Colossians 2 - CEV Revised 2006 (Global CEV) (CEVUS06)

7 Biblical Principles for Zimbabwean Returnees Starting Over

Walking back into your family home after years away can feel… awkward. The children who once called you “Uncle” or “Auntie” are now adults. Your younger siblings have families of their own. Your parents have grown older. Your cousins have built lives you know very little about. And now, because of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, you’re living under someone else’s roof again.

You may be grateful to be safe.

But you may also feel like you’re an inconvenience.

You might wonder:

“Will they get tired of me?”

“How long can I stay here?”

“What if they think I’ve failed?”

These feelings are normal.

Starting over isn’t just about finding a job or starting a business, it’s also about rebuilding relationships. The good news is this: every strong future begins with strong foundations, and family can become part of that foundation if we choose humility, gratitude, and wisdom.

1. Start with Gratitude, Not Expectations

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

“And be thankful.”

Your relatives didn’t have to open their home to you. Many families are already carrying financial pressures of their own. A simple “thank you” goes further than you think.

Don’t assume hospitality.

Appreciate it.

Small acts matter.

Wash the dishes.

Sweep the yard.

Cook a meal.

Help with the children.

Run errands.

Gratitude isn’t just something you say. It’s something you demonstrate. People may forget your words, but they’ll remember how you made life easier for them.

2. Don’t Try to Pick Up Where You Left Off

Romans 12:18 (NIV)

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Years have passed, people have changed, family dynamics have changed. Don’t expect relationships to feel exactly as they did before you left.

Instead of saying,

“You’ve changed.”

Ask questions, listen, get to know your relatives again. Celebrate their milestones. Learn their routines. Rebuilding trust takes time, but every meaningful conversation lays another brick in the relationship.

3. Choose Humility Over Pride

Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Living with relatives means adjusting to their way of doing things.

Their house has its own rules.

Respect them.

If they eat dinner at a certain time, join them.

If they have household responsibilities, ask where you can help.

Humility isn’t weakness.

It’s maturity.

People are more likely to support someone who is willing to learn than someone who acts entitled.

4. Be a Contributor, Not Just a Guest

Acts 20:35 (NIV)

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Even if you don’t have money yet, you still have something to offer.

Your time.

Your skills.

Your energy.

Can you repair a broken gate?

Help a child with homework?

Fix a leaking tap?

Start a vegetable garden?

Teach someone a skill you learned while living in South Africa?

Contribution changes how people see you, and how you see yourself.

You stop feeling like a burden and start becoming part of the solution.

5. Let Go of Shame and Ask for Wise Advice

Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Your relatives may know people who are hiring. They may know someone looking for a business partner. They may have advice about your community that you don’t have yet. Don’t let pride stop you from learning. Asking for guidance isn’t admitting defeat. It’s taking the first step toward rebuilding.

6. Build Trust Before You Build a Business

Luke 16:10 (NIV)

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…”

Before people invest in your dream, they’ll watch your character.

Are you dependable?

Do you keep your word?

Do you respect other people’s property?

Do you show up when you say you will?

Trust is one of the greatest forms of capital you’ll ever have.

Strong relationships often open doors that qualifications alone cannot.

7. Leave the House Better Than You Found It

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

One day you’ll move into your own place.

When that day comes, what will your relatives remember?

Will they remember someone who complained?

Or someone who brought peace?

Will they remember someone who only received?

Or someone who gave back?

Your season of staying with family is temporary.

But the relationships you build can last a lifetime.

Leave behind gratitude, kindness, and respect, not tension and resentment.

Your Family Is Not Your Finish Line

The goal isn’t to depend on your relatives forever. The goal is to use this season wisely. Reconnect.

Heal.

Save.

Learn.

Work.

Plan.

Then take the next step toward independence. There is no shame in receiving help for a season. The key is not to settle into dependency when God is calling you toward growth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a returnee, remember this:

Coming home doesn’t make you less valuable. Living with relatives doesn’t mean you’ve failed. This season is not your identity. It’s your starting point. Use it to rebuild trust. Reconnect with family. Serve where you can. Learn from those around you.

And prepare for the day when you’ll be able to open your own door, not only for yourself, but for someone else who needs a safe place to begin again, because that’s what builders do. They remember the people who helped them stand, and when their own foundation is strong, they help others build too.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Our phones are practically an extension of our hands. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube — we scroll, we double tap, we post. But here’s a thought: what if every swipe, every story, every share could make a difference? What if your online presence could actually change someone’s day… or even their life?

The Bible doesn’t mention TikTok or trending hashtags, but it does give us timeless wisdom on how to live — and yes, that includes how we show up online.

Here’s how 7 powerful Bible verses can guide us from just scrolling to actually serving:

1. 1 Timothy 4:12 – “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.”

Some people think you have to “grow up” to make an impact. Not true. Your voice matters now. The way you comment, the memes you post, the language you use in your captions — it all sets an example. Be the one who brings encouragement, not just more noise.

2. Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”

It’s so easy to roast someone online, join a cancel trend, or drop a “clap back” comment. But every word we post has power. What if we flipped it? What if your comments built people up instead of tearing them down? You might be the only kind word someone sees that day.

3. Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Social media can feel dark sometimes — cyberbullying, negativity, toxic trends. But light always wins over darkness. Your faith-filled posts, uplifting reels, and hopeful stories can shine like a beacon. Don’t hide your light. Someone out there needs to see it.

4. Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death.”

Think of your posts as seeds. Are you planting seeds of life or seeds of hurt? A single encouraging DM, a prayer shared in your stories, or a Scripture on your feed can breathe life into someone’s weary heart. Use your words to heal, not harm.

5. Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Yes — this even includes your TikToks. That trend you’re doing? That tweet you’re drafting? That bio on your profile? Everything online reflects who you are. Ask yourself: Does this honor God? Would I post this if Jesus followed me?(Spoiler: He does.)

6. Philippians 2:4 – “Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

It’s easy to post just for likes, clout, or validation. But what if you used your platform to notice others? Sharing a friend’s art, posting about a cause you care about, or raising awareness for someone in need — that’s serving with your feed.

7. Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Sometimes, you’ll post encouragement and it’ll feel like no one cares. You’ll share positive content and only get a few likes. But don’t quit. Your words, prayers, and kindness are making ripples you can’t see. Keep sowing good — God promises a harvest.

So… What Now?

Your online presence is powerful. It can tear down or build up, spread drama or share hope, fuel chaos or bring peace. Every post is a choice.

This month, try asking yourself before you hit “share”:
– Will this bring light?
– Will this lift someone up?
– Will this reflect the love of Jesus?

Because when we move from scrolling to serving, social media stops being just entertainment — it becomes ministry.

In a world that often leaves us searching for belonging and questioning our identity, the Bible offers profound insights into who we are and where we truly belong. These seven Bible verses about belonging highlight the unshakable foundation of our identity in Christ and the sense of belonging we find in God’s family.

1. Ephesians 2:19

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”

Through Christ, you are no longer outsiders. Instead, you are integrated into God’s family as full members.

2. 1 Peter 2:9

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

You are God’s own people, set apart to reflect His light in the world. It’s a compelling reminder of our unique identity and purpose.

3. Romans 8:16

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

The familial connection between you and God not only affirms your identity but also assures of your inheritance and future glory with Christ.

4. Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Regardless of your backgrounds or social status, you all belong to God’s family through faith in Jesus.

5. 1 John 3:1

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

God has shown His love by calling you His children. You therefore belong to Him.

6. Colossians 3:3

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

Your old identity is gone, and your new life is secure in Christ. This hidden life in God provides a stable and eternal sense of belonging and identity, rooted in Christ.

7. Jeremiah 1:5

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Your identity and purpose are known to God even before birth. It’s a powerful reminder that you belong to Him and are created with intention and love.

1. The Cross Shows God’s Love

“But God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us!” – Romans 5:8 (GNT)

The cross is the greatest proof of God’s love. Jesus didn’t wait for us to be perfect; He gave His life while we were still lost in sin. His love is unconditional, reaching out to everyone, no matter their past.

2. The Cross Brings Forgiveness

“He canceled the unfavorable record of our debts with its binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross.” – Colossians 2:14 (GNT)

Because of Jesus, our sins are wiped clean. The cross is where our burdens are lifted, where guilt is removed, and where we receive complete forgiveness. No sin is too great for God’s mercy!

3. The Cross Brings Peace

“And God was pleased for him to make peace by sacrificing his blood on the cross, so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to God.” – Colossians 1:20 (GNT)

Sin separated us from God, but the cross restored our relationship with Him. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer enemies of God but His beloved children.

4. The Cross Gives Us New Life

“Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (GNT)

The cross is not the end—it is the beginning of new life. Jesus’ death and resurrection open the door for us to be transformed, leaving behind our past and stepping into a new identity in Christ.

5. The Cross Gives Us Victory

“And on the cross Christ freed himself from the power of the spiritual rulers and authorities; he made a public spectacle of them by leading them as captives in his victory procession.” – Colossians 2:15 (GNT)

What seemed like a defeat was actually a victory! On the cross, Jesus overcame sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Because of Him, we can walk in freedom, knowing that no force of evil can separate us from God.

6. The Cross is a Call to Follow

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you want to come with me, you must forget yourself, carry your cross, and follow me.'” – Matthew 16:24 (GNT)

Jesus invites us to take up our cross—not to suffer as He did, but to surrender fully to God’s will. True discipleship means letting go of selfish desires and living a life that honors Him.

7. The Cross Gives Us Eternal Life

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (GNT)

The cross is the bridge to eternal life. Jesus’ sacrifice was not just for this world, but for eternity. Through Him, we have the promise of life that never ends—a life in the presence of God forever.

Conclusion: Embracing the Power of the Cross

As we celebrate Easter, let’s not just remember the cross—let’s live in the power of what Jesus accomplished. The cross brings love, forgiveness, peace, new life, victory, and the hope of eternity.

This Easter, may we draw closer to Christ, embracing the fullness of His sacrifice and the joy of His resurrection. He is risen! Hallelujah!

1 I want you to know what a struggle I am going through for you, for God's people at Laodicea, and for all of those followers who have never met me. 2 I do it to encourage them. Then as their hearts are joined together in love, they will be wonderfully blessed with complete understanding. And they will truly know Christ. Not only is he the key to God's mystery, 3 but all wisdom and knowledge are hidden away in him. 4 I tell you these things to keep you from being fooled by fancy talk. 5 Even though I am not with you, I keep thinking about you. I am glad to know that you are living as you should and your faith in Christ is strong.

Christ Brings Real Life

6 You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. 7 Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.

8 Don't let anyone fool you by using senseless arguments. These arguments may sound wise, but they are only human teachings. They come from the powers of this world and not from Christ.

9 God lives fully in Christ. 10 And you are fully grown because you belong to Christ, who is over every power and authority. 11 Christ has also taken away your selfish desires, just as circumcision removes flesh from the body. 12 And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death. 13 You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God's people. But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins.

Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 517 (GNT)

7 Bible Verses On The Power of The Cross

Easter is a time of deep reflection and celebration. It reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice and the incredible gift of salvation we have through His death and resurrection. The cross is more than a symbol—it is the turning point of history, where love overcame sin and life triumphed over death. Let’s explore seven key Bible verses that reveal the power and meaning of the cross.

14 God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross. 15

There Christ defeated all powers and forces. He let the whole world see them being led away as prisoners when he celebrated his victory.

16 Don't let anyone tell you what you must eat or drink. Don't let them say you must celebrate the New Moon festival, the Sabbath, or any other festival. 17 These things are only a shadow of what was to come. But Christ is real!

18 Don't be cheated by people who make a show of acting humble and who worship angels. They brag about seeing visions. But it is all nonsense, because their minds are filled with selfish desires. 19 They are no longer part of Christ, who is the head of the whole body. Christ gives the body its strength, and he uses its joints and muscles to hold it together, as it grows by the power of God.

Christ Brings New Life

20 You died with Christ. Now the forces of the universe don't have any power over you. Why do you live as if you had to obey such rules as, 21 “Don't handle this. Don't taste that. Don't touch this.”? 22 After these things are used, they are no longer good for anything. So why be bothered with the rules that humans have made up? 23 Obeying these rules may seem to be the smart thing to do. They appear to make you love God more and to be very humble and to have control over your body. But they don't really have any power over our desires.