Question:Did David truly hate the lame and the blind, as it appears in 2 Samuel 5:6–9? What is the proper theological understanding of this passage?
6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.”7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.8 And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.”9 And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward.
This event occurred during David’s conquest of Jerusalem. The city, occupied by the Jebusites, had never been captured by the Israelites, and the Jebusites were confident in their defenses. They taunted David by saying even the “blind and lame” could defend the city against him (v.6). This was mockery, not a literal military strategy. The Jebusites were mocking David’s strength and possibly recalling his humble past as a shepherd.
When David conquered the fortress of Zion (later called the City of David), he responded to their insult by calling the Jebusites “the blind and the lame”—a sarcastic reference to their earlier taunt. The phrase “whom David’s soul hates” (v.8) is not a general statement of hatred toward disabled people, but rather a figurative expression tied to the mocking context.
To conclude that David hated the disabled would contradict his later actions and the spirit of God’s law. Scripture reveals David as a man of compassion and justice, especially toward the weak and marginalized:
In 2 Samuel 9:1–13, David shows great kindness to Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan. He restores Saul’s land to him and has him eat at the king’s table “like one of the king’s sons” (v.11, NIV).
The Torah commands care for the disabled:
“Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:14, NIV)
Therefore, 2 Samuel 5:8 must be interpreted in context—David is not issuing a divine law or expressing true hatred, but repeating the enemy’s sarcasm and turning their mockery back on them after victory.
The phrase
in verse 8, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house,”
became a proverb, but it wasn’t a legal or religious command. It arose from the sarcastic context of David’s conquest. Some ancient interpreters or later generations may have misapplied it, just as the disciples misunderstood Jesus’ words about John in:
“If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:22, ESV).“Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die…” (John 21:23, NIV)
People sometimes take symbolic or figurative statements literally just as many misunderstood David’s statement.
Theologically, this account highlights a few key truths:
God uses the underestimated – David, newly crowned and mocked as weak, prevails because God is with him (1 Samuel 17:45–47).
Spiritual opposition often begins with mockery and discouragement – just like the enemies who ridiculed Nehemiah (Nehemiah 4:1–3) before the wall was rebuilt.
Victory often follows ridicule – the enemy uses discouragement as a last line of defense before defeat.
As believers, we must not let mockery, rejection, or misjudgment cause us to doubt our calling or mission. Instead, like David, we must remember that our strength comes from God.
“With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” (Psalm 60:12, NIV)
David’s statement in 2 Samuel 5:6–9 is not a condemnation of the physically disabled, but a response to a mocking insult from the Jebusites. His later kindness to Mephibosheth confirms this. As Christians, we are called to interpret Scripture carefully, recognizing context, metaphor, and the consistent character of God’s mercy and justice.
May the Lord bless you as you seek to understand His Word more deeply.Feel free to share this truth with others to bring clarity and encouragement.
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In the Old Testament, the Israelites had many occasions to gather, especially for worship and the celebration of feasts. However, there were also special assemblies known as “sacred assemblies” or “solemn assemblies.” These were not just ordinary gatherings; they were moments set aside for deep reflection, intimate worship, and a special focus on drawing closer to God.
These sacred assemblies took place during the seventh day of the Passover and the eighth day after the Feast of Tabernacles. On these days, no work was allowed. The emphasis was entirely on sanctification and seeking God’s presence.
Here are some verses that highlight these sacred gatherings:
Numbers 29:35 “On the eighth day, you shall have a solemn assembly; you shall do no laborious work.”
Leviticus 23:36“On the eighth day, you shall hold a sacred assembly and offer a burnt offering to the Lord… It is a solemn assembly; you shall do no work.”
Deuteronomy 16:8 “For six days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a solemn assembly to the Lord your God; you shall do no work.”
This sacred gathering is referred to as a “solemn assembly”.
When the First Temple was completed, it was consecrated during such an assembly:
2 Chronicles 7:9 “On the eighth day, they held a solemn assembly, for they had celebrated the dedication of the altar for seven days, and the feast for seven days.”
These sacred assemblies were also called in times of national crisis. During these gatherings, the people would come together in prayer and fasting, asking God to intervene in their land and remove the calamities and evil afflicting it:
Joel 1:14 – 2:15 “Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly… Let the priests who minister before the Lord weep between the porch and the altar.”
Just as we have various types of gatherings today—such as Sunday school, seminars, or evangelistic meetings—it is equally important for us to have sacred assemblies. These are gatherings focused specifically on prayer and fasting, where we dedicate ourselves fully to seeking God’s face. During these sacred moments, we draw near to Him and ask for His intervention in our lives, our communities, and our nations.
Do you value such gatherings? In Hebrews 10:25, God commands us: “Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together…” This command is not only about attending church on Sundays but also includes times of fasting, prayer, and worship where we seek God with all our hearts.
Let’s not neglect these special times of gathering. They are opportunities for us to humble ourselves before God, draw closer to Him, and intercede on behalf of our needs and the needs of the world around us.
May God bless you as you embrace the importance of sacred assemblies and deepen your relationship with Him.
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QUESTION: What does 2 Timothy 3:7 mean when it says:“Always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”?
ANSWER:In 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Paul outlines the characteristics of people who will emerge in the last days—traits that will be prominent in the times leading up to Christ’s return. These traits are not just isolated behaviors but reflect a deeper spiritual condition. Paul warns that people will become increasingly selfish, cruel, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. These characteristics demonstrate a departure from genuine godliness.
The specific phrase in
2 Timothy 3:7—”always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”—
refers to those who continually pursue knowledge, but it is shallow, self-serving, and ultimately leads them away from the true understanding of God’s will.
Let’s examine the verses carefully:
2 Timothy 3:5-9 (NIV):[5] “They have a form of godliness but deny its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”[6] “They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,”[7] “always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.”[8] “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.”[9] “But they will not get very far, because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.”
The concept of “knowledge” in the Bible goes far beyond mere intellectual understanding or information. Knowledge (Greek: epignosis) in a biblical sense is a deep, intimate, and transformative understanding of God’s will and truth. This knowledge leads to a life that reflects God’s holiness, aligning one’s actions with His purposes.
In the Old Testament, the word “knowledge” often describes an experiential understanding that comes from living in covenant relationship with God. For example, in
Hosea 4:6 (NIV), it is written:“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.”
This shows that true knowledge of God is not just intellectual but is tied to obedience and relationship.
In the New Testament, epignosis refers to the knowledge that leads to godliness and transformation. This is why Paul can say in
Titus 1:1 (NIV):“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.”
True knowledge of God’s truth is not merely for academic understanding but results in a transformed life that seeks to reflect God’s character—especially His holiness.
The people in 2 Timothy 3:7 were always learning but never able to reach that deep, transformative knowledge of God’s truth. They might have had an intellectual grasp of religious ideas, but their lives didn’t demonstrate the practical holiness that should result from knowing Christ.
In 2 Timothy 3:5, Paul warns of people who “have a form of godliness but deny its power.” This describes individuals who outwardly appear to be religious—they may speak Christian language, adopt Christian practices, and even hold positions in the church. However, their lives do not demonstrate the power of true godliness, which is the transformative effect of the Holy Spirit working in and through them.
This is echoed in
Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV), where Jesus warns that outward religious activity alone is not sufficient:“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.’”
This highlights a critical point: the power of godliness is not in outward rituals or intellectual knowledge but in the deep, personal relationship with Christ that leads to holiness and obedience.
So, what is this “true knowledge” that Paul refers to? True knowledge is godliness or holiness—it is the knowledge that transforms a person’s life, leading them to become more like Christ in their actions, attitudes, and values. The Bible makes it clear that genuine knowledge of God will always lead to godliness, as seen in
Titus 1:1:“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.”
This transformation is a hallmark of a true believer’s life—one that is being conformed to the image of Christ. Paul emphasizes this again in
Romans 12:2 (ESV):“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This scenario is evident today. In many places, there is an overwhelming amount of biblical knowledge available. We have seminaries, online resources, Bible translations, and teachings that far exceed anything people in the past had access to. Yet, despite all this knowledge, many still fail to live lives that reflect the holiness of Christ. Knowledge is abundant, but the true transformation it should bring is often lacking.
As
2 Timothy 3:7 describes, people can be “always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
This is a warning for us to reflect on our own spiritual journey. Are we truly allowing God’s truth to transform us into His image, or are we simply accumulating knowledge without real change?
This should be a question we ask ourselves: Has our knowledge of God truly led us to holiness? In the last days, there is a danger of accumulating knowledge without allowing it to transform our lives. Are our teachings and our lives reflecting the character of Christ? Are we pursuing holiness, as we are called to do in
1 Peter 1:16 (ESV):“Since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'”
As we continue in these last days, let us not fall into the trap of merely learning about God without truly knowing Him in a way that changes our hearts and actions. Let us pursue the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, as we follow Christ in holiness.
May the Lord bless you
Bible Verse (NIV):“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34
In this verse from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses a common human issue: anxiety about the future. He reminds His followers not to carry the burden of tomorrow today. God created us to live one day at a time—trusting Him for our needs daily, not all at once.
This is also reflected in the Lord’s Prayer:
“Give us today our daily bread.” – Matthew 6:11 (NIV)
Jesus did not teach us to ask for our “yearly bread” or “monthly provision.” Why? Because God’s design is for us to walk with Him daily, depending on His mercy and provision every single day.
God’s Grace is Daily, Not Bulk-Delivered
God provides grace sufficient for each day.“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning…” – Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV)
This means today’s grace is meant for today’s challenges—tomorrow’s grace will come tomorrow.
Worry Distracts from God’s PresenceJesus warns that worry divides our attention.
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” – Matthew 6:27 (NIV)Worry pulls us away from living fully in the now and trusting in the One who holds the future.
Trouble is Inevitable—But Not to be Multiplied
Jesus acknowledges that each day comes with its own difficulties—spiritual battles, temptations, and life’s burdens. When we try to carry tomorrow’s weight today, we pile up stress and open ourselves to spiritual discouragement or sin.
This aligns with 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV):“God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out…”In other words, God provides strength in proportion to what you face—one moment, one trial, one day at a time.
Jesus is encouraging present-moment faith. When you start worrying excessively about the future, you’re trying to live outside the grace God has given you for today. That leads to anxiety, burnout, and weakened faith.
Instead, face today’s battles with today’s strength. Trust that God, who was faithful yesterday and is faithful today, will also be faithful tomorrow.
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May the Lord bless you and keep you strong, one day at a time
If you do, that is a good thing. But let me ask: What gives you that assurance?
Is it your faith? Your church denomination? Your good deeds? Or something else?
If it is faith alone that you believe in Jesus and therefore assume that you will surely go with Him when He comes then understand this: It is possible to believe in Him, and yet not go with Him when He returns.
If it is your denomination that gives you confidence, know that belonging to a certain church or religious group is not enough.
Even with the best denomination and the most respected church name, you may still miss the day of His return.
Is it your good deeds that assure you? That you don’t steal, you don’t curse, you help others, you’re morally upright?
If your assurance is based solely on good works, then you may still miss Him when He comes.
So, what truly gives someone the sure guarantee that they will go with the Lord when He returns?
Let us look for the answer directly from the words of the Lord Jesus Himself, the One who is coming again:
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.””
So what is the true mark of someone who will see the Lord on that Day?
It’s not denomination because Nicodemus belonged to one of the strictest, most respected sects of Judaism: the Pharisees (see Acts 26:5). It’s not merely faith in God because Nicodemus already believed in God and acknowledged Jesus as being from God.
Yet, Jesus told him:
“You must be born again.”
This means that faith alone, religious affiliation, and even good works are not sufficient. What Jesus emphasizes is a spiritual transformation a complete rebirth in the Spirit.
Jesus explains further:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
To be “born of water and Spirit” refers to:
When someone is born again, they become a new creation in Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
So, the question is:
Have you received the Holy Spirit? Are you filled with the Holy Spirit as a sign and seal of your belonging to Christ?
Those who are filled with the Spirit are led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14). They do not live according to the world’s standards. They are transformed from within seeking things above, not the things of this world.
Someone filled with the Spirit cannot live in darkness, nor enjoy the sinful patterns of this world. Instead, they become light in the darkness.
If you are not sure whether you would go with the Lord if He returned today, it’s time to get that assurance not from assumptions or religious traditions, but through the new birth in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps you’re thinking:
“When He comes, God knows whether I’ll go with Him or not.”
But think about this illustration:
A thief announces he will come to harm you at night. Would you simply say, “Well, he knows whether he will harm me or not”? Or would you take precautions?
If you don’t prepare, it’s almost guaranteed the thief will succeed. But if you secure yourself, you’ll know whether or not he can harm you.
In the same way, we must not leave our eternity up to vague assumptions. We must not say, “God knows” as if He will just decide for us on that day.
No we must be sure now.
If we leave the decision up to Him without aligning with His Word, we make Him out to be partial or unfair but God is not partial.
“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.”
So be certain. Be born again. Not through religion. Not through good deeds. But through faith in Christ that leads to a new birth by the Holy Spirit.
Maranatha The Lord is coming. Are you ready?
“For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do this I keep on doing.”
Are you one of those struggling under such a kind of bondage? You desire and long for certain things, but you find yourself not receiving, unable to act, or unable to achieve what you desire?
If you’ve had many desires, but you haven’t seen progress or clarity in how to achieve them, then maybe the way you’re desiring and seeking those things is flawed.
“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking Him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, ‘O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments.’”
Did you see the principle Daniel used?
He did not seek things through divination, or witchcraft, or manipulation, or bribery, or by trying to please people but through:
And as a result, Daniel received what he was seeking from the Lord!
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
Even the Lord Jesus emphasized that some things cannot be achieved except by prayer and fasting:
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21, NKJV)
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”
This means: Even your desire to do good comes from God and so does the power to act on that desire. But for that divine enablement to be real in your life, you must align with God through prayer, fasting, and total dependence on Him.
God does not just want you to want good things; He wants to enable you to do them.
But there is a divine principle: Desire must be aligned with divine seeking through prayer, fasting, and humility.
Let us not seek shortcuts or worldly means to spiritual breakthroughs. Let us follow the example of Daniel, of Jesus, and of the saints of old who obtained their promises through persistent spiritual pursuit.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.”
Fasting is a deeply spiritual discipline that aligns the heart with God’s will. It’s not simply a physical act of abstaining from food, but a sacred moment of seeking God through humility, prayer, and spiritual focus. Below are seven key principles, supported by Scripture, to guide your fast effectively:
Fasting without prayer is incomplete. Prayer is the spiritual engine of your fast. Jesus made it clear that certain breakthroughs require both prayer and fasting.
Mark 9:29 (NIV): “He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer.’”
Matthew 17:21 (KJV): “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
Fasting intensifies our prayers. It helps us surrender our physical needs so we can become more spiritually sensitive and dependent on God. Every fasting day should be filled with intentional, heartfelt, and often extended prayer.
Fasting is a time of inward focus. Avoid distractions, social outings, and unnecessary errands. Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16), and we are encouraged to do the same during fasting.
Psalm 46:10 (NIV): “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Quietness enables us to listen to God more attentively and engage in deeper self-examination.
The tongue must also fast. Avoid idle talk, gossip, or excessive conversation during your fast. Fasting helps us become more mindful of our words and focus on what matters most—God’s voice.
Proverbs 10:19 (NIV): “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
Let your words be few, your thoughts focused, and your spirit tuned to God’s presence.
Fasting is not only from food but from all physical indulgence. Paul calls us to crucify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:24 (NIV): “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Married couples may choose to abstain from sexual intimacy temporarily, as modeled in 1 Corinthians 7:5, to devote themselves more fully to prayer.
Fasting is about sacrifice, not rescheduling. Avoid turning your fast into a feast at sunset. Eat modestly and thoughtfully when breaking your fast.
Isaiah 58:3-5 (NIV) critiques fasting with wrong motives and shows that God desires a fast that transforms the heart, not just one that manipulates meal times.
The true fast weakens the flesh but strengthens the spirit. Overeating after fasting dulls the spiritual alertness you’ve cultivated throughout the day.
Daniel practiced a partial fast where he gave up rich and pleasurable foods to humble himself before God.
Daniel 10:2–3 (NIV): “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.”
Fasting means choosing discipline over desire. If we consume our favorite foods during a fast, we risk turning it into a moment of indulgence rather than sacrifice.
Jesus warned against fasting for show. Spiritual disciplines should be done in secret, for the glory of God—not to gain admiration from others.
Matthew 6:16–18 (NIV): “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
If necessary, close family members or a spiritual mentor can be informed for support and accountability—but never for recognition.
Fasting is about aligning with God’s heart, not manipulating Him. The reward is not material gain, but deeper intimacy with the Father. As you fast, let it be rooted in humility, fueled by prayer, and driven by a desire to know God more fully.
Isaiah 58:6 (NIV): “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice… and to break every yoke?”
May the Lord bless and strengthen you as you fast.
(James 4:11, ESV): “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.”
Answer: To fully understand what James means, we need to explore both the context of his epistle and the broader biblical principles he draws upon. James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, writes this letter to believers facing internal divisions, worldliness, and judgmental attitudes. James warns that speaking evil or passing judgment on fellow believers is a serious matter—not merely an interpersonal issue but a spiritual offense against God’s law.
Let’s break it down with a practical example:
Imagine a president visits a rural area and finds a destitute family where all members are disabled and unable to work. Out of compassion, he orders that they be given a home, monthly food supplies, and their basic needs be covered by the government for life. After the president leaves, the regional governor visits and decides the family is simply lazy and unworthy of such help. He accuses them, delays their assistance, and treats them harshly.
On the surface, it may appear the governor is just being critical of the family. But in reality, he’s rejecting and disobeying the president’s command. His actions indirectly question the president’s wisdom, compassion, and authority—even if he claims to respect him.
Likewise, James is saying that when we judge or speak evil of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are not only harming them—we’re positioning ourselves above the law of God, which commands love, mercy, and humility. In essence, we declare the law to be flawed, and assume a role that belongs to God alone: the role of Judge.
The Law of Christ The “law” James refers to is likely the royal law mentioned earlier in
James 2:8 (ESV): “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.”
This echoes the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 22:37–40, where He says all the Law and the Prophets depend on the commands to love God and love your neighbor.
Furthermore,
Matthew 7:1–2 (ESV) warns: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
Jesus is not forbidding all discernment but condemns a hypocritical and self-righteous spirit that ignores one’s own faults while harshly condemning others (see Matthew 7:3–5).
Restoration, Not Condemnation Instead of condemning, Scripture teaches us to restore our brothers and sisters gently and with humility.
Galatians 6:1–2 (ESV): “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
This “law of Christ” is the command to love sacrificially, just as Christ loved us (John 13:34–35). Judging others without love not only violates this law, but it reveals a failure to grasp God’s grace, which we ourselves depend on.
Conclusion: When we slander or judge fellow believers, we don’t merely offend them—we oppose God’s law and set ourselves up as superior to it. Instead of judging, God calls us to live out His law through love, compassion, and gentle correction. We are not judges—we are fellow recipients of grace, called to walk humbly and help one another grow in Christ.
May the Lord bless and guide you as you walk in His grace
Colossians 4:6 (NKJV) says: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
The Swahili word “munyu” translates to “salt” in English. Although this specific word “munyu” appears only once in the Swahili Bible, its biblical significance spans much deeper. The concept of salt in Scripture is rich with symbolic meaning—ranging from purity, preservation, covenant, and value, to judgment and speech.
Salt was more than a flavor enhancer in the ancient world. It was a preservative, especially critical in the days before refrigeration. It was also a symbol of covenant loyalty, purity, and durability. That’s why in biblical times, salt was even used in offerings.
Leviticus 2:13 (NKJV): “And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.”
This reference speaks of the “salt of the covenant”, symbolizing permanence and loyalty in God’s relationship with His people. Salt, then, is not just a cooking ingredient—it is a theological metaphor for enduring truth and divine covenant.
When Paul writes that our words should be “seasoned with salt”, he is encouraging believers to speak with grace but also with truth, wisdom, and lasting spiritual value. Salted words are:
Jesus Himself used this imagery when He taught His disciples.
Matthew 5:13 (NKJV): “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
Here, salt represents the disciple’s role in preserving the truth and influencing the world. Our words, then, must reflect our spiritual identity and mission.
Unlike fleeting, worldly speech, salted speech carries eternal weight.
Matthew 24:35 (NKJV): “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
Jesus’ words are the ultimate model of salted speech—they are full of truth, unchanging, and life-giving. As believers, when we speak about salvation, hope, righteousness, and the Kingdom of God, we are echoing this eternal message.
In contrast, speech that lacks salt is focused on temporal, earthly matters, often driven by pride, greed, or anxiety about the future. James issues a strong reminder against this kind of thinking:
James 4:13–14 (NKJV): “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city… and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor…”
Such words may seem logical in the moment but have no lasting value. They are like unsalted food—bland, perishable, and ultimately forgettable.
Let us strive, by God’s grace, to ensure our words are seasoned with salt—full of grace, truth, and life. This kind of speech not only honors God but also strengthens others, pointing them to eternal hope.
Prayer: Lord, help us to speak words that are gracious, truthful, and lasting—seasoned with the salt of Your Word and empowered by Your Spirit.
Shalom
There is a spiritual condition in which every believer must be found when the Lord Jesus Christ returns. If He finds us outside this condition, we will not go with Him, but instead, we will be left behind to face God’s judgment.
Let us read the Scripture:
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV)
This verse reveals a powerful truth: Jesus is indeed coming back, and when He returns, He expects to find us sanctified in three areas:
If we are found defiled in any of these three areas at His coming, there is a great danger we risk missing the Rapture and facing eternal consequences.
Let’s explore each area:
The soul is the seat of our:
God desires that these aspects remain pure and submitted to Him.
How is the soul sanctified? By:
If you neglect prayer, your soul becomes weak you become easily angered, bitter, and directionless. Without the Word, your soul is vulnerable to temptation and lacks spiritual guidance.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
The spirit is the inner man the innermost part of our being. It is the place where God dwells and communes with us.
“The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.” Proverbs 20:27 (ESV)
It is through the spirit that we:
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 (NKJV)
If your spirit is not purified and alive in Christ, you cannot walk with God not in this life, and certainly not in eternity.
The body is the physical vessel, the outward part of man, and it must also be kept holy.
Biblically, an unclean body is not one with sweat or dust, but one defiled by sinful actions, such as:
“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NKJV)
The body is sanctified not by hot water or herbal remedies, but by renouncing the works of the flesh, which are clearly listed in Galatians:
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19–21 (NKJV)
Everyone must purify themselves and maintain that purity in spirit, soul, and body. Sanctification is the ticket to seeing the Lord when He returns.
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (repeated for emphasis)
If not what are you waiting for? And if you have already received Him, then ask yourself:
If you need guidance in building yourself spiritually in these three areas, you can reach out to us for prayer support and spiritual counsel.
Maranatha the Lord is coming!