Editor’s Note: This post was written by Joshua of Get Christian Answers.
Have you ever read something in the Bible that just makes you stop and say, “WHAT?!” And then continue for ten minutes trying to figure out why a certain command even appears in the Bible? I know I have. Way before I knew what a study Bible was, the five verses that I talk about below used to make me say, “why does this appear in the Bible, and how is it even useful?” Today, it is my goal to share with you the true value of these verses, and I hope that you will also apply the advice to your everyday life.
1. Do Not Worry. Why not?
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus talks about the subject of “worry.” Specifically, in Matthew 6:25, He tells us not to worry about the things that God promises to provide us with (food and clothes), but this can apply to more than just food and clothes, too. You might ask, “what’s the worst thing that can happen from worrying?” Here are a few negative consequences:
1. Worry can damage your health. Worry can lead to anxiety, and anxiety can attack you in a number of different ways. For example, anxiety can cause chest pain, stomach aches, head aches, and tons of other problems. Too much worry can also lead to depression, and depression can lead to thoughts (or the actual act of) suicide.
2. Worry can consume your thoughts. God tells us in Philippians 4:8 that we need to think of “pure” or positive thoughts. Worry is a negative thought.
3. Worry can stop you from being productive. Imagine you’re at work and you have only five minutes to finish what you are doing. Even though you’re rushing, you feel comfortable because you are focused. However, if worry, a negative thought, enters your mind, then you may focus less on your work and end up missing your five minute deadline. So what did worry accomplish for you? Absolutely nothing, unless you consider missing your deadline an accomplishment (I hope not!).
4. Worry reduces your ability to trust God. When you worry about the things that God promises to provide you with (food and clothes), you are reducing your trust and faith in God to provide for you.
Thankfully, God gives us a way to defeat worry: 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all of your anxiety (or worries) on God, and He will take care of the rest. Sounds simple, right? Right. But it does work!
Note: Worry should not be confused with concern. While “worry” focuses solely on a problem, that may or may not even exist, “concern” focuses on fixing a problem with a solution.
2. Forgive seventy-seven (77) times. What about three strikes and then you’re out?
In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus tells us to forgive those who have sinned against us seventy-seven (77) times. You can take that at face value, but most agree that Jesus is saying that we should forgive an “unlimited” number of times, just like He does. Remember, love does not keep “record” (or score) of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5), and we are told to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31) and even our enemies (Matthew 5:44).
Note: For more information on forgiving others check out our article, What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?, on the main site.
3. If your eyes cause you to lust, then pluck them out. You can’t be serious, right?!
In Matthew 5:28-29, Jesus says to “gouge” or pluck out your eyes if they cause you to lust after a non-spouse. This verse should not be taken literally because even blind people can lust. Jesus is telling us that we need to take extreme measures to keep us from sinning. One realistic approach is to look away or to just keep your mind on pure thoughts as we are told to do in Philippians 4:8.
4. Stay away from idle people. What harm would they cause?
In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, the Bible tells us to stay away from idle people (people that are not making good use out of their time). Being idle, or wasting your time, can also lead to a number of sins because you have too much free time. For example, causing one to gossip (2 Thessalonians 3:11-15), depression, and thoughts (or the actual act of) of suicide, simply because you have nothing better to do. The solution is to stay busy while making good use out of your time.
Note: For more information on work and gossip, check out our two articles: What Does the Bible Say About Work and Working? and What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?
5. Consider it “pure joy” whenever you face trials. Why should I smile when I am suffering?!
In James 1:2-18, we are told of trials and temptations. Specifically, James 1:2 tells us to consider it “pure joy” when we face trials because they develop perseverance. This doesn’t mean that you have to smile when going through pain, but you should try and look on the positive side. For example, are you having some marriage problems? Consider it one of the many tests that you and your spouse will go through. One positive aspect is that you two will gain new problem-solving skills, which also develops your perseverance for the success of your marriage.
Additionally, use this time to strengthen your relationship with God. Do this by reading the Bible and seeking Him in every decision that you make. Going back to the above marriage example, before making any decision that could have an impact on your marriage, read what the Bible has to say first.
Recommended Resources:
1. Life Application Study Bible ( for applying Bible verses to your life).
2. Zondervan Study Bible (the all purpose study Bible).
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November 13th, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Excellent post. I do like it when people show me how to apply verses into my life. Especially the trials and suffering. Thanks for a nice post.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:38 PM
We must remember, that if we declare that we ‘believe in God’, we must ‘live this belief’. Our Father in heaven knows everything concerning His sheep. If we ‘worry’ about carnal things, then we do not really believe His Word. It is written, that we MUST be tempted, in order for us to prove that we can in fact, be found ‘worthy until the end’. Jesus was tempted on the cross, when He tried to ‘give up His carnal life’, and nothing happened. He was confused, but rather than ‘curse’ God, He sought wisdom from God (My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?). Jesus had defeated satan’s temptation, even under the most excruciating pain, and fear of further pain (breaking of His legs, as per the ‘law’ at the time).
I have personally experienced temptation (as you have), where everything seems to be going wrong, and as soon as I ‘give up’, God fixes the problem(s). We are being tested, to see how strong our faith really is. Even Jesus had to learn patience and obedience, as Son of Man. Jesus proved to us, that it is possible to remain righteus, even under the most negative circumstances.
November 16th, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Thanks. There are some very crazy Bible verses, and when I got the email that you were going to explain 5 crazy Bible verses, these were not the ones that immediately came to my mind. How about these ones:
Jeremiah 19:9
Psalms 137:9
Samuel 15:3
Ezekiel 4:12
1 Corinthians 14:34
Deuteronomy 22:20,21
Leviticus 21:16-23
Malachi 2:3
Thanks for your help and insight!
November 19th, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Thank you for the responses everyone!
Misty, we have sent you an email.
God bless,
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