Another year down, another one rolling in whether we’re ready or not. 2026 has officially arrived, bringing fresh memes, familiar feelings, and the same internet energy we all know and love.
The calendar may have flipped, but the memes are already doing what they do best, reacting to resolutions we haven’t kept, plans we haven’t finished, and vibes we’re still figuring out.
This gallery is a welcoming committee made entirely of memes. Some optimistic, some sarcastic, and some just here to acknowledge that time is moving way too fast.
Whether you’re stepping into 2026 fired up, cautiously hopeful, or simply along for the ride, these memes set the tone for what’s ahead. New year, same scroll, and somehow that feels right.
Sometimes the best kind of motivation comes from something that also makes you snort-laugh. A little humor can go a long way in boosting your mood, calming your stress, or reminding you that you’re doing just fine.
Whether you need a quick pick-me-up or a reason to smile on a rough workday, these memes deliver both the giggles and the good vibes. Dive in and let the wholesomeness begin! “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” – Marcus Aurelius
Who exactly are they, and how did they get so confident?
This gallery takes a closer look at what confidence really means beyond the quotes, the gym selfies, and the “just believe in yourself” slogans. Confidence isn’t loud. It’s not always the first one to speak, or the one with the flashiest outfit.
Sometimes, it’s just showing up when you don’t want to. It’s ordering your coffee without overthinking it. It’s knowing your worth even when no one’s clapping for you.
Confidence looks different on everyone. For some, it’s quiet assurance. For others, it’s full-blown, main-character energy. But in all forms, it’s magnetic, something that changes the way the world reacts to you.
Let’s celebrate that power, the small wins that build it, and the moments that test it. Whether you’ve got it locked in or you’re still faking it till you make it, remember: confidence isn’t something you find, it’s something you grow and learn.
There are maybe a handful of films you watch in your formative years that have such a tectonic impact on you as the 1986 teen comedy ‘Ferris Bueller’ had on me. The iconic John Hughes film literally had the titular character breaking the fourth wall to speak to kids, just like me, who longed to cut class and live every moment to the fullest with friends. Oddly enough, that sentiment probably resonates with most of us adults to this day.
The film is just a year shy of its 40th Birthday, and I wanted to help celebrate its impact with some of my personal favorite quotes. Odds are there will be many more that you guys likely will think of, and I hope you share those ones with us in the comments below…
Without further delay, let’s take a trip with Ferris and the gang…
Before my kids were born, I had an idealistic view of what parenting would be like. But it didn’t take long for my plans to be upended as the beautiful yet challenging adventure began.
What struck me most was the independence exerted by each of my kids, an independence that sometimes led them down compromising paths. For reasons I still ponder, I naively believed my children would be immune to compromise, especially when it came to matters of faith. I envisioned them navigating their walk with God with ease and certainty, never straying from His principles.
However, I’ve come to realize we’re all on our own journey, and for some, the road back to the Savior is long and difficult. Yet, I rest in the assurance that my family is held in the embrace of God’s sovereign plan. I trust that the Lord is at work, weaving His perfect will through our lives, including the lives of our prodigals.
With each passing day, I’m learning to release my fears and failures to Him, reminding myself of His promises and the hope He offers. I cling to the belief that no matter how far they may wander, there is always a path back home.
If you’re wondering what God’s plans might be for your prodigal, take comfort in these promising Scriptures.
He Desires to Save Them
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:1-6 (ESV)
I probably don’t need to ask this, but is your prodigal son or daughter included in your prayers? Are you diligently praying for them with thanksgiving in your heart?
I know how difficult it is to keep interceding when you don’t see the fruit of your petitions. But don’t grow weary! Galatians 6:9 spurs us on, saying, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Imagine the beautiful harvest of your child’s heart ready to receive Christ. What a wonderful day that will be!
I love the parable of the persistent widow when Jesus emphasized the importance of praying and never giving up. He said, “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you he will see that they get justice, and quickly” (Luke 18:7-8).
My friends, we are free to call upon the Lord, day and night. He wants to hear our prayers and petitions. Jesus removed the veil so we could enter into God’s presence and tell Him everything.
Draw near to God today, and let your desires be made known. Be persistent in prayer, believing in faith for your prodigal’s return.
He Wants Their Eyes to Be Open
“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Acts 26:17-18
Paul’s miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus is one of the most comforting passages for parents of prodigals. From murderer to martyr, Paul’s life was transformed in an instant by a glorious encounter with Jesus.
As we read Paul’s story, we see the great commission Jesus placed on his life. He was sent to open the eyes of the Gentiles, turn them from darkness to light, and deliver them from the power of Satan to God. Paul’s testimony is a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone to be captured by God’s love and redemption.
All along, God’s plan has been to open people’s eyes to His free gift of salvation. We can trust Him to meet our prodigals right where they are, offering them new life in Christ. Let’s remember Paul’s Damascus journey with renewed hope for our loved ones. The Lord still speaks today, drawing people out of darkness and into His glorious light.
He Seeks Them
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10
Does God keep pursuing us even when we run away? This is a serious question that requires a serious answer. For parents of prodigals, it’s tempting to assume our kids have gone too far, pushed too hard, or run too fast. But remember Isaiah 59:1, which says, “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.”
In this post by Debbie McDaniel, she says, “Some days, we just need a reminder, that God is intimately involved in all that concerns us. Maybe we’ve been praying for something and still don’t see the answer. Maybe a door closed that we were really hoping would open. Maybe we’re battling discouragement and defeat, or we’re burdened for the lives of those we love…He knows. He cares.”
My friends, we can absolutely trust God to keep pursuing our prodigals with His limitless love. The word of His mouth has the power to change even the most wayward heart. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
As you wait for your prodigal to return, pray the Scriptures aloud. Speak life and truth over them, believing God for greater things. Resist thoughts that they’ve run too far and remember no creature under heaven is hidden from God’s sight. He still seeks. He still saves.
He Makes the Way Clear
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10
In one of my previous posts, Why Is There Only One Way to Heaven?, I share, “Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. His way is sure, and His path is open to all. What a divine blessing to be given the exact directions to eternity! There is no guesswork. There is no re-calculating the journey. Jesus paved the way once and for all.”
Sadly, many prodigals feel they’re unworthy of salvation. If we were to take a poll, we’d likely hear answers such as:
“I’m too lost.”
“I’ll never be good enough.”
“I can’t live up to God’s standards.”
“It’s hopeless.”
In contrast, Jesus made the way of salvation as clear as possible. God’s greatest plan for your prodigal is to save them. He loves them with an everlasting love and wants nothing more than for them to repent, believe, and be saved. You can trust Him every step of the way. Do you believe this today?
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.
Lashing out at my kids one day for a seemingly minor offense, they had had enough. “Why are you so angry all the time?” My son asked. “Yeah, Mom, you yell a lot.” This broke me. Growing up in a home where my mother yelled a lot, I often walked on eggshells, not knowing exactly what her mood would be.
I usually hid my true feelings and generally didn’t express myself for fear of rejection or her wrath. This moment with my kids confirmed I had become just like her. I went upstairs and wept. “God?” I asked. “Help me break this generational sin of approval and negativity. I don’t know how to stop hurting my kids with my words, but you do. Help me break this stronghold in my life.”
I went downstairs and apologized. From then on, I worked hard to make sure I tamed my tongue and ensured that they came home to a safe, loving environment. Since I came from a tumultuous home, I wasn’t sure how to do it. But with God’s help, I could change my attitude and become gentler in responding to them. After a while, I couldn’t remember the last time I yelled at my kids.
It’s easy to live what we learn. If we don’t have the skills to change our behavior, we will often become like the people we hate the most. While I’m the type of person who speaks her mind, it is not always good for me to say whatever comes to my mind. I need to weigh and discern which words should come out and which should not.
Here’s how I learned the art of taming my tongue:
Balancing Grace and Truth
As a writer, I find it interesting that Genesis begins with God speaking the world into existence. This demonstrates that God considers words a critical part of life. He could have created the earth with his hands and mind, but he chose to speak life into being with words.
In the same way, I need to choose between speaking life or death to the people I know. I don’t want to be the person who constantly criticizes others. I want to be the person who speaks the truth in love and strikes a good balance between grace and truth. Although this balance is difficult to find at times, I know that words are essential, and if I don’t build my words correctly, I can leave a slew of carnage in my wake.
Recognizing the Weight of Words
Just as my words are important, they also carry significant weight. This is especially true with the people I love. Because I’m known as someone they can go to for blatant truth, if I’m feeling bad about another situation, it’s easier for me to project my feelings onto someone else. That person is left not knowing why I was so harsh with them, and though it makes me feel better, it’s only for the short term. In the long run, I have strained my relationship with someone I care about.
While it is important not to sweep words under the rug, speaking words is equally important so that I can tell the truth—but with grace. For example, instead of, “You were so stupid. Why did you do that?” I can gently ask, “Did you ask someone to counsel you before you did that? That’s not God’s best for you.” Both sentences communicate my disappointment with the other’s actions. But the first one assassinates their character. The second allows me to speak the truth and challenge them to seek other people’s opinions before they do something they may regret later.
If I continue to attack someone’s character, it can leave them feeling worthless, and they will likely not want to seek my presence again. This hurts not only them but also me in the end.
Practicing a Gentle Response
Several Proverbs talk about taming the tongue. God considers this necessary if he chooses to have almost an entire book dedicated to it. Consider these words from Proverbs 10:11: “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
As Scripture suggests, when I am gracious and gentle with my words, they are sweet to others’ ears. However, when I’m harsh with others, I incite anger and possibly retaliation or revenge. Even if harsh words are “necessary,” they never yield healthy relationships.
Even when it is tempting to be harsh with someone after they’ve been harsh, I must choose to use my words wisely. As someone whose spiritual gift is wisdom, I need to use wisdom when it comes to my words. I need to choose my words carefully and speak to someone I feel can maturely handle a rebuke.
Building Others Up
Even when it feels good in the short-term, using harsh words with someone strains (or even severs) relationships. This causes me to go back and apologize and make the situation right. Although this is a lesson in humility, I must learn to never say those words in the first place. Just as we can sin or become more righteous each day, it is the same with our words. I can choose to use my words for good or for evil. I want to be someone who can speak the truth in love but also encourage often.
The best way I can balance this is to use my words to bless someone each day. Whether through a written note, e-mail, or text, I can highlight something I like about someone and send it to them. Funerals are when we wish we could have said things to people. I choose each day to bless someone with love before they go. This is an excellent way for me to use my tongue to build others up rather than tear others down.
Reconciling
Just as words have the power to sever or hinder relationships, they also can bring reconciliation. When I apologize to someone, I increase humility, rid myself of pride, and allow forgiveness to occur. When I am willing to work on a relationship by changing my words, I make room for the Spirit to work in my life. I can set an example for someone through kind words, but in my challenge to someone, I can choose to be gentle in that rebuke so they can receive it with love and can change.
We have the power to bring death or life to others. God chose to use words to breathe life into being. Through our words in prayer, we usher in the Holy Spirit and allow miracles to occur. The ability to speak will enable us to be tangible witnesses of Christ. If I choose to help those in need and only rebuke those whose motives I know and have discerned, I will be the example Christ has set to challenge and inspire hearts.
Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor’s wife, and mother. She is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and a certified writing coach. Her new children’s book Hall of Faith encourages kids to understand God can be trusted. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia, and spending time with her family and her crazy dog. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.com.
We all like the idea of community, but do we know how to implement it? We know God created us to be in communion with Him and others. God Himself is a community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The New Testament models community, and the modern church talks about it, but are we doing it?
For most, a community is defined as a safe place to be accepted and fully supported without friction. While this sounds ideal, it is impossible to achieve because everyone holds their own opinions on every topic in existence. After twelve years of intentionally studying the Bible, I concluded that God’s idea of community requires vulnerability, humility, and service to one another. And God’s opinions are the only ones I’m concerned about.
Galatians 6 has many good examples of community—I encourage you to read it. Galatians 6:2 (NLT) says, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.”
While I understand the beauty and value of being in a community and sharing each other’s burdens, the appeal fades when I realize that vulnerability ensures pain. Humility requires giving more than we take, and service requires surrendering what we think we need. Submitting yourself to a life of service to the kingdom means you will be inconvenienced.
Beyond knowing that community requires vulnerability, humility, and service, we must know how to implement these characteristics; otherwise, they are empty words. James 5:16 (NLT) says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” To confess requires vulnerability and humility, and it’s there that we find results. How can we expect to grow and glorify God without confessing our struggles or sins?
Acts 2:42 (NLT) shares a picture of true community: “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” Once these people accepted the gospel message, they started doing life together; they served one another. Today’s church slightly resembles this original church, but we have a long way to go. They modeled humility and service to one another by sharing food and resources. Living, traveling, and sharing your belongings with other people you just met implies vulnerability and trust that God will take care of you.
What Hinders Community in the Church
In forty-four years, I’ve seen something consistent in the church that hinders true community. We may have great discussions about being honest with our struggles or hardships, but there’s also a stiffness around its practicality.
Many times, after sharing a struggle or being honest about my emotions, I receive a message that says, “You’ll have to figure this out on your own.” People may offer to pray for me but may also look down on me because I need help. However, God says we will always need help because we aren’t Him. If we could break that cycle of shaming those who are brave enough to share their struggles, we’d begin to see true community.
When we encourage others to be honest with their struggles and then shame them for needing help, we send a very confusing message. I don’t think we intentionally do this, but maybe if we were aware, we could end the cycle.
We hinder our community when we choose pride over humility. No one likes to be humble. We want to shine, and we don’t want to be stepped on, but we are called to humility. God’s Word says that to follow Him we must be humble, and Jesus modeled humility even though He is God wrapped in flesh. (See James 4:10, Luke 14:11.) And Proverbs teaches that the humble gain wisdom and have the fear of the Lord (Prov. 11:2, 22:4). We want to have the fear of the Lord. If we don’t fear the Lord, we fear man; when we fear man, we make him our god.
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Philippians 2:3-8 (NLT)
We hinder our community when we are inauthentic. Instead of being honest about our lives with Christ, we put up walls. We value our privacy, homes, and families. I know that I do, and it’s because that’s what’s been modeled to me my entire life. It’s difficult to break away from. Could I live the way the early church did? I hope so, but it would be a tough transition. I am willing, but a vital element of community is that it involves other people. So, are we willing to let go of what we know and live as the Church?
I’m the first to admit that while I can be vulnerable by sharing what’s going on in my life, I’m better at securing what I think I need to be safe and secure. Most of us excel at protecting ourselves, even if the effort is futile. We only think we are protecting ourselves with our material and emotional safeguards. The hard truth is that God’s plans have been in motion since the beginning of time, and our options are to fall in line and experience God’s blessings along the way or struggle on our own with nothing to show for it in the end.
We hinder our community when we choose selfishness. We live in a time of extreme selfishness. We call it self-care, protecting our peace, or human rights, and I get it. Life is painful. I understand why we turn inward and demand that others make us feel good. We live in a fallen world, which means we have many hurts. I agree that hurt people hurt people; that famous phrase hits the nail on the head. Jesus understands why we turn inward, too; He has seen it from the beginning, the fall of man. But just because He understands doesn’t mean He celebrates our choice.
Humility strengthens the Spirit, and you may even see God move miraculously. Even though God gives grace to the humble and opposes the proud (James 4:6), our blessing may not be as tangible as we like. It’s experienced when we live with a kingdom mindset, so it’s no wonder we don’t see others clamoring for humility. Our culture loves instant gratification, quick fixes, status, security, and power, but those things won’t last when Jesus returns. It’s better to practice humbling ourselves now to please God.
Why Is Community Important?
Community is important because it’s part of God’s design for us. He never wanted us to do life alone. We can go back to the beginning of creation and see that God intended us to do life with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NLT) tells us, “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.” It goes on to say that living as the Body of Christ creates harmony. Doesn’t that sound like a wonderful idea in our divided world?
Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, and Hebrews all refer to Christians as one body. Body parts stick together. The brain (Christ) tells us how to work, and when we listen, the body moves beautifully.
Living in a community as the Body of Christ requires a lot of surrender but so does following Jesus. I am thankful for the grace God has extended to us, and I’m not sure how many of us will succeed in living surrendered, humble, vulnerable lives serving Christ in the Kingdom, but I know we have to try. I know where to start, though. In communion with God in His Word. He’s laid the foundation, and all we need to do is take the time to study it and draw close to Him each day.
“Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts. And don’t make fun of the powerful, even in your own bedroom. For a little bird might deliver your message and tell them what you said.” Ecclesiastes 10:20 (NLT)
When I was in high school, name-calling was the rage. My mom had warned me about bullies, but I thought times had changed… that was until I, too, became a victim.
Whispers seemed to protrude through the walls I walked by, echoing secrets of those who had tread the same path before me. Most days, I hung my head low, shuffling from class to class as quickly as I could. Though their accusations were cruel, some made me stop and think.
I was used to being called “skinny,” a “twig,” a dog that needed “meat on my bones.” I was somehow mocked and yet praised for my intelligence; someone always wanted something from me, mainly help getting an ‘A’ on the next week’s assignment. Maybe those were compliments. To me, they felt like slaps across the face.
But one day, the words went a bit further. I was on my way to pick up fruit for a fundraiser I had participated in when I stumbled upon a new weighted word: Someone had written “Jew” across my order form.
While I was initially stunned, a smile erupted within my Spirit. My faith was evident, even in the face of judgment.If I was going to be bullied for something, let it be my unwavering faith in Jesus. I understood the power of standing firm in who I am, regardless of the whispers around me.
The weight of our words is powerful. They can hurt and they can build up. It’s a mystery that cursing and blessing can come from the same tongue (James 3:10). But these words, as hurtful as they once were, shaped my understanding of identity, faith, and the power of our speech.
Here are three truths when it comes to knowing the weight of our words:
1. The Impact of Words on Identity: You’re Not Who You Think You Are
In a recent conversation with my therapist, we dug up some deep-seated beliefs I’ve had about myself. Some of them stem back to these days of bullying, while others seem to have come from things I’ve bullied myself into believing. But friend, just because you think something doesn’t mean it’s true.
It’s true that the more you think about something, the truer it becomes regardless of its validity. That’s just human nature. We believe what we tell ourselves and listen to. But this is all the more reason to be aware of these thoughts. Ecclesiastes 10:20 reminds us to not say bad things about other people, even within our minds or hearts. But what about the things we say to ourselves?
At the end of the day, we must remember that we are not our thoughts or others’ thoughts about us; we are who Christ says we are. Maybe like me, you struggle to read and believe reaffirming passages like Psalm 139:14. For years, I refused to acknowledge this passage because I didn’t feel like it was true. I knew it in my head, but my heart hadn’t caught up yet. Here’s the good news: God’s Word is infallible, and it remains the same regardless of whether you internalize it or not (Titus 1:2; 2 Peter 1:19).
Recently, I put Psalm 139:14 on my bathroom mirror. Every day, I see it and recite it not because I feel good about myself but because I believe in the power of God’s Word. It’s alive and active to help me believe and acknowledge God’s truth over time. It serves as a reminder that I’m not who I think I am, but I am who God says I am regardless of how I feel at that moment.
2. A Change in Perspective: Choosing Faith Over Fear
The second truth that the weight of our words has taught me is to adapt a change in perspective. Nothing is pleasant about being bullied, made fun of, or called names. I learned this the hard way in adulthood (because, newsflash, the criticism doesn’t stop when you grow older; there are just fewer repercussions for adults who bully). But changing how I view these hurtful words has changed me.
John 16:33 is a familiar passage to all of us when it comes to persecution and hardship. Jesus doesn’t promise an earthly world without these kinds of sufferings. But He does promise that His presence will be with us to the end. Learning to see our sufferings this way requires an eternal change of perspective. It doesn’t negate or minimize what we’re feeling here, but it helps us look beyond despite these turmoils.
The next time you’re faced with the weight of words, remember to choose faith over fear. Negativity and bullying present us with a choice: to succumb to hurt or to stand firm in our beliefs. Embracing our faith empowers us to rise above the words that aim to tear us down (2 Corinthians 10:5). Being proud of our identity as children of God can transform our perspective on adversity.
3. Be Mindful: Watch the Ripple of Your Words
Once we’ve realigned our thoughts with who Christ says we are and learned to stand firm in those truths, we must remember to watch our thoughts and tongues, the third truth that the weight of words has taught me. As much as I’d like to say I’ve never bullied anyone, I’m confident there have been times I’ve thought choice words about unkind people. Ecclesiastes reminds us this, too, is meaningless.
Just as others’ words can deeply impact us, we must be mindful of the words we speak about ourselves and others. Our private thoughts can have public consequences. God knows our every thought before we ever think them (Psalm 139:1-4), but we’re still responsible for what comes out of us.
If we want to change the weight of our words, it begins by speaking life, encouragement, and respect to ourselves and those around us. Not because it’s always easy, or we believe it, but because we know it’s the right thing to do. Want to transform the weight of your words? Here are some practical action steps you can take to implement this practice:
Practice Daily Affirmations. Begin every day with positive truths found in the Word, like Psalm 139:14 or 1 John 4:4. Reciting these daily affirmations will help reinforce your identity in Christ even if you don’t yet believe them. Speaking these truths aloud sets the tone for your day and allows God’s Word to penetrate the divide between flesh and spirit (Hebrews 4:12).
Choose Your Words Wisely. Whether you’re in high school, college, or adulthood, choosing to think before you speak is wise. If we’re honest, most of us find it easier to fly off the cuff and speak what’s on our minds than to pause, be patient, and reflect before responding. But choosing our words wisely has eternal benefits. It allows us to think about the choice of our words to value the weight of each one. Are these words life-giving, or are we saying them out of spite? Making a conscious effort to replace unkind words with thoughtful ones can not only benefit you but also those you engage with.
Pray for Transformation. As human beings, we have free will. But this free will is powered by the Spirit’s work within us to transform who we are and bring us from where we’ve once been. Seeking God’s guidance is one of the best ways to transform your heart, soul, and mind. It’s also the best way to transform the words that come out of you.
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) says it this way: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” When we pray for God’s Spirit to transform us and the power of our words, we receive wisdom—wisdom to discern when to speak and when to listen, even and especially in speaking to and listening to ourselves.
Which practical action step will you try this week to transform the weight of your words?
Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.
It loves cats, for example. Memes, too. It loves videos, which means it loves YouTube. It loves recipes and Wikipedia and alarming misdiagnoses on WebMd and, among other things (and getting to the point here), quotes. This is partly due to the succinct nature of a quote matching the attention span of readers inundated with unending feeds of new content.
The length of a quote often fits many of the more popular formats internet-wide, including Pinterest-friendly graphics, tweets, slideshows, and more.
So then, the quotes about learning. Below, we’ve hand-picked 52 of our favorite quotes about learning. We tried to choose from various thinkers, from teachers and writers to poets and farmers to philosophers and entrepreneurs to civil rights leaders and, in a few cases, even politicians.
Quotes About Learning: These quotes about learning necessarily reflect a particular view of learning, so in that way, this list is editorialized. At TeachThought, we focus on the human/critical thinking/innovation angle, and the quotes we chose mostly reflect that, just as we did in 50 Of The Best Quotes About Teaching.
We hope you find a few of them useful–as writing prompts, for example. Discussion starters, maybe. Or just as a reminder for you as an educator as to the nature and importance of your craft.
52 Of The Best Quotes About Learning
1. ‘The ability to speak exactly is intimately related to the ability to know exactly.’ —Wendell Berry
2. ‘Any fool can know. The point is to understand.’ –Albert Einstein
3. ‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.’ –Benjamin Franklin
4. ‘It is what we know already that often prevents us from learning.’ –Claude Bernard
5. ‘Learning is unifying seemingly divergent ideas and data.’ –Terrell Heick
6. ‘The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.’ –Alvin Toffler
7. ‘All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind.’ –Martin Fisher
8. ‘It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.’ –Harry S Truman
9. ‘You aren’t learning anything when you’re talking.’ –Lyndon B. Johnson
10. ‘I never learned from a man who agreed with me.’ –Robert A. Heinlein
11. ‘You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.’ –Richard Branson
12. ‘All our knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding, and ends with reason. There is nothing higher than reason.’ –Immanuel Kant
13. ‘Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.’ –Socrates
14. ‘It is not that I’m so smart. But I stay with the questions much longer.’ –Albert Einstein
15. ‘By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.’ –Confucius
16. ‘A little learning is a dangerous thing.’ –Alexander Pope
17. Enlightenment is man’s leaving his self-caused immaturity. Immaturity is the incapacity to use one’s intelligence without the guidance of another. Such immaturity is self-caused if it is not caused by lack of intelligence, but by lack of determination and courage to use one’s intelligence without being guided by another. Sapere Aude! Have the courage to use your own intelligence! is therefore the motto of the enlightenment.’ –Immanuel Kant
18. ‘The more I read, the more I acquire, the more certain I am that I know nothing.’ –Voltaire
19. “To endure uncertainty is difficult, but so are most of the other virtues.’ –Bertrand Russell
20. ‘It may be that when we no longer know what to do we have come to our real work, and that when we no longer know which way to go we have come to our real journey. The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one that sings.’ –Wendell Berry
21. ‘That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing itself is changed, but that our power to do is increased.’ –Ralph Waldo Emerson
22. ‘Don’t just teach your children to read. Teach them to question what they read. Teach them to question everything.’ –George Carlin
23. ‘A man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.’ –Albert Einstein
24. ‘If you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you haven’t learned anything.’ –Muhammad Ali
25. ‘Anyone who has begun to think places some portion of the world in jeopardy.’ –John Dewey
26. ‘A problem well-put is half-solved.’ –John Dewey
27. ‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.’ –Dr. Seuss
28. ‘All learning has an emotional base.’ –Plato
29. Knowledge, which is acquired under compulsion, obtains no hold on the mind.’ -Plato
30. ‘Wisdom is learning what to overlook.’ William James
31. ‘Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way.’ –George Evans
32. ‘Knowing is not enough; We must apply. Willing is not enough; We must do.’ –Bruce Lee
33. ‘Have more than thou showest, Speak less than thou knowest, Lend less than thou owest, Ride more than thou goest, Learn more than thou trowest, Set less than thou throwest.’ –William Shakespeare
34. ‘Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.’ –Benjamin Franklin
35. ‘We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.’ –Martin Luther King, Jr.
36. ‘Collaboration allows us to know more than we are capable of knowing ourselves.’ –Paul Solarz
37. ‘Towering genius disdains a beaten path.’ Abraham Lincoln
38. ‘Never let formal education get in the way of your learning.’ –Mark Twain
39. ‘Dialogue cannot exist without humility.’ –Paulo Freire
40. Development is a series of rebirths.’ –Maria Montessori
41. ‘Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.’ –Oliver Wendell Holmes
42. ‘It is not from ourselves that we learn to be better than we are.’ –Wendell Berry
43. ‘Even the genius asks questions.’ –Tupac Shakur
44. ‘Expecting all children the same age to learn from the same materials is like expecting all children the same age to wear the same size clothing.’ –Madeline Hunter
45. ‘What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.’ –Buddha
46. ‘Transfer is important, but think first about the learner, then about their native environments. Then, further, let’s hope for the self-initiated application of knowledge. Unprompted. Unformatted. The spontaneous, personal, and creative application of understanding in dynamic physical and digital environments.’ –Terry Heick
47. ‘The human mind is our fundamental resource.’ –John F. Kennedy
48. ‘All of the books in the world contain no more information than is broadcast as video in a single large American city in a single year. Not all bits have equal value.’ –Carl Sagan
49. ‘The quieter you become, the more you can hear.’ –Buddha
50. ‘Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.’ –Stephen Hawking
51. ‘Ideas without action aren’t ideas. They’re regrets.’ –Steve Jobs
52. ‘It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work and when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey.
53. ‘The mind that is not baffled is not employed. The impeded stream is the one that sings.’–Wendell Berry
54. ‘There are four powers: memory and intellect, desire and covetousness. The two first are mental and the others sensual. The three senses sight, hearing, and smell cannot well be prevented; touch and taste not at all.’ –Leonardo Da Vinci
We all want to find our person, but it ain’t easy.
In fact, sometimes it feels damn near impossible.
How do you know you’re with the right partner? If things don’t seem to be working, should you walk away or try harder? What can you live with, and what are your dealbreakers?
One Redditor asked, “What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from a relationship?” and the responses might be just what you need to hear to save yourself some heartache.
In Psalm 145:4, we’re reminded that “generation after generation stand in awe of your work; each one tells the story of your mighty acts” (MSG). This passage encapsulates a timeless truth about the power of generational influence. Yet, in today’s world, where the gap between the older and younger generations seems wider than ever before, we’re often left wondering: how can we bridge this divide?
Here are five practical ways we can create a “now generation” — one where the wisdom of the past and the energized perspectives of the future unite to create a legacy of lasting ministry:
1. Model Consistency and Commitment
One of the greatest gifts the older generation can offer is to lead by example in consistency and commitment. While society is less concerned with commitment than ever before, our example of faithfulness and consistency is invaluable in raising our children. Just as Jesus’ parents were consistent in attending the Passover festival every year, the older generation can model what it looks like to stick with something — in faith, work, and relationships. Younger generations need to see examples of steady faithfulness to know that success, in any area, comes through persistent devotion to God and respect for others.
Practical Tip: If you’re part of the older generation, be intentional about sharing stories of your long-term commitments with younger people. Whether it’s how you maintained a career, stayed committed to your faith, or nurtured a relationship, showing the value of perseverance can inspire the next generation.
2. Lead by Example and Discipline with Love
The next generation often looks to their elders for guidance on navigating life’s challenges. Whether it’s at home, work or in community settings, the older generation should lead with love, wisdom and necessary discipline. Mary and Joseph guided Jesus to attend the Passover as an exemplary regimen. In the same way, parents and mentors today should lovingly exhort younger people to engage in meaningful activities and valuable disciplines, like consistently engaging in the life of the local church.
Practical Tip: Create opportunities for shared experiences where you can offer guidance, whether that’s working on a project together, attending church or mentoring a younger colleague. Be firm but fair, knowing your leadership can steer them in the right direction.
3. Listen to the Next Generation
Listening is one of the most important skills when bridging the generational gap. James 1:19 reminds us to be “quick to listen and slow to speak.” Younger generations often have fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, but they may feel dismissed if they aren’t given a voice. In the Bible, Jesus — at only 12 years old — was found sitting among religious leaders, listening, asking questions, and sharing insights. His example reminds us that the younger generation has valuable contributions to make.
Practical Tip: Make a conscious effort to ask younger people for their input on projects or ideas. Whether you’re a boss, parent or coach, create an environment where they feel heard and respected. Listening to their perspectives makes them feel valued and simultaneously teaches us new perspectives and considerations.
4. Challenge the Status Quo in a Biblical Way
For the younger generation, there’s power in asking “Why?” Just as Jesus questioned the religious leaders, it’s important to challenge norms and think critically about the ways in which things have historically been done. This is how innovation happens. As the younger generation seeks to learn and grow from the wisdom of the elder generations, they have the opportunity to also offer new insights and solutions from a fresh perspective of God’s Word that can and will change history for the better.
Practical Tip: If you’re part of the younger generation, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it’s in your workplace, church or community, challenge practices that seem outdated or ineffective. For the older generation, be bold in your encouragement and mentorship, urging those younger individuals to challenge the status quo and think outside the box. Ultimately, we must all approach these conversations with respect, knowing that both generations have wisdom to share.
5. Work Together to Create a “Now Generation”
Our challenge today is to create a “now generation” — a united generation that transcends age, where both young and old come together to make a positive impact. When the wisdom, commitment, and guidance of older generations combines with the curiosity, energy, and innovation of younger ones, the result for the Kingdom of God is powerful. In Christ-centered love, both groups must be willing to learn from, respect, and submit to one another in areas where they have less experience or knowledge.
Practical Tip: Seek out opportunities for intergenerational collaboration. If you’re older, mentor or sponsor younger individuals in your community. If you’re younger, volunteer to help older generations with new technologies or innovative ideas. The key is mutual respect and a willingness to learn from one another.
Building a Better Future Together
In an era where division seems to be the default, we have a divinely unique opportunity to demonstrate unity across the generational spectrum. Whether you’re part of the older generation or the younger, I challenge you to step up. If you’re an elder, model commitment, teach work ethic, and share your wisdom. If you’re younger, dare to ask questions, challenge the norm, act in loving obedience, and set the tone for today’s culture. But above all, let’s listen to one another and work together to establish a legacy that reflects the heart of God. To build a culture that thrives, it’s time to embrace the power of a “now generation” — one that stands together to reflect God’s glory and tell His story to the world.
“… and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” Luke 1:47-50
For more than twenty years, Pastor Troy Gramling and his wife Stephanie have led Potential Church, a fast-growing church with more than 20,000 members at locations in the United States and Latin America. A former teacher and college basketball coach, Gramling is passionate about partnering with people to reach their God-given potential to impact the world for good. Gramling’s latest book, “Potential: The Uncontainable Power of God Within You” released on June 11, 2024.
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
One of my earliest memories of people-pleasing was around the age of four when my older cousin took me to one of her college classes. As she introduced me to her friends, I remember the intense feeling of wanting to be liked. It was as if I was center stage, putting on a performance in hopes of gaining their applause.
Fast forward fifty years and I still find myself getting caught in cycles of people pleasing. I’m more aware of it now, and better able to realign my thoughts, but the desire for acceptance is still a very real issue.
Sadly, our preoccupation with people’s approval hinders us from the freedom we have in Christ—the freedom to love and serve others. Often, we miss divine opportunities to pour into people because we are so consumed by what they think of us. This isn’t something we like to admit, but it’s true.
If you’re still people pleasing, here are a few things to do instead:
Remember Your Audience
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “Live for an audience of One.” When I think of this, I picture an auditorium with one person in the front row—Jesus. As I stand on the stage of my life, I have nothing to prove, nothing to perform. In fact, I envision welcoming Him onto the stage, allowing Him to be front and center.
Through Jesus, we have the acceptance we most desire, as Ephesians 1:3-6 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved” (NKJV).
My friends, we will never be more loved, accepted, or approved of than we already are. And because we live for an audience of One, we are free to share our gifts and talents without the need to perform. We don’t need the applause of man or the standing ovation of the world. We only need Jesus as center stage of our life.
A Prayer to Remember Your Audience:
Gracious God, when I’m tempted to perform for others, remind me that You are my audience of One. Please remain front and center in my life, keeping my gaze fixed on You. Thank You for loving me, choosing, me, and accepting me. I am blessed to live a life pleasing to You. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
Remember Your True Desires
When trying to break the cycle of people-pleasing, it can be helpful to remember your true desires. What fulfills you most? What gives you peace and joy? I’m not talking about superficial desires that often involve man’s approval, but instead, your true desires that bring lasting fulfillment and contentment. For example:
-Spending more time with God through prayer, Bible study, and worship
-Loving your spouse openly and lavishly
-Cherishing time with your family, pouring into them as God leads
-Valuing people, making them feel seen and heard
-Serving the Body of Christ with your God-given talents
-Doing your work with excellence and integrity
-Taking good care of your temple—mind, heart, body, and spirit
By listing the most important things in life, you’re redirecting your thoughts away from self-centeredness to others-centeredness. Anytime you’re caught in a cycle of people-pleasing, you can remember what matters most and realign your focus.
A Prayer to Remember Your True Desires:
Heavenly Father, please help me stop chasing after superficial things. Remind me of what’s most important—loving You and others. Whenever I get caught in an unhealthy cycle of people-pleasing, redirect my thoughts back to Your will. I truly want to live to please You and serve others with the heart of Jesus. In His precious name, amen.
Remember Your Focus
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
People-pleasing is often rooted in insecurity, and there’s a reason the word insecurity starts with the letters “i-n.” When we go through life with an inward focus, we lose sight of our God-given purpose. It’s like holding a pair of binoculars the wrong way, which causes our view to be narrow and limited.
In contrast, if we turn the lens upward, toward heavenly things, we see the world from a godly perspective. We yearn for the things of heaven instead of Earth’s fleeting achievements. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10) A kingdom perspective can work wonders in turning us away from people-pleasing and toward a life focused on pleasing God.
A Prayer to Remember Your Focus:
Lord, please turn my focus away from my insecurities, which so often lead to people-pleasing. Expand my view to see the wonderful future You have planned for all eternity. From a kingdom perspective, renew my purpose to serve others with the gifts and talents You’ve given me, storing up treasures in heaven. As Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” I offer this prayer to You today, in Jesus’ holy name.
Get Rid of Doubt and Fear
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
From my experience, doubt and fear are the biggest culprits when it comes to people-pleasing. We doubt we’re capable enough, which leads to fear of failure, which leads to striving for man’s approval.
Recognizing what drives our people-pleasing tendencies is an important step towards lasting change. Here are a few helpful questions to ask yourself:
-Who am I afraid of disappointing right now?
-Am I doing this for recognition or because it’s the right thing to do?
-Would I still perform this act of service even if no one noticed?
-Am I doubtful people will accept me, or am I trusting my acceptance in Christ?
Removing doubt and fear is a huge step in the right direction. With the fear of man gone, and God’s peace in its place, we are free to interact with our families, friends, and coworkers with calm assurance of our acceptance in Christ.
A Prayer to Remove Doubt and Fear:
Gracious God, please help me recognize when I’m people-pleasing through doubt and fear. In those moments, help me stop and take a deep breath, remembering the assurance I have in Christ. He is my portion and my prize. In Him, I can do what You’ve called me to do without worry or fear. Thank You, Lord, for removing my anxiety and replacing it with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Step into Christ-Confidence
“For they loved human praise more than praise from God.” John 12:42-43
There’s a big difference between self-confidence and Christ-confidence. The first includes continuously building ourselves up in order to feel worthy or successful. The second involves living from the victory Jesus achieved for us through His finished work on the cross.
My friends, it’s by His strength that we are empowered to live and move and breathe. So why do we consistently do things in our own strength, depending on others for acceptance and approval?
One definition of approval is the belief that someone is good or acceptable. The Christ-centered definition, however, is that we’re made good and acceptable through His righteousness. Wow. What a difference Christ-confidence can make!
1 Thessalonians 2:4 says, “We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” This verse sums it up, doesn’t it? Our people-pleasing ways are brought into submission when we surrender our hearts to the King of Kings. He is our focus, our desire, and our devotion. All that we say and do is for Him and because of Him, and when we finally grasp this truth, people-pleasing will become a thing of the past.
A Prayer for Surrender:
Gracious Heavenly Father, I have spent far too many years seeking man’s approval, and I’m ready to step into a new way of doing things. I surrender myself to You now. Please turn my focus to heavenly things, reminding me this is not all there is. Please remove the doubt and fear that have held me hostage and replace them with Your peace. Help me step into Christ-confidence and the knowledge of who I am in Your Son. Let His finished work be my focus and the grace upon which I build my life. I pray these things in His precious and holy name, amen.
Despite life’s challenges and unknowns, I’m convinced that being a father is about being present, involved, and being the father God has called me to be.
The role of fathers in Christian parenting is multifaceted and profound. It’s a calling that requires strength and tenderness, wisdom and humility, and above all, an unwavering commitment to following Christ’s example.
1. The Spiritual Leader Guiding with Grace and Wisdom
When it comes to being a spiritual leader in the family, I’ll be the first to admit that it can feel like trying to navigate a ship through stormy waters—blindfolded. But here’s the thing: God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. And boy, does He have a sense of humor about it!
I remember the first time I attempted to lead a family devotional. I had it all planned out—we’d read a Bible passage, discuss its meaning, and end with a beautiful prayer. Reality? My toddler was more interested in eating the Bible than reading it.
But you know what? We kept at it. Slowly but surely, those awkward family devotionals have become cherished moments of connection and growth. As fathers, we’re called to be the spiritual leaders of our households, guiding our families in the ways of the Lord. It’s a responsibility that can be overwhelming for us at times, but it’s also an incredible privilege.
The Bible gives us clear direction on this. Ephesians 6:4 says, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” This verse reminds us that our role isn’t to be dictators but nurturers of our children’s faith. We’re called to create an environment where our kids can experience God’s love and grow their understanding of Him.
Being a spiritual leader doesn’t mean we have all the answers. Some of the most powerful moments in my journey as a Christian father have been when I’ve admitted to my child that I don’t know everything, but I know the One who does. It’s about pointing our families towards Christ, even, and especially, when we feel inadequate.
2. The Protector Shielding with Love and Discipline
When I think about being a protector as a Christian father, I remember a time I tried to assemble a backyard playset for my kids. Armed with a set of instructions that might as well have been written in ancient Aramaic, surrounded by pieces of wood and hardware, I was determined to create a haven for my children to play. Six hours, three bandages, and one near-nervous breakdown later, I stood back to admire my handiwork—a structure that looked less like a playset and more like an abstract art installation.
But you know what? My kids loved it. Not because it was perfect, but because they knew I had poured my heart and a good portion of my sanity into creating something to keep them safe and happy. And isn’t that what being a protector is all about?
As Christian fathers, we’re called to protect our families not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. It’s a role that goes far beyond assembling playsets or checking for monsters under the bed (though those are important too!). We’re tasked with creating a safe environment where our children can grow, learn, and develop their faith.
The Bible speaks to this role in beautiful ways. Psalm 127:3-5 reminds us that our children are precious gifts from God, and it’s our job to protect and guide them like a skilled archer aiming his arrows.
But here’s the thing about being a protector—it’s not just about shielding our kids from harm. It’s about equipping them to face the world with confidence and faith. It’s about teaching them discernment, helping them understand right from wrong, and showing them how to stand firm in their beliefs even when the world pushes back.
I’ve learned that sometimes the best way to protect my children is to let them face challenges, standing nearby ready to catch them if they fall, but allowing them the freedom to grow and learn. It’s a delicate balance, much like trying to walk across a room covered in Lego bricks—it requires careful navigation and a willingness to endure a little pain for the greater good.
3. The Provider
When it comes to being a provider, as a Christian father, I’ve found that it’s like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle—it requires balance, skill, and a healthy dose of faith. And just like that circus act, there’s always the risk of getting burned or falling flat on your face.
As Christian fathers, we’re called to be providers, but this role encompasses so much more than just bringing home a paycheck. Yes, meeting our family’s material needs is important. But here’s the thing: providing isn’t just about money and material possessions. It includes nourishing our children’s souls, feeding their minds with wisdom, and cultivating an environment where they can grow in faith and character. It’s about providing them a living example of what it means to follow Christ.
I’ve learned (often the hard way) that true provision is about balance. It’s about working hard to meet our family’s needs while also making time for the things that truly matter—family dinners, bedtime stories, impromptu dance parties in the living room, and heart-to-heart talks about life and faith.
Sometimes, being a provider means making sacrifices. Maybe it’s turning down a promotion that would mean less time with family or choosing a simpler lifestyle so we can invest more in our children’s spiritual growth. These decisions aren’t always easy, but they’re part of the sacred duty we have as Christian fathers.
4. The Teacher
I once tried to explain the concept of the Trinity to my 5-year-old. I thought I had it all figured out—I’d use the classic analogy of water existing as liquid, ice, and steam. Clever, right? Well, for the next week, he told everyone that God was like a popsicle that could melt and turn into a cloud—not exactly orthodox theology, but points to creativity, right?
This experience taught me an important lesson about being a teacher to my children: it’s not about having all the answers but encouraging an environment of curiosity, learning, and growth. As Christian fathers, we’re called to be the primary educators of our children, especially when it comes to matters of faith and character.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs us, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” This passage reminds us that teaching our children about God should be an ongoing, everyday process, deeply incorporated into our daily lives.
As fathers, we’re required to teach with our words and actions. Our kids are watching us, learning from how we handle stress, how we treat others, and how we prioritize our time. It’s a sobering thought. But it’s also an incredible opportunity to model what it means to live out our faith.
5. The Nurturer
Being a Christian father is not just about providing food, shelter, and discipline. It’s about creating an environment of love, understanding, and emotional intelligence. It’s about being the safe harbor our children can always return to, no matter how stormy life gets.
The Bible gives us a beautiful picture of God’s nurturing love in Psalm 103:13: “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” This reminds us that our role as nurturers is a reflection of God’s own heart towards His children. We’re called to show compassion, comfort, encouragement, and love unconditionally.
But being a nurturer doesn’t always come naturally, especially for those who grew up in homes where emotions weren’t freely expressed. We must learn how to create an emotionally safe space for our children. This can be achieved by being okay with tears, not shying away from difficult conversations, and showing our kids that it’s alright to be vulnerable.
As Christian fathers, we have the incredible opportunity to model emotional intelligence for our children. This means being in touch with our own emotions, expressing them in healthy ways, and teaching our kids to do the same. It’s about showing them that real strength isn’t about suppressing feelings but about understanding and managing them.
Nurturing also involves celebrating our children’s unique qualities and helping them develop their God-given talents. It also requires seeing the potential in them, even when they can’t see it themselves.
As we wrap up, we must remember that this journey of fatherhood is as much about our growth as it is about our children’s. Each bedtime story read and each heart-to-heart conversation shapes us into the men God has called us to be.
The path of Christian fatherhood is not always easy, but it is infinitely rewarding. It’s a journey filled with laughter and tears, triumphs and challenges, moments of great wisdom, and moments of utter cluelessness. But through it all, we have the help and guidance of our Lord Jesus and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
Emmanuel Abimbola is a creative freelance writer, blogger, and web designer. He is a devout Christian with an uncompromising faith who hails from Ondo State in Nigeria, West Africa. As a lover of kids, Emmanuel runs a small elementary school in Arigidi, Nigeria.
Friendships come in all forms from all different seasons of life. Your childhood friends, those you grew up with since elementary school, to those you played sports with during high school. Then comes college friends, roommates, friends of friends, not to mention friendships you may develop with co-workers or any other groups you belong with. If you are involved in your church, there are people within the church you become friends with and then you have all your spouse’s friends or friends with the parents your children play with. We will have friends there for our lifetime, and then some friends will only be there for a season. In any case, the question is when you are a believer, how do you share a deep friendship with a non-believer?
Jesus was our greatest example, and I’m so thankful we can look at his Word and his time on Earth for truth to help navigate life. When we think of Jesus’s life, we know that He was the Messiah who loved and healed everyone who encountered Him. He loved the masses of people and touched everyone who had the privilege to spend time with Him. He even loved the unbelieving, the sinners, and those cast out from society, like women or those with physical diseases. He embodied loving everyone – which included non-believers.
However, those He spent the most time with, day in and day for three years throughout His ministry, were His chosen twelve disciples. These were the people He had His deepest friendships with. They were all believers of Him and chose to leave their current lives and start living according to Jesus’ way as they walked with Him in His ministry. Even after Jesus died on the cross, the disciples continued believing and spreading the message of Jesus as the Messiah to the world.
Jesus loved all, but his closest friends were twelve believers. However, if you take it a step further, He then narrowed down his inner circle to three of the twelve disciples – Peter, James, and John. Many theologians believe that these were his closest and deepest friendships as they were the three who were with him the longest (Luke 5:4-11), and these three were present with Jesus during special events. They were eyewitnesses of Jesus’s transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3). They witnessed Jesus raising Jairus’s daughter from the dead (Luke 8:49-56). And one of the most intimate settings for Jesus was when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before His death on the cross, and it was these three men who accompanied Him in the garden while He prayed (Matthew 26:37). These three witnessed Jesus’ greatest moments and His darkest trials.
So, what did Jesus do? He loved all and loved many, He spent His days with 12 other believers, and He had three close friends by His side in all the major moments—in which all of them were strong believers.
Jesus gives us an example of who to have deep friendships with. However, many of us have deep friendships with unbelievers right now, and in no way, am I saying you need to cut all your non-believing friends out of your life. Or maybe you are married to an unbeliever as perhaps you came to know the Lord after marriage. But looking at Jesus’ life as an example is something to consider as you seek out truth in the Bible and pray for how to navigate any relationships you are in with unbelievers.
The Caution of Having Deep Friendships with Non-Believers
The Bible is full of wisdom on befriending non-believers. Proverbs 12:26 says that “the righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” The more time you spend with someone, the more you can become like them. Having deep friendships with unbelievers, we could easily be setting ourselves up to talk like them, think like them, act like them, and fall into sin like them. Of course, as believers, we all fall short as well, and in no way should we judge others. But the more you share deep friendships with unbelievers, the more you can be influenced by them.
Ask yourself if those you have deep friendships with are leading you astray – in other words, are they pointing you away from the Lord or pointing you towards Him? Do you gossip with them, slander others with them, or go to them for advice when you’re going through something difficult? Is their advice biblical or worldly? Are they a hindrance to your walk with God?
Romans 12:2a says, “Do not be conformed to this world…” Take some time to think about questions like these as this is something to consider as a caution when having deep friendships with non-believers. Take inventory of your closest friendships and how they may be affecting your walk with the Lord. Many of us have deep friendships with non-believers, and that is okay, but we may need to adjust some things and make sure we are not being influenced or swayed away from the deepest and most important relationship we will ever have—and that’s with the Lord. If you have some deep friendships with non-believers, here are three biblical ways to do that:
3 Ways to Share a Deep Friendship with Non-Believers
1. You need to love them.
When the scribes asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was in Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind…and the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
To share a deep relationship with anyone in our life, but especially a non-believer, we are to love them. We are to love non-believers just as Jesus loved others, and in doing so, we show them Christ’s love versus the love they are receiving from the world. Loving them means accepting them as they are, not judging them, being patient with them for they do not always know the ways of God as non-believers, being kind to them, forgiving them just as Jesus forgives us, walking alongside them, suffering with them (which could mean praying for them and encouraging them), showing compassion on them, and being the kind of love they have never experienced before. By loving them the way Jesus loves, we can be an example for them and show them Christ-like love.
2. You need to be set apart.
To be in a deep relationship with a non-believer, it’s important we still live out our faith and be that example to them. We don’t need to dim our light and our relationship with God just because they don’t have the same relationship with God.
Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world. A City that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
A beautiful thing about having a deep friendship with a non-believer is that you can shed light on the truth of God in their lives. You can do this by the way you live your life and by living out God’s truth. It’s hard to be bold and easy to be afraid at times of what others think. However, our purpose and what is referred to as the Great Commission is to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20).
It’s hard to be set apart and not conform to this world, but it’s what Jesus asked of us, and we can have deep friendships with non-believers by just being ourselves, living out our faith, and being a light to them in a dark world. Be set apart just as Jesus was.
3. You need to pray for them.
To have a deep relationship with a non-believer, make prayer a priority. We need to make sure we are praying that we aren’t influenced or swayed by them in any way. Also, it’s important we pray for when we interact with them, asking the Holy Spirit to speak to us and prompt us when to speak up and when not to speak up. And then we should pray for them always as we are encouraged in I Thessalonians 5:17, especially praying for their salvation and asking the Lord to use us as a light and testimony in their lives.
There is no greater weapon that we have on this side of Earth than prayer. Imagine seeing their life transformed for the Lord. Imagine how much deeper your friendship would be if you had the Lord as the center of your friendship.
Praying for them has the power to potentially change their life and lead them to Jesus, and it allows us to lift up their needs on their behalf. One of the greatest roles we will ever have in a friendship with a non-believer is the role we have on our knees in prayer.
Having a relationship with a non-believer can be challenging, and we need to be careful that we are guarding ourselves against being led astray. But if we do have deep relationships with non-believers, we can do so by showing them Jesus. We can love them in a way that Christ loves and not the way the world loves. We can be set apart in our actions and conversations with them by not participating in the ways or views of the world. And we can pray for them in the hope of being a part of their coming to know the Lord and being that instrument in partnering with the Lord, bringing them into His Kingdom.
Alisha Headley is a writer + speaker who has a desire to meet the everyday woman in her everyday life with biblical truth. Stepping into her true calling, she left the corporate world behind as a former-financial VP to love on her family as a stay-at-home wifey + dog mama, while also being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Healing from a chapter of life consumed with lies she once believed about herself, she is inspired to point women to Christ to experience the freedom + power to overcome those lies with the truth written in God’s word. In her free time, Alisha enjoys road trips around the country, working out so she can eat her favorite foods, and creatively styling her outfits with a craft for fashion. Alisha is a proud wifey and dog mama living in Scottsdale, Arizona.
TRIGGER WARNING: The following images and stories from The Addict’s Diary are graphic in nature and depict drug use, alcohol use, and addiction.
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When two people commit to getting married, they vow to be together forever. But as the years go by, it is easy to get into a marriage rut, allowing small annoyances to bloom into bad habits. Those habits, when gone unchanged, can slowly erode a firm foundation of a marriage. Here are seven habits that can cause damage to a marriage:
The saying “the family that prays together, stays together” rings true, especially in marriage. Satan wants nothing more than to destroy a unit of two people–especially Christians—who are unified in their quest to glorify God in their relationship. The best way for him to destroy that unity is through a lack of prayer.
Sure, it seems easy enough to skip one day of praying together. But soon, that one day becomes two, which becomes three, which soon leads to months (or years) without prayer. How can a couple remain connected to the vine when their way of connecting to God is cut off from the roots?
2. Fighting Dirty
All marriages experience conflict. But what will you do when you (or your spouse) fight dirty? This means launching into a character assassination or degrading the other person in an effort to “win” the argument. You may win the argument with a few blows below the belt, but the war will have just begun.
Those words, if you haven’t apologized for them, will just pile up. Like toothpaste from the tube, you can’t take them back. Keep your fights clean by sticking to the issue at hand and the underlying fears and insecurities that lie beneath them, and you’ll have a marriage that can weather any storm of conflict.
3. Bringing Up the Past
When you fight with your spouse, do you stick to the current issues–or do you drudge up past mistakes, failures, and sins? God gave us memories so we can appreciate the past. But we must choose to either allow our past to ruin our present or to use it as a way to redeem ourselves and others.
If God chooses to “forgive our sins as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12), why can’t we? Jesus was clear that if we don’t forgive others of the times when they have wronged us, God won’t forgive us of our sins. What a sobering statement! This demonstrates Jesus’ passion for Christians to freely offer the same forgiveness as Jesus did on the cross. It won’t be easy—neither was his crucifixion—but he chose to do so because of his great love for us. And we need to love others with the same level of respect.
4. Staying Unhealthily Connected to Your Immediate Family
There is a reason why in Genesis, God ordained that man “should leave their father and mother and the two will become one flesh.” Your mother, father, and siblings are your foundation to lean on during your childhood. But once you become married, you are to lean on your spouse and start a family with them. That means enduring trials together as a family unit, not involving your parents or siblings.
There’s nothing wrong with asking a parent for his/her advice, but valuing their opinion over your spouse only spells trouble. When making major life decisions, make sure you make it with your spouse, not your parent.
5. Putting Conditions on Love or Respect
When a marriage has experienced a major trial like infidelity or other sign of unfaithfulness, the victim in the relationship may feel entitled to disrespect the other partner or withhold love for fear of being hurt again. Yet, the recipe for a successful marriage lies within Scripture: “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband” (Ephesians 5:33).
As wives, we should respect our husbands, whether they deserve it or not. When wives can show their husbands respect, we can in turn show ourselves respect, and thus honor our marriages.
As well, husbands must love their wives whether they deserve it or not. It may not always look like holding hands or other physical signs of affection in public, but loving your wife means listening to her, supporting her during trials, and taking her opinions into account before making a decision. When a husband loves his wife, he also brings honor to his marriage. A marriage that has honor will eventually go back to a loving one.
6. Prioritizing Being Right Rather than Having Right Relationship
In today’s world, Christians are known more for what they are against than what they are for. When this is the case, their example of Christlikeness gets marred. It is the same in the marriage relationship. When a partner cares more about being right than in right relationship, the marriage relationship reflects less of the bride of Christ and more like two selfish people who only want to get something out of the relationship than giving to it.
Each partner must commit to giving of themselves fully to the marriage rather than having to prove the other wrong, especially during conflict. Stop trying to be right and winning in the marriage and follow the example of Christ, who spent His life-giving and emptying himself so we (and your spouse) can have the fullness of life our father promised.
7. Shutting Down Communication
One of the best parts of a marriage is when two people share intimacy both in the bedroom and outside of it. This means both partners communicate their feelings and emotions without fear of condemnation from the other. Marriage should be a safe place where people can express themselves fully. But when there is unresolved hurt and resentment that had not been dealt with, partners shut down and only communicate on a superficial level.
The relationship can deteriorate to the point where the best level of communication revolves around “how was your day?” Neither partner feels safe enough to express their discontentment with life or each other.
This reduces the relationship to nothing more than roommates. Christ’s relationship with the church needs to be more than just roommates. God wants our fellowship, and so does our partner. Imagine if your relationship with God was nothing more than a list of prayer requests. How healthy would your relationship be? Take the time to resolve conflict and heal from hurt so you can keep your communication at a deep level.
Marriage is far from easy, but when two people are committed to making it the best relationship they have, Christ is glorified, and they enjoy an abundant life of love and laughter God wants for them. If you are exhibiting these marriage habits, do the hard work to break them. This can include anchoring yourself in the word of God, seeking the help of your church or a therapist, or enlisting the help of accountability partners. Strive to be the spouse your partner deserves.
Michelle S. Lazurek is an award-winning author, speaker, pastor’s wife and mother. Winner of the Golden Scroll Children’s Book of the Year and the Enduring Light Silver Medal, she is a member of the Christian Author’s Network and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Her first book with Leafwood Publishers, An Invitation to the Table, came out September 2016. She also teaches at various writers’ workshops, such as the Montrose Christian Writers conference. She and her husband live in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, with their two children, Caleb and Leah. For more information, please visit her website at michellelazurek.com.
When was the last time you had a fight, slept in separate bedrooms and had fantasies/fears that your marriage was over?
Joe and Tamra, working with me on a recent Marriage Intensive, had a night like that in the middle of their Intensive counseling.
“It’s over this time, doc,” Joe said during a frantic phone call one evening. “I know she is never going to keep working on our marriage.”
“Easy does it,” I said to the 49-year-old gentlemen from the Midwest. A hard-working man with a blue-collar job, Joe was not prone to exaggeration. His call indicated he really did fear the worst.
The first day of work had gone well and their marriage seemed to be stabilizing quickly. They were near separation when they arrived, but both were pleased with the way they had faced some difficult issues and learned new skills for keeping them out of trouble in the future.
“I said the wrong thing tonight,” Joe admitted. “You told us to go easy and I didn’t follow your advice. She said something that bothered me and I barreled ahead. We got into one of the worst fights of our 20-year marriage. It might be over.”
“Joe,” I said firmly. “It’s not over. She is upset and understandably so. She may be incredibly angry with you. We’ll go over what she said and why she isn’t talking to you tonight. But, tomorrow we’ll sort it out.”
Joe wasn’t easily soothed. Tamra wasn’t talking to him and they were in for a rough evening. I shared with Joe how every couple has been there—the cold, challenging evenings of sleeping alone. The silent treatment, where both walk on eggshells and any wrong word leads to another eruption.
“What I want you to do this evening, Joe, is simply to not make matters worse. Give her the space she wants and tomorrow we will sort things out.”
Thankfully, we’ve all been there and couples must learn how to pull out of these kinds of tailspins. Here is the additional counsel I gave Joe that evening.
First, know when to leave well enough alone. One of the worst things you can do when the situation is volatile is stoke the fire. There is a time when you need to leave well enough alone. When tired we don’t do our best thinking. When our emotions are frayed, we don’t reason clearly or well. Let the situation settle.
Second, step back to examine the problems. We don’t reason well when we are too close to the problem. We cannot gain perspective when our emotions are high. We must not only leave well enough alone, but must step back to reflect on the problem.
Third, quickly own your part in the problems. Having reflected on the problem, focus on your part in the problems. There is little value in focusing on what your mate has done wrong. Focus instead on your side of the street.
Scripture makes it clear we are not to judge or blame others. “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things” (Romans 2:1).
Fourth, listen to your mate for where/how they are wounded. Every fight is an opportunity to bring healing to your mate. While of course they may not receive that healing immediately, at some point they will be receptive to you owning your mistakes and offering to listen to them. They will, if done correctly, receive your apology and offer for connection.
Finally, agree to grow from the problems going forward. Every emotional meltdown is an opportunity to step back, analyze what is happening, own your part and agree to do better next time. Hope is the great elixir to a broken and wounded heart. Offer it to your mate.
Joe and Tamra came to the next day’s session wounded but ready to learn and grow. In a short time they had talked out what had happened, why it happened and what they would do better next time. The same can happen for you.
I would like to hear from you about the issue of therapeutic healing in marriage. Please send responses to me at drdavid@marriagerecoverycenter.com and also read more about The Marriage Recovery Center on our website. You’ll find videos and podcasts on sexual addiction, emotionally destructive marriages, codependency, and affair-proofing your marriage.
Publication date: February 22, 2016
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