of individuals as depicted in the Scriptures.1. The Personal Nature of God The Bible presents God as a personal being who engages with His creation in a relational manner. Unlike deistic views that portray God as distant and uninvolved, the Scriptures reveal a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people. In Genesis 1:27, it is stated, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This verse highlights the personal nature of God in creating humans with the capacity for relationship. God's personal nature is further demonstrated through His interactions with individuals throughout the Bible. For example, in Exodus 3:4, God calls Moses by name from the burning bush, saying, "Moses, Moses!" This direct communication underscores the personal relationship God seeks with His people. 2. Personal Relationship with God The Bible emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God. This relationship is characterized by faith, obedience, and love. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the command is given, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This verse underscores the personal commitment and devotion expected from believers. The New Testament further elaborates on this personal relationship through the person of Jesus Christ. In John 15:15, Jesus tells His disciples, "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you." This passage highlights the intimate and personal nature of the relationship between Jesus and His followers. 3. Personal Attributes and Responsibilities The Bible also addresses the personal attributes and responsibilities of individuals. Believers are called to cultivate personal virtues such as love, humility, and integrity. In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These personal attributes are evidence of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. Personal responsibility is a recurring theme in Scripture. In Romans 14:12, Paul writes, "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." This verse emphasizes the personal accountability each individual has before God, underscoring the importance of living a life that aligns with God's will. 4. Personal Prayer and Worship Personal prayer and worship are vital aspects of the believer's relationship with God. Jesus taught His disciples to pray in a personal and intimate manner, as seen in Matthew 6:6: "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." This instruction highlights the personal and private nature of prayer as a means of communion with God. The Psalms provide numerous examples of personal worship and prayer, expressing a wide range of emotions and personal experiences. Psalm 139:1-2 declares, "O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar." This passage reflects the personal knowledge and care God has for each individual. In summary, the Bible presents a God who is personal and relational, inviting individuals into a deep and meaningful relationship with Him. Believers are called to cultivate personal virtues, embrace personal responsibilities, and engage in personal prayer and worship as they walk with God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to a particular person; relating to, or affecting, an individual, or each Of many individuals; peculiar or proper to private concerns; not public or general; as, personal comfort; personal desire.2. (a.) Pertaining to human beings as distinct from things. 3. (a.) Pertaining to the external or bodily appearance; corporeal; as, personal charms. 4. (a.) Done in person; without the intervention of another. 5. (a.) Relating to an individual, his character, conduct, motives, or private affairs, in an invidious and offensive manner; as, personal reflections or remarks. 6. (a.) Denoting person; as, a personal pronoun. Greek 5429. phronimos -- practically wise, sensible ... Cognate: 5429 (an adjective, derived from 5424 , "personal perspective regulating outward behavior," and the root of the English term "diaphragm" which ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5429.htm - 8k 2398. idios -- one's own, distinct 1774. enoikeo -- to dwell in 1189. deomai -- to want, entreat 1108. gnosis -- a knowing, knowledge 4065. periphroneo -- to examine on all sides, to despise 1588. eklektos -- select, by impl. favorite 5384. philos -- beloved, dear, friendly 5427. phronema -- the thought (that which is in the mind) 846. autos -- (1) self (emphatic) (2) he, she, it (used for the ... Strong's Hebrew 8334. sharath -- to minister, serve... root Definition to minister, serve NASB Word Usage assist (1), attendant (4), attended (2), became his personal servant (1), minister (26), ministered (4 ... /hebrew/8334.htm - 6k 834. asher -- who, which, that 2257. chabal -- a hurt, injury 7379. rib -- strife, dispute 5079. niddah -- impurity 6440. panim -- face, faces Library Personal Friendships of Jesus Personal Service A Personal Experience. Whether "Gift" is a Personal Name? Travel. A Personal Experience. the Duty of Personal Catechizing and Instructing the Flock ... Personal Experience Pastoral and Personal The Personal Character of this Book. Our Hope is the Personal Return of Our Redeemer. Thesaurus Personal (15 Occurrences)... to, or affecting, an individual, or each Of many individuals; peculiar or proper to private concerns; not public or general; as, personal comfort; personal... /p/personal.htm - 11k Guilt (180 Occurrences) Personality Experience (28 Occurrences) Excommunication Pain (172 Occurrences) Magician (5 Occurrences) Ministry (44 Occurrences) Magic (12 Occurrences) Amos (12 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about personal responsibility? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to have a personal relationship with God? | GotQuestions.org Is the concept of personal prophecy biblical? | GotQuestions.org Personal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Personal (15 Occurrences)Acts 10:7 Acts 12:20 Acts 24:23 2 Corinthians 10:1 2 Corinthians 10:10 Philippians 2:4 James 2:1 Genesis 26:26 Genesis 39:4 1 Kings 4:5 2 Kings 12:4 1 Chronicles 29:3 Esther 2:2 Daniel 1:5 Daniel 1:19 Subtopics Related Terms |