Scripture
Faith
Here are just a handful of things from Jesus's teachings which have been super influential on me:
Matthew 7:1-3 - This is the famous "plank in your own eye" teaching. I used to expend so much energy on constantly judging other people for perceived shortcomings-- so this teaching feels tailor-made for me. Absorbing it has completely changed how I see others. We are all God's beloved children; we are all fallen creatures with original sin; we're all trying to survive through suffering in this fallen world. We should love and support one another, and focus on ourselves with regards to becoming more holy.
Matthew 18:23-35 - This teaching drilled into me the critical importance of mercy and forgiveness. How many times in my life was I shown mercy by others, and failed to repay it in turn? How many times did the Lord show me mercy, and I turned around and sinned against Him? I decided to start changing all of that. It's been difficult, but I've made progress.
Mark 11:20-24 - The power of prayer. "So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." It's so poignant I was moved to tears when I read this teaching, and I still get emotional thinking about it. It reminds me of Peter walking on the water-- but then he experiences doubt and a lack of faith, and he begins to sink. We must have faith!
Luke 6:32-35 - Even sinners love those who love them! Love even those who do not love you, even those who revile you. This lesson of selflessness has been hugely influential on my thinking. I think it resonated with me in part because it's so logical! A corrollary teaching is, even Satan believes in God, so belief alone doesn't warrant you any credit! It was one of those "oh, duh!" moments when I read this teaching for the first time.
Luke 12:22-31 - Don't worry! The Lord will provide. He provides for the birds, right? And how much more value are you than a bird? Again, so logical-- it makes so much sense! "And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?" That one has gone a long way in helping me gradually shed my anxiety issues.
John 8:28-30 - The Father will be with us if we do what is pleasing to Him. Also, we do nothing on our own! This also helped relieve me of my anxiety: as long as we're acting according to His will, he will take care of the outcomes-- after all, it's not us doing these things, it's the Father doing them! That takes so much pressure off.
Matthew 7:1-3 - This is the famous "plank in your own eye" teaching. I used to expend so much energy on constantly judging other people for perceived shortcomings-- so this teaching feels tailor-made for me. Absorbing it has completely changed how I see others. We are all God's beloved children; we are all fallen creatures with original sin; we're all trying to survive through suffering in this fallen world. We should love and support one another, and focus on ourselves with regards to becoming more holy.
Matthew 18:23-35 - This teaching drilled into me the critical importance of mercy and forgiveness. How many times in my life was I shown mercy by others, and failed to repay it in turn? How many times did the Lord show me mercy, and I turned around and sinned against Him? I decided to start changing all of that. It's been difficult, but I've made progress.
Mark 11:20-24 - The power of prayer. "So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." It's so poignant I was moved to tears when I read this teaching, and I still get emotional thinking about it. It reminds me of Peter walking on the water-- but then he experiences doubt and a lack of faith, and he begins to sink. We must have faith!
Luke 6:32-35 - Even sinners love those who love them! Love even those who do not love you, even those who revile you. This lesson of selflessness has been hugely influential on my thinking. I think it resonated with me in part because it's so logical! A corrollary teaching is, even Satan believes in God, so belief alone doesn't warrant you any credit! It was one of those "oh, duh!" moments when I read this teaching for the first time.
Luke 12:22-31 - Don't worry! The Lord will provide. He provides for the birds, right? And how much more value are you than a bird? Again, so logical-- it makes so much sense! "And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?" That one has gone a long way in helping me gradually shed my anxiety issues.
John 8:28-30 - The Father will be with us if we do what is pleasing to Him. Also, we do nothing on our own! This also helped relieve me of my anxiety: as long as we're acting according to His will, he will take care of the outcomes-- after all, it's not us doing these things, it's the Father doing them! That takes so much pressure off.