Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens

READ: JOHN 3:16-17; ROMANS 8:1-17, 32-39; HEBREWS 4:14-16

I attend a Bible study with women who are older (and wiser) than I am. Sometimes their stories surprise me. One of these women, who I’ll call Larissa, recently shared a memory from years ago. While at university, she needed a white dress to wear for a ceremony. Since she didn’t have one, she decided to sew one herself, borrowing a sewing machine from a friend who lived in her dorm. But the finished product turned out badly. Larissa took the dress home on her next visit to recruit help from her mom. After taking apart the dress and remaking it entirely, Larissa’s mom begged her not to try sewing ever again.

Although we laughed at the story, Larissa told our group she’d never improved her sewing skills because her mother didn’t give her a second chance. In fact, Larissa had never even attempted to sew another project. I began to wonder, What if God responded the way Larissa’s mother had when we make mistakes? What if He didn’t provide mercy and extend another opportunity when we fail? What if God never gave second chances—or third or fourth or…?

The good news is, God has provided mercy through Jesus Christ. Once we’ve put our trust in Christ to forgive our sins, we no longer face condemnation—ever. We receive the righteousness of Jesus in exchange for our unrighteousness. As Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We have been delivered from the death sentence our sin deserved. And now, as God’s forgiven children, we get to enjoy freedom!

Since Christ gave Himself as the “sin offering” (Romans 8:3), we don’t have to be afraid that we will exhaust opportunities to join God in His work. We can step out in faith, knowing that if we fall flat, God will pick us up and help us try again— because we can never wear out God’s grace! He helps us grow in our walk with Jesus by giving second (and more) chances to His children. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Have you ever felt like you messed up so badly that God wouldn’t give you any more chances? God knows that we aren’t perfect and that growing in Christ is a lifelong process—one that will only be completed when Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6). How could remembering that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ” help us accept ourselves where we are today?

• How does keeping our eyes on Jesus, instead of our shortcomings, make it possible for us to keep running the race He has marked out for us? (Hebrews 12:1-3)

• Consider taking a moment to ask God to help you notice where He is giving you another chance.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NIV)

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-8; PHILIPPIANS 1:9-11

After months of training, I was ready to run my first 5K. I invited someone I’ll call Flora to race too. She liked to run and agreed to join me. I looked forward to challenging myself and spending time with Flora. Back then, I mentored young women in their faith in Christ. Flora had joined my Bible study, and I wanted to get to know her better. This could be a good opportunity for that.

Before the race, Flora mentioned a comment that her boyfriend, who I’ll call Eric, had made about her. She tried to laugh it off, but it sounded hurtful. In fact, Eric seemed to make discouraging comments to Flora often. I wondered if their relationship was unhealthy.

“Flora, do you feel secure in your relationship?” I asked on our way to the race.

“Hmm…I’ll have to think about that,” she answered.

We didn’t discuss this again for a while. But later she surprised me. “Remember you asked if I felt secure in my relationship?” Flora said. “I thought about that and realized I didn’t. I broke up with Eric.”

I hadn’t aimed to break them up. I just wanted the best for Flora. And now, I felt relieved to see her more at peace and more content.

Flora had put her trust in Jesus to forgive her sins and give her a new life with God. I wanted the best for her as she grew in her faith, but—even more—God wanted His best for Flora too. When we enter a relationship with God, He becomes our Father. He desires the best for His children, and that extends to our relationships with others. Sometimes God brings good into our lives by giving us joyful, loving relationships. Other times, He grants us wisdom through His Spirit to leave relationships that cause harm. Through it all, we can trust His unfailing love for us. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Which relationships in your life build you up? Consider taking a moment to thank God for these.

• Can you think of any relationships that tear you down? What steps might God be inviting you to take to love with “knowledge and all discernment” (Philippians 1:9)? Do you need to have some honest conversations to address the problems? Is there someone you need to take a step away from, at least for a time? Consider taking a moment to ask God for guidance; He wants to lead you. Additionally, who are trusted Christians in your life you can share your concerns with—people who’ll listen with compassion and help you discern God’s direction?

This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment. Philippians 1:9 (WEB)

READ: EPHESIANS 5

Did you know that God-honoring romantic relationships can be a great place to learn more about God’s love? In my own life, God has used my relationship with my fiancé to teach me more about my relationship with Him.

First, when I consider how much my fiancé and I love each other, I’m reminded of how much more God loves both of us. As we love and serve each other, we are reminded of the ways Jesus loves and serves us—even sacrificing His own life for ours (Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 4:19).

Second, I’ve learned how well God knows me. Sometimes, when we’re on a date, my fiancé will ask if I want to split mozzarella sticks, and I’ll debate and then refuse. He’ll go ahead and order them for himself and, lo and behold, guess who actually wants mozzarella sticks? This simple way my fiancé knows me so well pales in comparison to how deeply God knows me (Psalm 139; John 10:14).

Third, my relationship with my fiancé has been a reminder that God made people to be in community (Genesis 1–2). This doesn’t always mean romantic relationships, but sometimes it can. Some Christians are called to marriage, and we’re all called to singleness for at least part of our lives, so romantic relationships are one way—but not the only way—Christians can experience community (1 Corinthians 7).

Ultimately, marriage points to Jesus because the church is the bride of Christ. A faithful, loving marriage between a husband and wife offers a picture of the kind of love Jesus has for us (Ephesians 5:25-33). He died for our sins and rose again so we could be with Him forever, enjoying His presence, working alongside Him in His kingdom, and resting in His unconditional love. As Christians—whether we are single, married, or dating—we are intimately loved by the one who knows us better than we know ourselves. • Naomi Zylstra

• What does the gospel have to do with our approach to romance? What does a relationship centered on Jesus look like? (If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 6:11-20; 7:39; 13:4-7; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15; Hebrews 13:4.)

• What questions do you have about dating and marriage? Who is a trusted Christian adult in your life— such as a pastor, counselor, or parent—you feel comfortable talking to about these things? (If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future.)

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2 (NLT)

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 7:7-9, 25-40

Some of you need to hear this. It’s okay to be single. No really. You do not need to be dating or married to be whole. Wholeness is found in Christ Jesus alone—not through a romantic partner. Our relationship with God is where we find fullness of life and meaning (John 10:10).

Yet, in our broken world, many people have a fear of being single. I was single for almost twenty-one years, and it did not, in fact, kill me. Actually, sometimes I miss certain things I took for granted while I was single. A God-honoring romantic relationship—from dating to engagement to marriage—takes a time commitment. And that’s especially true for married couples, because the husband and wife have made vows before God and His people to care for each other. There isn’t the same kind of abundant free time to spend with friends. There’s also a learning curve as you both figure out what it looks like to serve Jesus and keep His kingdom central in the ways you serve one another (Matthew 6:33).

Paul talks about being single in the book of 1 Corinthians. He says remaining single is a good thing, especially because it allows a person to devote more attention toward serving the Lord. How? Singleness can offer greater flexibility in pursuing opportunities and friendships with other people, which in turn can deepen our understanding of God and our relationship with Him. Remember, serving is just as much about God pouring peace, love, and joy into our lives as what we’re able to share with others. God wants to fill our lives with the joy of community!

At the same time, it’s important to remember that Jesus is the only one who loves us perfectly. People will let us down, but Jesus will never fail us. He always cares for us, never acts selfishly, and always knows exactly what we need. He is the faithful bridegroom, and we—His church—are His bride. He loves us so much that He gave up His own life for ours on the cross, because He wants to live in love and community with us every day, every moment.

You might be thinking, “This is all fine and dandy, but I still want to date and get married someday.” And that’s okay. But while you’re single, take time to invest in the relationships you already have. Enjoy community with Jesus and with the people He has placed in your life! • Naomi Zylstra

• How might God be inviting you to invest in the relationships you currently have? How could you serve right now, just as you are? What are some ways you can share God’s love and joy with others—both those who know Jesus and those who don’t?

I [Paul] am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. 1 Corinthians 7:35 (NLT)

READ: JEREMIAH 29:8-14; JOHN 21:20-22; 2 CORINTHIANS 10:12; GALATIANS 6:4

Ever been online scrolling, watching your friends and other people you follow as they share their vacations, adventures, accomplishments, funny stories…and you just ended up feeling like your own life was on hold? Let me tell you something: you’re not alone! Comparison steals your joy, and it can even make you forget about anything good that might be happening in your life. It can make your life seem like a sob story.

One night, I remember sitting alone in a local park, feeling left behind. When I looked at my friends’ socials, it was just stories of which colleges they were set to attend. Meanwhile, I had yet to start the application process, let alone decide which colleges to apply to. I felt low and ungrateful. Nevertheless, I decided to think of three things I was thankful to God for. I thought of my dog, the recent earth-nourishing rains, and a wonderful phone conversation with my parents. Though spending that time in thankfulness to God didn’t change my situation, it redirected my focus from feeling small to feeling gratitude for the good things God was doing in my life.

Isn’t it good news that God doesn’t compare us to each other? And He calls us not to compare ourselves with others either. Rest assured, God loves you and He has good plans for you. He made you unique, and He will lead you on your journey according to His timing and purpose. You will never get left behind— Jesus is with you every step of the way.

So instead of fixing your eyes on someone else’s life journey or achievements, pay attention to what God is doing in yours. As you fix your eyes on Jesus— resting in His faithful love and following where He leads—you just might discover that true freedom is found, not in a life of comparison, but one of gratefulness (Hebrews 12:1-2). • Sammy Mwatha

• What are three things you’re thankful to God for today, no matter how small?

• We live during a time in history when the internet, smartphones, social media, etc. are still relatively new, and we’re constantly learning how to steward these resources well—and limit the potential negative impacts they can have on our brains. This week, consider turning off all your devices (anything with a screen) for at least one hour per day, and focus on things in your life that you’re thankful for—and do them with Jesus! You might spend the time relaxing outside, playing with your pet, eating a meal with your family, or engaging with something you enjoy (like art, music, sports, etc.) either alone or with friends.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)