The Golden Rule is one of the most well-known biblical principles. It comes from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:12, where he says “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” The essence of the Golden Rule is to treat others the way you would want to be treated. It encourages us to practice empathy and think about how our actions affect others. This simple but profound concept has had enormous influence across many faiths and philosophies. Understanding the meaning and application of the Golden Rule is…
Author: Richard Curi
Being a Christian in the modern world can often feel like walking a tightrope. On one side, we have our faith and relationship with God. On the other, we live in a secular society that often runs counter to biblical values. Jesus recognized this tension when he prayed to the Father, “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world” (John 17:14). So how can believers be “in” the world physically yet not “of” the world spiritually? The key is developing an…
What Does it Mean to Bless God? The concept of blessing God is found throughout the Bible. At its core, blessing God is about praising, exalting, and bringing glory to Him. It is an act of worship recognizing God for who He is. There are several key aspects involved in what it means to bless the Lord: Giving Thanks and Praise A primary way we bless God is through giving thanks and praise. When we recognize the goodness, greatness, and sovereignty of God, it leads us to offer praise. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within…
How can I overcome temptation? Temptation is a struggle that every Christian faces. In a world filled with sin and distractions, it can be incredibly difficult to resist desires and impulses that go against God’s commands. Though temptation itself is not a sin, giving in to it is, which is why overcoming temptation is so important for followers of Christ. The Bible offers much wisdom and advice on how to resist temptation and walk in obedience to God. Here are some key principles from Scripture on how to overcome temptation: Recognize the source of temptation. The Bible teaches that temptation…
God tests His people for several important reasons according to the Bible. Here are some of the main purposes behind God’s testing of His followers: To Refine Our Faith One key reason God tests us is to refine our faith and grow us spiritually. The trials and difficulties allowed by God serve to purify our faith like fire purifies gold (1 Peter 1:6-9). They expose areas where our faith is weak and needs to be strengthened. As we lean on God during trials, our faith is stretched and takes deeper root. James 1:2-4 explains that we should rejoice when facing…
Chrislam is a syncretistic religious movement that seeks to combine elements of Christianity and Islam. The term “Chrislam” refers to attempts to reconcile or blend together Christian and Islamic theology and practices. There are several different strands of Chrislam, but some common ideas include: Belief that Christians and Muslims worship the same God Use of the Quran and Bible side-by-side in worship services Incorporation of Islamic practices like ritual foot washing into Christian worship Viewing Jesus as a prophet but not divine Emphasis on unity and peace between the two faiths Proponents of Chrislam argue that many similarities exist between…
Breaking up with a significant other is often a difficult decision. The Bible does not give specific guidelines on when it is right or wrong to end a dating relationship, but it does provide principles that can help guide decisions. Reasons That May Warrant Ending the Relationship Here are some situations where ending the relationship could potentially be warranted: Unrepentant Sinful Behavior If a boyfriend or girlfriend is engaged in unrepentant sinful behavior, this may be grounds for breaking up. For example, patterns of lying (Colossians 3:9), sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5), drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18), or other ongoing sinful lifestyle…
Dating and finding a life partner is one of the most important decisions a person can make. Yet with so many options and perspectives on relationships today, it can be overwhelming trying to decide who to date or pursue a relationship with. As Christians, we know that God cares deeply about every part of our lives, including our romantic relationships. The Bible offers guidance, wisdom and perspective for navigating this area of life in a way that honors God. Here are some biblical principles to keep in mind when trying to decide who to date: Seek God’s Will First We…
The Bible has a lot to say about interdependence, which is the idea that human beings rely on and need each other. This view stands in contrast to radical individualism which promotes complete self-reliance and independence from others. Throughout the Bible, there are themes and passages that highlight our interconnectedness and mutual dependence. We Are All Part of One Body in Christ Several New Testament passages use the metaphor of the church as the “body of Christ” to illustrate interdependence among believers. Just as a physical body has many parts that rely on each other, the spiritual body of Christ…
The word “mammon” appears four times in the Bible, all in the New Testament. It is a transliteration of the Aramaic word mamon meaning “wealth”, “money”, or “possessions”. In the King James Version, it is spelled “mammon” while other translations spell it “mamon.” The first mention of mammon is in Matthew 6:24 during Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where he says “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Here Jesus contrasts serving…