Romans 12:17 says, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” This is an important verse that gives us guidance on how to respond when someone does evil against us. Let’s explore the meaning and application of this verse. The Command to Not Repay Evil for Evil The first part of Romans 12:17 gives a clear command – “Repay no one evil for evil.” When someone wrongs us, whether intentionally or unintentionally, our natural inclination might be to want to “get even.” However, this verse tells us not to…
Author: Nicole Sands
The book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon toward the end of his life. In chapter 12 verse 13, he sums up the meaning of life with this profound statement: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” This verse provides critical insight into how we should live in order to fulfill God’s purposes. To truly understand this verse, we must examine what it means to “fear God” and “keep His commandments.” Fearing God The fear of God can be understood in two ways – a holy reverence and awe of who God is,…
The desire for fame is a complex issue that requires wisdom and discernment. On one hand, fame often brings influence, wealth, and attention. But on the other hand, the Bible warns about the dangers of seeking glory for oneself rather than for God. Here is an overview of key biblical principles regarding the desire for fame and recognition: Pride and arrogance The desire for fame can easily lead to pride and arrogance, which the Bible strongly warns against (Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6). When our primary goal is to bring glory to ourselves rather than to God, it reflects the sin…
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African heritage and culture observed from December 26 to January 1. The word “Kwanzaa” comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.” Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Black Studies, as a way for African Americans to connect with their African roots and values. The Bible does not directly mention Kwanzaa, as it is a modern festival started in the United States in the 1960s. However, the Bible speaks extensively about concepts relevant to Kwanzaa such as heritage, culture, unity, faith, and celebration. By…
James 4:3 says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” This verse teaches us an important lesson about prayer – that we must pray with the right motives if we want God to answer our requests. But what exactly does it mean to “ask amiss”? Let’s explore this phrase and its implications more fully. The Context of James 4:3 To properly understand any verse, we need to see it in its broader context. James 4:3 comes in a passage where James is rebuking his readers for living like the…
Angels play an important role throughout the Bible, acting as messengers from God, protectors, and spiritual warriors. While many angels are not named specifically, there are a number of prominent angels that appear multiple times in Scripture. Here is an overview of some of the main angels named in the Bible and their significance. Michael Michael is one of the archangels and the leader of God’s angel armies. His name means “who is like God?” Michael is described as a protector and the prince of Israel (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1). He leads an army of angels against Satan and drives…
The Bible has a lot to say about the spiritual realm and Christians’ relationship to it. While there is mystery surrounding the topic, Scripture provides guidance on how much interest and focus Christians should have regarding spirits, angels, demons and the afterlife. The Reality of the Spiritual Realm The Bible affirms the existence of a spiritual realm beyond the physical world we inhabit. Passages like 2 Kings 6:15-17 describe the prophet Elisha’s servant seeing angelic hosts surrounding them. Jesus cast out demons throughout his ministry, demonstrating the reality of evil spirits (Luke 4:33-36). After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his…
The lost city of Atlantis has captured the imagination of people for centuries. Atlantis was first described by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato around 360 B.C. In his writings, Plato described Atlantis as a powerful island nation located in the Atlantic Ocean that sank into the sea around 9,600 B.C. Many have speculated and searched for evidence of this once great civilization without definitive proof that Atlantis really existed. The Bible does not directly mention Atlantis by name. However, some have theorized that Atlantis is referred to symbolically in Scripture. The main biblical passages put forth as evidence for Atlantis…
Spiritual manipulation is the use of spiritual teachings, beliefs or practices to control, coerce or exploit others for personal gain. It often involves the distortion of biblical truths and principles in order to manipulate people’s behaviors, thoughts or emotions to serve the interests of the manipulator. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about spiritual manipulation and how to identify it: Distorting the Word of God One characteristic of spiritual manipulation is the distortion of Scripture. Manipulators may take verses out of context, cherry-pick certain passages, or impart their own meanings rather than properly interpreting the text. They…
The grace of God is one of the most profound and foundational concepts in the Bible. Simply put, God’s grace refers to His unmerited favor and goodness towards humankind. Despite our sinful nature and rebellion against Him, God continues to extend His love, mercy, and forgiveness to us. His grace is a central theme throughout Scripture and is embodied fully in the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. There are several key aspects to understanding the grace of God: 1. Grace is a gift We do not earn grace or deserve it in any way. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares,…
