What Jesus REALLY meant. . . .


There is good in everything; it’s just how you choose to look at it. 
Everything that’s worth it has a price. –Gisele Bundsen


Lately it seems as if every time we turn around, someone is saying That’s not what I meant to say; this is what I meant to say. Newspapers correct their stories; children change their excuses; even the president declares that he misspoke.

Admitting one misspoke isn’t a bad thing. Boldly declaring someone else misspoke? Or means something they never actually said? Not so cool.

But it happens all the time with the Bible and Jesus’ words.

Seriously. How often have you heard someone say, Well, that verse (or passage) doesn’t really mean that! Let me tell you what it really means. . . . And sometimes, these well-meaning folks may raise some good questions; their statements may warrant further examination. Other times? Probably not.

The litmus test as to whether someone’s proposed interpretation of Jesus’ words, as far as I am concerned, is this: Is what you are telling me Jesus meant by those words an interpretation that is open, loving and inclusive? Does it stem from Jesus’ interpretation of the most important laws (love God; love one another)? If it does—your words deserve a closer look. But if your words seek to divide, diminish or exclude, I think you’d better slow down and take a second look, not just at the passage, but at your motivation, as well.

Because Jesus was all about the Love. End of story.

Monday Do you have a verse from Scripture that guides your life? Some favorite words? Take time today and share that verse with someone. Tell them what it means—to you. Isaiah 40:28-31

Tuesday Sometimes it’s so much easier to say no than to say yes. Today—say yes to something you’d usually decline. Ezekiel 36:24-27

Wednesday Other times, we struggle to say no, don’t we? Today, you have permission to just say no. 1 Chronicles 16:8-11

Thursday Find a way to say $1 every day. Set that dollar aside in a jar. Contemplate what good you could do in the world when that dollar jar is full. Matthew 25:14-29

Friday Be a sneaky doer of good things today—and don’t get caught. Give thanks for the opportunity to be God’s Hands. Psalm 37-23-24

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, look in a mirror. Give yourself three compliments—out loud. Praise God for who you are and who you are becoming. Psalm 139:14

Sunday Share a hug or a handshake and tell the other person why they are special to you. Allow them to return the gift. Revelation 7:16-17

When you accept that your problems are beyond you, Jesus accepts you into a world beyond your wildest dreams. --Ann Voskamp

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