4 Statements Christians Often Make That Jesus Wouldn't Approve Of
JESUS CHRISTBIBLE INSIGHTS
In our encounters, many have shared unhelpful comments with us, yet we have a powerful antidote in the wisdom of the Bible. When confronted with statements that diverge from Jesus' teachings, it's crucial to ponder what His perspective would be on the matter. Regrettably, not all Christians adhere faithfully to the essence of Jesus' message, tarnishing His name over centuries. This not only impacts fellow believers negatively but also hinders non-believers from embracing the Lord.
It is imperative to raise awareness and confront these issues head-on. Passivity is not an option; these discrepancies must be addressed. The significance of this matter cannot be overlooked. Christians ought not to utter words that deviate from Jesus' principles. Such utterances signify a stagnation in spiritual growth and maturity. As followers, it is paramount never to express what Jesus Himself would disapprove of.
If there are instances where we find ourselves articulating words incongruent with Jesus' teachings, it is pivotal to repent and realign our speech to honor Him instead. Below are four common phrases Christians tend to use, which Jesus would never endorse.
1. "It’s Not That Bad"
Frequently, Christians utter this phrase, contrasting with Jesus' empathetic nature. When we entrust others with our struggles, and they dismissively respond with this phrase, it inadvertently diminishes our pain and invalidates our experiences, leaving us feeling unacknowledged and isolated.
In contrast, Jesus would wholeheartedly validate our pain and offer solace during moments of distress. As our Good Shepherd, He walks alongside us through our pain, ensuring we feel unconditionally loved (Psalm 23). Although fellow Christians may use hurtful statements, it’s reassuring to know that Jesus would never speak in such a dismissive manner.
2. "Follow Your Heart"
The notion to "follow your heart" is a common Christian saying, though it diverges from biblical teachings. The Bible unequivocally states that our hearts are inherently deceitful: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (KJV Jeremiah 17:9).
Encouraging others to follow their hearts could lead them astray and into wickedness, which contradicts the essence of biblical guidance. Instead, Christians should emphasize following Jesus, aligning actions with God’s will for a more fulfilling spiritual journey. Jesus, discerning our hearts' condition, directs us to follow the wisdom and guidance contained within the Scriptures.
3. "If You Do What’s Right, You Will Be Blessed"
Another prevalent Christian saying is "If you do what’s right, you will be blessed," based more on material expectations than biblical truths. This notion ignores the complexities of blessings and erroneously ties morality to material prosperity.
Jesus teaches that following Him requires a willingness to surrender everything, contradicting the notion of guaranteed material blessings for righteous behavior: “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” (KJV Luke 14:33)
Educating believers on the genuine meaning of blessings as per the Bible can offer a more accurate perspective, dispelling misconceptions and enhancing spiritual comprehension.
Navigating these beliefs anchored in misconceptions can be challenging, but drawing upon biblical passages can provide clarity and recalibrate these misconceptions to align more closely with Jesus' teachings. By remaining grounded in the wisdom of the Bible and sharing its truths, believers can strive to eliminate these inaccurate assertions from their discourse, fostering a more unified and spiritually aligned community.
4. "If Something Bad Happened, It’s Because of Sin in Your Life"
Another common misconception perpetuated by some Christians is the notion that "If something bad happened, it’s because of sin in your life." However, this belief is far from accurate. The occurrence of adversity is not always a direct result of personal sin.
The presence of sin in the world, stemming from the Fall of Man, ensures that bad things will continue to happen until the eventual establishment of the New Heaven and New Earth. It’s essential to acknowledge that experiencing hardship is not a punitive outcome of individual transgressions. Acknowledging the universality of sin and our fallen nature helps dispel the misconception that every misfortune directly correlates with personal wrongdoing.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (KJV Romans 3:23)
Jesus, in truth, would never attribute individual misfortunes solely to personal sin. Instead, He offers solace, enveloping individuals in the comfort of His love during times of tribulation.