Are We Reflecting the Character of Christ?

Many people claim the name of Christ but do not reflect His character—especially in areas like mercy, love, humility, and compassion. Jesus Himself warned about this, and the Bible gives clear indicators of what a true Christian should look like.

1. True Christianity is More Than Just a Label

Many people claim to be Christians but do not actually follow Jesus’ teachings.

Matthew 7:16-20 – "You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit."

Luke 6:46 – "Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?"

Mere words are not enough—our actions and attitudes must reflect the transformation Christ brings.

2. Lack of Mercy is a Sign of a Hardened Heart

Jesus constantly emphasized mercy and compassion:

Matthew 5:7 – "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."

James 2:13 – "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

If someone claims to follow Christ but lacks mercy, they are missing a key element of His teaching.

3. The Danger of Hypocrisy

Jesus frequently warned against religious hypocrisy—people who appear outwardly religious but lack true love and humility.

Matthew 23:27-28 – "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

A person can have Bible knowledge, church attendance, and religious habits but still be far from God in their heart.

4. True Christians Will Exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit

Paul describes what a true, Spirit-filled believer should look like:

Galatians 5:22-23 – "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

If someone’s life is characterized by harshness, pride, or cruelty rather than love, kindness, and patience, it’s a sign that they are not being led by the Spirit.

5. Many Are Deceived About Their Own Spiritual Condition

Some people think they are Christians simply because they attend church, know theology, or live a “moral” life. But true faith requires a heart transformed by Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:5 – "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves."

Titus 1:16 – "They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work."

It’s important for each of us to examine whether we are truly following Christ or just going through the motions.

6. What Can Be Done?

Instead of just being discouraged by the hypocrisy of others, here’s what we can do:

Pray for them – Only the Holy Spirit can truly change a person’s heart (Ezekiel 36:26).

Model Christ-likeness – Rather than just pointing out what’s wrong in others, we should reflect Jesus’ love and mercy in our own lives (Matthew 5:16).

Speak truth in love – If we have an opportunity, we should gently and lovingly challenge those who claim to follow Christ but do not reflect Him (Ephesians 4:15).

Focus on our own walk with Christ – Instead of becoming bitter about others’ failures, we must ask God to help us stay faithful and grow in Christ-likeness (Philippians 2:12-13).

It is deeply troubling when people claim to follow Jesus but act in ways that contradict His teachings. But Jesus Himself warned that there would be wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30)—true believers and false ones growing together. Ultimately, God will separate the genuine from the false. In the meantime, we are called to be faithful, merciful, and truthful in our own walk with Him.

If you are thinking deeply about how to respond in a Christ-like way, let’s look at some specific situations where you might encounter people who claim to follow Christ but act in ways that contradict His teachings, and how you can respond biblically.

1. When Someone Lacks Mercy and is Harsh or Judgmental

Example: A Christian you know is very harsh in how they treat others, showing little mercy or compassion. They may be quick to judge, criticize, or condemn, even when Jesus calls us to love and restore.

Biblical Response:

Matthew 7:1-5 – Jesus warns about judging others while ignoring our own faults.

Galatians 6:1 – "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness."

James 2:13 – "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

What You Can Do:

✔️ Model mercy and kindness yourself.

✔️ Gently challenge their attitude: “I understand your concern, but Jesus also calls us to be compassionate. How can we show love in this situation?”

✔️ Share Scripture about God’s mercy to help them see their need to reflect Christ’s character.

2. When Someone is Hypocritical (Preaches but Doesn’t Live It)

Example: A Christian speaks about holiness, but in their private life, they gossip, treat others poorly, or indulge in sin.

Biblical Response:

Matthew 23:3 – "So do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice."

1 John 2:6 – "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."

What You Can Do:

✔️ Avoid gossiping about them—pray for them instead.

✔️ If appropriate, lovingly confront them: “I know you want to follow Christ, but I’m concerned because this doesn’t reflect His character. Can we talk about it?”

✔️ Lead by example—live out integrity and humility yourself.

3. When Someone is More Focused on Rules Than on Grace

Example: Some Christians emphasize legalism—strict rules and judgment—rather than God’s grace and the gospel.

Biblical Response:

Matthew 9:13 – "Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Romans 14:1 – "As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions."

What You Can Do:

✔️ Show grace yourself, avoiding arguments about non-essential issues.

✔️ Encourage them to focus on Jesus and His grace rather than just rules.

✔️ Share stories from Jesus' life where He showed love to sinners (John 8:1-11, Luke 15:1-7).

4. When Someone Spreads False Teaching or Believes Lies

Example: A Christian is embracing false doctrine or conspiracy theories instead of biblical truth.

Biblical Response:

2 Timothy 4:3-4 – "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions."

Acts 17:11 – The Bereans "examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

What You Can Do:

✔️ Encourage them to compare everything with Scripture.

✔️ Ask questions rather than argue: “Where do you see that in the Bible? What do you think Jesus would say about this?”

✔️ Direct them to trustworthy Bible teachers and resources.

5. When a Christian is Unforgiving or Bitter

Example: Someone claims to follow Jesus but refuses to forgive others, holding onto anger or resentment.

Biblical Response:

Colossians 3:13 – "As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Matthew 6:14-15 – Jesus warns that those who do not forgive will not be forgiven.

What You Can Do:

✔️ Remind them that forgiveness is an act of obedience to God.

✔️ Help them see how much God has forgiven them.

✔️ Encourage them to pray for the person they struggle to forgive.

Final Encouragement: How to Stay Faithful Despite Others' Hypocrisy

Seeing hypocrisy in others can be frustrating, but here’s how you can stay faithful:

✅ Keep your focus on Jesus, not people. – People may fail, but Jesus never does (Hebrews 12:2).

✅ Pray for those who misrepresent Christ. – Only God can change hearts (Ezekiel 36:26).

✅ Stay in the Word. – This keeps you discerning and anchored in truth (Psalm 119:105).

✅ Live out Christ’s love. – Be the example that others may lack (Matthew 5:16).

 

I hope that this was helpful to you. I hope that you care deeply about truth and about living out your faith in a way that honors Christ. Keep standing firm in His Word, showing grace, and seeking wisdom.

If you ever want to discuss more specific situations or need encouragement, I’m here for that. In the meantime, may God bless you with discernment, strength, and a heart full of His love! 🙏😊

People Who Believe Lies - What does the Bible say?

 What does the Bible say about people who will believe lies?

The Bible has several passages that address people who believe lies or are deceived. Here are some key verses:

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (ESV) – This passage speaks about those who reject the truth and are given over to deception:

"The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

Romans 1:25 (ESV) – Talks about people exchanging the truth of God for lies:

"Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen."

John 8:44 (ESV) – Jesus warns that the devil is the father of lies:

"You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

Isaiah 30:9-10 (ESV) – Describes a rebellious people who prefer lies over truth:

"For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord; who say to the seers, 'Do not see,' and to the prophets, 'Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions.'"

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV) – Warns that people will turn from the truth to myths:

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

These verses emphasize that rejecting God's truth leads to deception and that people who do not love the truth may fall into lies. The Bible repeatedly encourages believers to seek and hold onto the truth found in God’s Word.

What are the basic tenets of truth that are found in God's Word?

The Bible teaches several foundational truths that are central to the Christian faith. Here are some of the basic tenets of truth found in God's Word:

1. God is the Creator and Sovereign Lord

Genesis 1:1 – "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Isaiah 45:5-6 – "I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God."

2. The Nature of God

God is Holy – Leviticus 19:2 – "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy."

God is Love – 1 John 4:8 – "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

God is Just – Deuteronomy 32:4 – "All his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he."

3. Jesus Christ is the Only Way to Salvation

John 14:6 – "Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’"

Acts 4:12 – "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

4. The Bible is God's Truth and Authority

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

John 17:17 – "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."

5. Mankind is Sinful and in Need of Redemption

Romans 3:23 – "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 6:23 – "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

6. Salvation is by Grace through Faith

Ephesians 2:8-9 – "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Titus 3:5 – "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy."

7. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – "Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day."

Romans 10:9 – "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

8. The Promise of Eternal Life and Judgment

John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Hebrews 9:27 – "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment."

9. The Holy Spirit Dwells in Believers

John 14:26 – "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

1 Corinthians 6:19 – "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?"

10. Jesus Will Return to Judge and Restore

Acts 1:11 – "This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

Revelation 22:12 – "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done."

These truths form the foundation of biblical Christianity and guide believers in their faith, worship, and daily lives. Would you like to explore any of these further?

 

How can we correlate these two concepts: the truths that the Bible teaches, against the fact that some people who claim to believe these truths end up giving themselves over to believing lies?

This is an important and deep topic—how people who claim to believe biblical truths can still end up believing lies. The Bible actually addresses this paradox in several ways. There are a few key reasons why this happens:

1. Some Profess Faith, but Do Not Truly Believe (False Converts)

Many people may claim to follow biblical truth but have never truly been transformed by it.

Matthew 7:21-23 – "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"

1 John 2:19 – "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us."

Some may appear to believe in the truth but have never truly embraced it in their hearts.

2. People Reject the Love of the Truth

Even though someone may claim to follow biblical truth, if they do not truly love it, they become susceptible to deception.

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 – "They refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore, God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

This passage suggests that rejecting the truth of God leads to being deceived by lies.

3. The Influence of the Enemy (Spiritual Deception)

The Bible teaches that Satan is constantly at work trying to deceive even those who claim to follow God.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness."

1 Timothy 4:1 – "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons."

Some people who claim to follow truth may actually be following a distorted or counterfeit version of it.

4. People Choose to Follow Their Own Desires

Some people believe lies because they prefer what is comfortable or convenient rather than the hard truths of Scripture.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 – "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

Jeremiah 17:9 – "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

If someone’s heart is set on what they want to be true rather than what is true, they become vulnerable to deception.

5. Neglecting God's Word and Being Spiritually Dull

Without constant engagement with God’s Word and a desire for discernment, even believers can drift into falsehood.

Hosea 4:6 – "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me."

Hebrews 5:12-14 – "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

A person who does not actively seek wisdom and discernment will be more likely to believe falsehoods.

The Solution to Avoiding Deception

For a person to truly stand firm in biblical truth and avoid believing lies, they must:

Truly be saved – Not just professing faith but actually transformed by Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).

Love the truth – Holding onto biblical truth even when it’s difficult (John 8:31-32).

Be discerning – Testing everything against Scripture (1 John 4:1).

Stay rooted in God’s Word – Constantly seeking to grow in knowledge and understanding (Col. 3:16).

Walk by the Spirit – Relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance (Gal. 5:16).

Printable Devotional Journal Kit: Lydia & Priscilla

 This blog contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Women of the Bible: Lydia & Priscilla Devotional Kit (review)

In the realm of Bible journaling, finding the right resources can significantly enhance your spiritual journey. One such resource is the Lydia & Priscilla Women of the Bible Devotional Kit. This comprehensive kit offers a blend of decorative elements and study pages, designed to enrich your faith exploration.

The Lydia & Priscilla Devotional Kit comprises 39 pages of meticulously crafted content. Within this bundle, you'll discover:

Decorative Pages: With 25 collage and decorative pages, this kit provides a visually engaging backdrop for your journaling endeavors. These pages are not only aesthetically pleasing but also thoughtfully designed to complement your reflections on faith.

Ephemera: Delve deeper into your study with 13 pages of ephemera. From tags and pockets to journal cards and envelopes, these elements add depth and versatility to your journaling practice. Each piece is intricately designed to resonate with the narrative of Lydia & Priscilla, offering ample opportunities for creative expression.

Cover Sheet: The kit includes a cover sheet, ensuring that your journal maintains a cohesive and polished appearance from start to finish.

What sets the Lydia & Priscilla Devotional Kit apart is its attention to detail and commitment to quality. Here are some noteworthy features:

High Resolution: Produced at 300 dpi, the pages are optimized for printing on letter-sized paper, making them accessible for most home printers. The high-resolution graphics ensure clarity and vibrancy, enhancing the overall visual appeal of your journal.

Instant Download:  Upon purchase, you'll receive an instant download link, allowing you to dive into your journaling journey without delay. This convenience factor is invaluable for those eager to embark on their faith exploration.

Versatility: Whether you're a seasoned Bible journaler or just starting out, this kit caters to all skill levels. The pages can be adapted to different sizes by adjusting printer settings, offering flexibility and convenience for users.

To complement your Lydia & Priscilla Devotional Kit, consider exploring other offerings from the same creator. Here are some related products worth considering:

Mary & Martha Devotional Kit: Delve into the stories of Mary and Martha with this captivating devotional kit, designed to deepen your understanding of sisterhood in faith.

Rahab Women of the Bible Devotional Kit: Explore themes of courage and redemption through the story of Rahab, a testament to the transformative power of faith.

Hagar Women of the Bible Devotional Kit: Journey with Hagar through trials and triumphs, discovering resilience and hope amidst adversity.

Ruth and Naomi Women of the Bible Devotional Kit: Experience the enduring bond of friendship and loyalty exemplified by Ruth and Naomi, inspiring reflections on companionship and commitment.

Incorporating these kits into your Bible journaling practice can breathe new life into your spiritual walk. With their meticulously crafted pages and versatile design, these kits serve as a valuable companion for exploring the stories of women of the Bible and weaving them into the fabric of your faith journey. As you immerse yourself in study and reflection, may you uncover fresh insights and draw closer to the heart of God.

Mystery of the Banned Blog: a Facebook Misunderstanding

Here is a video about my post that Facebook banned, and why I believe it happened.

You can read the banned post here

Bible Study about Love: a Chat between Marcy Coate and ChatGPT 3.5

(WebChatGPT Chrome extension installed - web access ON)

Marcy
I am doing a Bible study of Proverbs 21:21. I am interested to know what Bible scholars have to say about this verse. When it says "Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor" does it mean that the reward for pursuing righteousness and love is life, prosperity and honor, or does it mean something else?

ChatGPT
Bible scholars interpret Proverbs 21:21 to convey that the pursuit of righteousness and love leads to a reward of life, prosperity, and honor. The verse emphasizes the positive outcomes of a life devoted to righteousness and compassion, suggesting that such a path is not only morally upright but also brings forth tangible blessings from God.

bibleref.com - What does Proverbs 21:21 mean?

biblehub.com - Proverbs 21:21 - Righteousness and mercy.

Marcy
So, to paraphrase this verse in modern, informal language, is it safe to say, "If you seek to love and to do good, you will find life, success, and respect"? If not, how would you re-word it?

ChatGPT
Yes, that paraphrase accurately captures the essence of Proverbs 21:21. In a more informal tone, one could re-word it as, "If you strive to love and do good, you'll discover a life filled with success and respect."

bibleref.com - What does Proverbs 21:21 mean?

biblehub.com - Proverbs 21:21 He who pursues righteousness and loving...

Marcy
Are there other Bible verses that convey a similar teaching?

ChatGPT
Yes, there are other Bible verses conveying a similar teaching. Matthew 5:6 states, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Proverbs 15:9 also emphasizes the importance of pursuing righteousness, stating, "The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness."

kingjamesbibleonline.org - BIBLE VERSES LIKE PROVERBS 21:21

openbible.info - Proverbs 21:21 Cross References

biblestudytools.com - Proverbs 21:21 - Whoever pursues righteousness and love

Marcy
What correlation can we find between Proverbs 21:21 and the "love chapter" (Corinthians 13)?

ChatGPT
Proverbs 21:21 encourages the pursuit of righteousness and love, emphasizing a virtuous life. This aligns with Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "love chapter." In Corinthians 13:4-8, love is described as patient, kind, and not self-seeking. The correlation lies in the idea that pursuing righteousness and love, as mentioned in Proverbs 21:21, aligns with the qualities of love outlined in Corinthians 13. Both passages highlight the importance of virtuous living and selfless love.

bibleref.com - What does Proverbs 21:21 mean?

Marcy
Does Paul go on to mention the rewards of the type of love he describes in Chapter 13 of his letter to the Corinthians?

ChatGPT
Yes, in 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul mentions the enduring qualities of faith, hope, and love. Among these virtues, Paul proclaims love as the greatest. While not explicitly mentioning rewards, the emphasis is on the elevated status of love, highlighting its paramount importance in the Christian life.

linkedin.com - 1 Corinthians 13 (AMPC) “The Love Chapter”

Marcy
Does he speak of the rewards of love and righteousness later in 1 Corinthians, or in other works that are attributed to him?

ChatGPT
While 1 Corinthians 13 emphasizes the supremacy of love, Paul does not explicitly elaborate on the rewards of love and righteousness in that chapter. However, in other parts of the New Testament, such as 2 Timothy 4:8, Paul mentions the "crown of righteousness" as a reward for those who have loved Christ's appearing. Additionally, the concept of rewards for believers is discussed in various passages, including 1 Corinthians 3:14 and Revelation 22:12. These verses suggest that believers may receive rewards for their faithfulness and righteous living, but the specific details are not extensively elaborated in Paul's writings.

davidjeremiah.blog - What Kind of Rewards Will Believers Receive in Heaven?

gotquestions.org - What are the five heavenly crowns that believers can receive?

Marcy
What about other New Testament writers? Or is love a theme that is proposed mainly by Paul?

ChatGPT
Love is a pervasive theme throughout the New Testament and is not exclusive to Paul. Various New Testament writers, including John, James, and Peter, emphasize the importance of love in different contexts. The Gospel of John, for instance, highlights Jesus' teachings on love, such as the command to love one another (John 13:34-35). James addresses the royal law of love in James 2:8, while Peter underscores the significance of love in building unity among believers (1 Peter 4:8). Love is a central theme that transcends individual authors, resonating across different books of the New Testament.

religion-online.org - Chapter 3: Love in the New Testament

bibleproject.com - Love in the Bible | Resource Guide with Videos & More

Marcy
Please list the teachings of Jesus about love.

ChatGPT
Love Your Neighbor: Jesus emphasized the importance of loving one's neighbor, even extending love to enemies (Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 10:25-37).

The Greatest Commandment: Jesus highlighted the supreme importance of love in the commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:36-40).

Golden Rule: Jesus introduced the Golden Rule, encouraging others to treat people the way they want to be treated, encapsulating the essence of love (Matthew 7:12).

Self-Sacrificial Love: Jesus exemplified self-sacrificial love, teaching that there is no greater love than laying down one's life for others (John 15:13).

Love as a Mark of Discipleship: Jesus emphasized that love for one another would be a distinctive mark of His disciples, demonstrating their connection to Him (John 13:34-35).

Forgiving Love: Jesus taught the importance of forgiving others as an expression of love, linking forgiveness to God's forgiveness of individuals (Matthew 6:14-15).

Love for God and Others: In summarizing the Law, Jesus reiterated the call to love God and love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:28-34).

RE:quest - What did Jesus teach about love?

Holy Hen House - 6 Things Jesus Said About Love

The Hutchinson News - Jesus teaches us how to love like God loves

Bart Ehrman Blog - Jesus' Teachings on Love and Salvation

Marcy
Now please list the teachings of the apostles on these same themes, using these 7 teachings of Jesus as categories to classify them.

ChatGPT

Love Your Neighbor

Apostolic Teaching: The apostles echoed Jesus' emphasis on loving neighbors. For example, in Romans 13:10, Paul asserts that love is the fulfillment of the law.

The Greatest Commandment

Apostolic Teaching: The apostles reinforced the centrality of love in fulfilling the commandments. In Galatians 5:14, Paul states, "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Golden Rule

Apostolic Teaching: The apostles reiterated the principle of treating others as you want to be treated. James, the brother of Jesus, speaks of the royal law of love in James 2:8.

Self-Sacrificial Love

Apostolic Teaching: The apostles expanded on self-sacrificial love. Paul, in Ephesians 5:2, encourages believers to "walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us."

Love as a Mark of Discipleship

Apostolic Teaching: The apostles highlighted love as a distinguishing mark of discipleship. John, in 1 John 4:7, emphasizes that love is from God, and everyone who loves is born of God.

Forgiving Love

Apostolic Teaching: The apostles addressed forgiveness as an expression of love. Paul, in Colossians 3:13, instructs believers to forgive as the Lord forgave them.

Love for God and Others

Apostolic Teaching: The apostles reaffirmed the dual commandment of loving God and others. John, in 1 John 4:21, underscores that those who love God must also love their brothers and sisters.

LifeWay - Sermon: How to Show Love and Respect to Others - John 13.

Wikipedia - Righteousness

Merriam-Webster - Righteous Definition & Meaning

Marcy
In a sense, I think that love and doing good, are not only things that we should do, but they are somehow also their own rewards. For example, people who work with the poor or disabled, to show them love, describe their experiences as joyful.

ChatGPT
The act of showing love and doing good is often its own reward, especially when working with the poor or disabled. Many individuals who engage in such compassionate work describe their experiences as joyful. The intrinsic satisfaction derived from helping others, witnessing positive impacts, and fostering connections contributes to a profound sense of fulfillment. The joy experienced in these acts of kindness reflects the profound impact that love and altruism can have on both the giver and the recipient.

The Joy of Serving the Poor

Effects of Happiness on People with Disabilities

Living Well with a Disability

Employment, Housing, Poverty and the Disability Community

A Place for Joy: Supporting a Home for Children with...

Poverty, Livelihoods, and Social Benefits

Marcy
I remember reading in the Bible about opposite actions (doing evil, seeking riches, etc.) being described as "sowing to the wind" or as "vain". Can you list some of those?

ChatGPT
In the Bible, the concept of "sowing to the wind" or engaging in vain pursuits is often associated with negative consequences. Here are some verses that convey this idea:

Hosea 8:7 (KJV): "For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up."

Galatians 6:7 (ESV): "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."

Proverbs 11:18 (NIV): "A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward."

Proverbs 22:8 (NLT): "Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end."

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NIV): "Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless."

James 4:3 (NIV): "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

These verses caution against negative actions such as injustice, wickedness, love of money, and wrong motives, emphasizing the principle of reaping what is sown.

Hosea 8:7 - BibleStudyTools

Galatians 6:7 - BibleStudyTools

Proverbs 11:18 - BibleStudyTools

Proverbs 22:8 - BibleStudyTools

Ecclesiastes 5:10 - BibleStudyTools

James 4:3 - GotQuestions

Marcy
So, rather than seeking riches, glory, honor, etc. (no reward), we should live a life of love and service (reward = life, prosperity, honor). Correct?

ChatGPT
Yes, that's correct. According to biblical teachings, prioritizing a life of love and service rather than seeking riches, glory, and honor for oneself is emphasized. The idea is that living a selfless and altruistic life not only aligns with God's commandments but also brings intrinsic rewards, including a meaningful and prosperous life along with honor. This contrasts with the notion that solely pursuing material wealth or personal glory yields no lasting reward.

Bible Verses about Selflessness - BibleStudyTools

25 Best Bible Verses About Serving Others - BibleStudyTools

30 Bible verses about God's call to love others - World Vision

49 Bible Verses about Serving Others - BibleLyfe

40 Inspiring Bible Verses About Love - Compassion UK

What Does the Bible Say About Reward? - OpenBible

Marcy
It seems counterintuitive, but that concept has been proven again and again. I have heard many testimonies of people who have sought fame and fortune, only to find emptiness inside of them. Instead, when they decided to dedicate themselves to serving others, they found joy and happiness.

ChatGPT
Absolutely, the counterintuitive nature of finding joy and happiness through serving others instead of seeking fame and fortune is a recurring theme in both personal testimonies and psychological research. Many individuals who have pursued material success often report feeling unfulfilled and empty. On the contrary, those who have dedicated themselves to serving others and contributing to a greater cause often experience a profound sense of joy and purpose.

This aligns with the idea that intrinsic goals, such as helping others and contributing to society, are more fulfilling and lead to greater well-being compared to extrinsic goals like fame and wealth. Research suggests that the pursuit of intrinsic goals is associated with sustained happiness and a sense of accomplishment.

The Psychological Mindset of Being Famous - Saybrook University

Experiencing Happiness in Helping Others - Becoming Minimalist

Fame and fortune is no fast track to happiness - ACU Impact

To Be Happy, Hide From the Spotlight - The Atlantic

Words & Quotes Labels for Bible Journals

Do you use word strips or quotes in your Bible journals? What about Bible journal labels? I love using them for Bible journaling, but also as focal points in art journals. Here are a few of my favorites from Etsy.

Word strips for Bible journaling:

Faith Journal Words Set 1

Faith Journal Words Set 2 

Faith Labels

200 Prayer Journal Words & Phrases

Words of Faith

Christian Words & Phrases

105 Christian Words & Bible Quotes

 

Cozy Gratitude Scripture Tags

 

These printable scripture tags are perfect for your Bible journal,
or use them as bookmarks in a devotional book or use them as tags
for journaling. So pretty and helpful for remembering to be grateful,
mindful and thankful. From the popular designer: My Porch Prints.

CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE JOURNALING FREEBIES & MORE