Discuss Matthew 7 Page 12

To Teresa: Romans 7:24; Job 14:14

1 Corinthians 15:22 says For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

( Genesis 3; John 3:16,17;5:28,29; John 17:3)

Resurrected to earth: ( 2 Peter 3:13)

Psalm 37:9-11,29,34;

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

or

Resurrected to heaven: ( Revelation 20)

Revelation 14:3 (144,000); Matthew 7:21

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

hope this helps, Thanks

Is the spider that bites me or the bee that stings my enemy?

Hi Thomas.

I believe in miracles, However I don't believe every miracles is of God.

That's why the scripture says you shall know them by their fruits.

It doesn't say you shall know them by their works or gifts.

Matthew 7:15-23. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

God bless.

Brother ChrisE

"Again, Jesus speaks directly in this scripture and confirms we must be born of water and of the Spirit.

John 3:5

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Notice how Jesus very clearly couples together "of water and of the Spirit" because WE need BOTH. If it was only ONE of these required, Jesus could have simply said: example: Except a man be born of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

I believe this is very simple scripture directing Christians to be baptized in water and of the Spirit if they wish to enter into the kingdom of God.

In regard to the weight that I put on various scripture, I will always put more weight on Jesus/God's words. Example: If any of the apostles words are interpreted by others to contradict what Jesus has previously taught, explained, instructed, then I will choose Jesus over everyone else, including the apostles.

A good example today, many people take apostle Pauls words - to create whatever interpretation that they wish to profess, even if it is in direct conflict with what Jesus/God instructs. So then, this leads directly to the Faith/Grace ONLY doctrine, resulting in no need to change their behavior, they can continue in their worldly ways, while sinning, and all along believing they are saved anyway.

This scripture tells us that few will make it to heaven:

Matthew 7:14

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT! Do you believe what Jesus says here? I DO, and I believe every word that Jesus says. I am humble enough to say "I fear God". I fear that he will kill my body and soul in HELL!

I will continue to point out this scripture to all that have eyes to see, and ears to hear!

I enjoy sharing thoughts and scripture with you brother.

God Bless."

Again, Jesus speaks directly in this scripture and confirms we must be born of water and of the Spirit.

John 3:5

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Notice how Jesus very clearly couples together "of water and of the Spirit" because WE need BOTH. If it was only ONE of these required, Jesus could have simply said: example: Except a man be born of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

I believe this is very simple scripture directing Christians to be baptized in water and of the Spirit if they wish to enter into the kingdom of God.

In regard to the weight that I put on various scripture, I will always put more weight on Jesus/God's words. Example: If any of the apostles words are interpreted by others to contradict what Jesus has previously taught, explained, instructed, then I will choose Jesus over everyone else, including the apostles.

A good example today, many people take apostle Pauls words - to create whatever interpretation that they wish to profess, even if it is in direct conflict with what Jesus/God instructs. So then, this leads directly to the Faith/Grace ONLY doctrine, resulting in no need to change their behavior, they can continue in their worldly ways, while sinning, and all along believing they are saved anyway.

This scripture tells us that few will make it to heaven:

Matthew 7:14

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT! Do you believe what Jesus says here? I DO, and I believe every word that Jesus says. I am humble enough to say "I fear God". I fear that he will kill my body and soul in HELL!

I will continue to point out this scripture to all that have eyes to see, and ears to hear!

I enjoy sharing thoughts and scripture with you brother.

God Bless.

Have you read the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21 that say the opposite of what you just said?

Yes, the Bible says few people will go to heaven and many will go to hell. Since 2/3 or more of the earth believe in God, not all who believe in God will go to heaven. I believe some will assume they are Christians and will assume they'll go to heaven, but will be very disappointed when they don't make it in. The reason I believe this is Matthew 7:21. Matthew 7:13-14 says narrow is the way that leads to life and few will find it. Few. Of course we don't earn salvation by works, but genuine Christians should have good works as a fruit. If not, how are they different than satan, who also believes in God and Jesus. I believe some people can feel assurance in their salvation, but I think most have a false sense of security. Obviously if "few" people are saved, and "most" believe, then some people's standards aren't inline with God's standards for salvation and most should absolutely be concerned. Matthew 10:28 - Jesus warned Christians (His literal followers) to fear the one who can send them to hell. So, it is my opinion that some need to fear God more and have a false sense of security as if they have a pass to commit unlimited sin and follow the world, including satan. The Bible says most will not enter heaven. I think most dost don't take following Jesus very seriously. Also beware of false teachings, like one commenter even in this thread who falsely claims eveyone is going to heaven, despite Jesus saying the opposite. Trust Jesus over man's lies and false teaching. God bless...

Dear Brother IMKane,

You stated: " The problem I've encountered with most self-identified Christians on this site is they may read the Scripture, but they do not study it, and the few who do study it, don't rightly divide it."

Aren't you making a broad brush stroke of judgment on some people here that you really don't even know? You don't know who studies, how they study, and how long they have studied the Bible etc. etc.

A very important scripture:

Matthew 7:1

"Judge not, that ye be not judged."

You seem to me, to fancy yourself as a biblical Expert and Teacher. If so, I will share a few additional scripture that may help you along the way. Jesus and Moses were two of the greatest people who ever lived. Both were chosen by God to be distributors/teachers of His law.

Surely we should seek to be like these men.

Numbers 12:3

"(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)"

Matthew 11:29

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

Lastly, I've only been on this site for a short time, but as far as I know, this is a Bible discussion site available to all people wishing to discuss Bible topics and to communicate and pray along with fellow Christians. There will be many disagreements regarding Bible interpretation, but most people here, including myself hope to increase our knowledge, and grow closer to God.

I pray that the scripture that I've shared with you will be helpful in some way to you.

God Bless.

Why do we get bent out of shape and attack one another over translations, I find it extremely valuable in word study so I find it a blessing being amongst a dear Brother that's willing to help in the Greek and Hebrew translation whether by looking it up or by him being educated in the language.

Jesus and the jews back in that day spoke the same language so they didn't have a translation problem,

So when exposing False Teachers Jesus taught them to look past the exterior, and Intellectual abilities and turn your focus towards the INNER MAN.

( If you have the right translation and received virtue from your years of studies there should be a transformation taken place you have no control of.

( Here is How it's verified below. )

Matthew 7:13-20. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM.

Paul is just one of many that spoke in several languages as people do today, They were taught!

BUT YOU CAN'T TEACH Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Meekness, temperance humility ect...

If we have a Brother barring fruit willing and capable of planting let him plant!!

It's the Holyspirit that gives the increase.

God bless.

Hi Brother Rick,

Yes, Faith is the starting place, followed by action/change, and then this will result in Grace from God! We will not get the Grace if we do not change our lives and walk in Christ. Many christians profess "Faith and Grace" but take "no action" to change their behavior nor do they walk in Christ and strive to keep his commandments.

Matthew 7:22

"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?"

Matthew 7:23

"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Peace and God Bless.

Does anyone remember Matthew 7:1 being "Judge not, lest ye be judged?" A friend is trying to convince me that the KJV has been changed. This is so disturbing. I would really appreciate anyone's opinion on this. God bless.

Precious friend, IMKane: "Paul seems to be saying there were TWO gospels." Yes, Biblically Correct! Note the following 'Dispensational' Differences Between God's TWO Gospels:

Part I Gospel of the kingdom =

Gospel of the circumcision ( Galatians 2:7; Acts 3:25-26; Genesis 17:9-14)

Preached by John, Jesus, and the 12 ( Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 10:5-8)

The Prophecy Program for the Jews ( Luke 1:32-33; Luke 3:19-26; Daniel 2:44; James 1:1)

Preaching of The Cross as historical ( Acts 2:23,36; Acts 3:14-15; Acts 5:30)

Gospel to be believed = Christ's Name ( Matthew 16:16; John 20:31; 1 John 5:13)

Salvation by faith and water baptism ( Mark 1-4; Mark 16:16; Luke 7:29-30; Acts 2:38)

Justification without works is dead ( James 2:17; James 2:20; James 2:24; James 2:26)

Repentance emphasized along with faith ( Mark 1:15; Luke 3:8-14; Acts 3:19)

Reconciliation not mentioned.

Covers Matthew - Acts 8, then Tribulation ( Acts 3:19-21; Acts 8:12; Matthew 24:14)

Under The Law ( Matthew 5:17; Matthew 8:4; Matthew 23:2-3)

Good works will follow salvation ( Matthew 7:15-20; 1 John 2:3-5; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:7,10)

Rightly Divided From ( 2 Timothy 2:15) From "Things That DIFFER!":

Gospel Of GRACE

to be continued...

Brother Robert,

Jesus tells a sinner in bible scripture below - to SIN NO MORE.

John 8:10-11

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Jesus didn't tell the adulteress to just believe in him.Jesus told her to SIN NO MORE! Why should any of us be any better or get any better treatment than the adulteress? We are not any better than her - WE ARE ALL SINNERS!

Jesus also said below in scripture:

Matthew 7:14

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Jesus is warning above that narrow is the way to heaven, and few of us will find it! There are many out there that will try to lead you away from the TRUTH. The truth may hurtbut the bible is the TRUTH.

Believing that Jesus Christ died for our sins is a good beginning. Changing your life will be the action that God wants you to take, just as he asked the adulteress to take action - and SIN NO MORE!

All of the answers that you are looking for you will find in the Bible. Read and believe!

God Bless and Happy Sabbath Day.

Hi Jesse, thank you for your detailed response. You logically laid out your belief and thought process behind it. I have a different view of course.

Regarding what you call a "Bema seat". Many Christians don't call it that. Since the word isn't in the Bible, I prefer using the terminology the Bible already uses: Judgment. And I believe there's only 1 Judgment for all just like the verse says. I think the interpretation of the 2 different judgments is based on a misunderstanding of scripture and believe it is simple describing the same event in different ways. Revelation is a symbolic book with much of it based on an amazing vision and described in limited human terms. The evidence of the judgment being for all, is it says the book of life was there and open. If the whole judgment was to send everyone to hell, then why would the book of life be there and specifically mentioned and why would there even be a judgment if its already known that everyone there is going to hell anyway, unless you believe levels of punishment in hell. That would sure be a depressing line to be in.

Matthew 7:21 - people who said they knew the Lord and expected to get into heaven will not get into heaven. To me this means some Christians will not make it. They will believe they are Christ-followers, but Christ does not know them.

Matthew 10:28 - Jesus says to his 12 disciples, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

Why would Christians (literal Christ followers) be told by Jesus to fear God and judgment if it wasn't true? Do you think Jesus meant to say 'And you are already saved no matter what, so just do whatever, because to do anything is 'human effort' and is bad, and to do nothing is good.' No, Jesus didn't say that. Huge difference.

The Bible says faith without works is dead. And Jesus said if you love me then obey His commandments.

Hello Jesse, do you believe Matthew 7:13 that most people will go to hell? Do you believe everyone going to hell will instead go to be with Jesus in heaven without first being judged then? How do you interpret those 'asleep' in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17? God bless...

Hello, this is just my opinion, not based on scripture, but I believe will have perfectly clear memories in the afterlife. We develop our character here on earth and if we genuinely follow Christ then we build our character to be Christlike. Those who don't care or are lazy or say they're Christians, but do nothing I think are in danger, just as many verses in the Bible say. Matthew 7:23 etc. Since we have freewill in heaven (angels did like satan), I believe people we do too. And if we have freewill and aren't robots, that means we had better NOT sin in heaven! God won't allow such evil in his presence. So we had better clean up and clean up fast and get it right here on earth, else, I have doubts that the unprepared and untransformed will be granted into heaven's gates. That is my own opinion, but as the scripture says, most want to go there, but most won't make it in.

AVA, the Bible can give you strength to be different; follow Jesus Christ as he says to all his disciples (you being one of them).

I think you will find some inspiration in the Book of Ruth. She also lived in a bad town. Bad things going on. Eventually she left her people and chose to follow her mother-in-law to her hometown.

God really blessed her all along the way. I won't ruin the ending of the story for you.

God has chosen us to come out from among "them". Those who live for the world and the flesh. If you put your faith in God and listen for his leading, He'll bring you to a better life. As He did for Ruth. You might have to plan and save. Scout out the neighborhood you choose and ask the Lord for exactly what you need to make that happen. No more, no less. He knows your needs.

He did it for me, and He does it for others. Pray with Him every step of the way. I will Agree in prayer with you.

Matthew 18:19-20

That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, THERE AM I, in the midst of them.

John 1:12

Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

1 Timothy 2:8

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without frustration and doubting.

Matthew 7:7

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

DearGod,I thank you that you have a job forme,and I know that in whatever position you placeme,I will be blessed. I am blessed when I come and when Igo,and I know that I am above only and not beneath. You have blessed me and called me your own.

I know that my success is found in youand you have given me the ability to perform my job withexcellence. It is in you thatIreceive promotion, increase and success and I thank you thatyou've heard me.

The spirit of rebellion is not of the Lord...

Matthew 7:19 - 25

I provided scripture from the Word of God to answer the question posted on this thread. If you have an issue with that I suggest you take it up with God, not with me.

AG Peterson The person playing with a full deck is Jesus Christ all others are cheating, and the only way to know Him is through Gods Word, He is the True Shepherd, John 10:9+10 The thief cometh not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly. In Gospel of John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy word, thy word is truth. There's no other source for truth Gods Word makes known Christ. God Bless

Hi AG Peterson.

Throw those cards in the trash!! They will be harmful to you!!

1 Timothy 2:5. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

AG Peterson Angel cards Throw them out!

Please destroy them and throw them away . They can be a terrible temptation to you or any one who finds them . I don't really want to go into details but feel I owe you an explanation for my strong reaction . I know that God is King , His rule is supreme . I also know that I can't even pick up a deck of ordinary playing cards and I know things about people that they have never told me . That's as far as I'm going with this except to say , please , destroy them and throw them away now . Never have anything to do with any one who says they are psychic or a medium or spiritualist .

Hi Peggy,

God is the judge and knows our hearts in whether we are genuine or not. If we choose to follow Jesus He knows how serious we are about it- whether we're doing it for unpure motives or not. Everyone is a sinner, and those who will be saved will be saved by grace. But most people won't be saved and the Word doesn't say everyone who claims to be a Christian will be saved, either. So, I think God's definition of what a Christ follower may sometimes be a little different than what man assumes is a Christ follower. I know 'Christians' who actively participate in all kinds of sin, like homosexuality, fornication, theft, coveting, harming the body through drugs, drunkenness, etc. Many also feel they are 'saved' because that was the message they heard at church and feel they can commit unlimited sin and follow satan and still be saved, because someone told them that.

The reason I believe this is Matthew 7:21-23. It clearly gives an example of someone who believed in and followed Jesus, BUT the one who does the will of the father. So, I have a very different message than some who claim that you can 'do whatever you want'. Some even say that doing good is bad and evil. That sounds awfully familiar- as if its from the father of lies (satan) who loves convincing even Christians of the opposite. We are called to be good and do good and avoid sin. John 8:11 And I think anyone claiming to be Christian and willingly sinning is like slapping Jesus in the face and spitting on the cross. Some should wake up and be afraid of judgment of God. God bless...

Amen Sister Dianne.

We ourselves find ourselves on the wrong side of a opinion or atleast have at one time. It's called growth.

The only barrier to the truth is to think you already has it! The Holyspirit didn't just equipped us with gifts, he equipped us with fruit. Something over looked!

But we are warned to examine fruit.

Matthew 7:15-16. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

In so many ways I think we see a sifting of wheat.

At the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak you seen a Gathering to the Lord but many has turned back! Reminds me of

1 John 2:19. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. We live in a Satan controlled world and he have his ministers as well!

PEOPLE LIKE RICHARD ESTRADA. is no threat! He might help manifest people like himself. The ones we have to mark is those who draw people away from truth. Not so much in having a different eschatology or certain belief. But beware of those who tries to lure you away by the flesh, Even using the bible most interesting topics, You see agreeing with your eschatology doesn't cause me to accept Christ. Have you noticed a thread with Love your neighbor or Salvation never last long. THE ABSENCE OF LOVE BRINGS CONVICTION!!

There's nothing wrong with Conviction!! Conviction brings repentance. But if you're not led by the Spirit of truth then there's no conviction and no repentance. That's what we have seen lately.

God bless you and all you do.

Hi Gloria,

I believe you're asking what it means for us being the salt of the earth, etc?

13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

To me this doesn't teach us as much about God as it is teaching us how to live. Christians should be visible and an example to follow, showing good works, and giving glory to God. At the end of this chapter it says to be perfect. I think it's a challenge to us to strive to be like Jesus. This is an ongoing lifelong pursuit. Of course we will slip up here and there as all are sinful and fall short, but we should stay the course and follow Jesus. This takes active effort. (sadly some Christians think its ok to follow the world as they assume grace is just a fast pass in and that you can enjoy sin and following earthly pleasures as much as you want- I don't think it works that way. Jesus said this: Matthew 7:21-23. That is what I get out of it.

See Matthew 7:24-27

Connie,

This comes from Matthew chapter 7. Jesus said in Verse 24, "Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and does them, (notice the emphasis is hearing the sayings of Jesus), He says the sayings of Mine; and does them, I will liken him to a wise man that built his house upon a rock."

And by the way the word rock used here is the word (PETRA), the same thing that Jesus told Peter, and we see that in Chapter 16 where Jesus says "Upon this rock I will build my church."

It wasn't Peter! Peter is (PETROS). PETRA is a completely different word which refers to Christ. He is the PETRA. It is the designation for Christ and His word in scripture. So Jesus says that everybody that hears these saying of mine and does them will be like a wise man that built his house upon a rock and when the storm comes (which is judgment), his house will stand.

In Verses 26 and 27, Jesus is saying everybody that hears these words of mine. Jesus is making Himself the authority. He didn't say to them, I just gave you a commentary on the law. He says, everybody that listens to these words of mine, and does them. But He tells them that those who do not do them, their house is going to fall. Oh my goodness, that is not going to sit too well with the religious people who are listening to Him speak!

Connie,

This comes from Matthew chapter 7. Jesus said in Verse 24, "Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and does them, (notice the emphasis is hearing the sayings of Jesus), He says the sayings of Mine; and does them, I will liken him to a wise man that built his house upon a rock."

And by the way the word rock used here is the word (PETRA), the same thing that Jesus told Peter, and we are going to see that in Chapter 16 where Jesus says "Upon this rock I will build my church."

It wasn't Peter! Peter is (PETROS). PETRA is a completely different word which refers to Christ. He is the PETRA. It is the designation for Christ and His word in scripture. So Jesus says that everybody that hears these saying of mine and does them will be like a wise man that built his house upon a rock and when the storm comes (which is judgment), his house will stand.

In Verses 26 and 27, Jesus is saying everybody that hears these words of mine. Jesus is making Himself the authority. He didn't say to them, I just gave you a commentary on the law. He says, everybody that listens to these words of mine, and does them. But He tells them that those who do not do them, their house is going to fall. Oh my goodness, that is not going to sit too well with the religious people who are listening to Him speak!

Matthew 7

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the SAND:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

You should just ask us to pray that you'll be enabled to believe, that if you opened the doors of your heart, you would be able to receive what Jesus did for you. That's the first hurdle. It gets lots better after that. Jesus is knocking...

Matthew 18:19-20

That if two of you shall AGREE on earth as touching any thing (or person) that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, THERE AM I, in the midst of them.

John 1:12

Yet to all who receive him, to those who BELiEVED in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

1 Timothy 2:8

I will, therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Matthew 7:7

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be OPENED to you.

No one helped me to be saved. No one invited me to go to their Church with them. They just regarded me as "too far gone" in sinful ways, to be reached.

Only my Grandmother sent me love letters about Jesus. Which I scorned at first and put in a drawer. After her death, I read them. That kind of love destroys the walls of hardness.

Despite how everyone treated me, I answered that knock on the day of my salvation. I gave Him all of my pain, and He gave me joy and peace.

Don't give up.