I was laughing with some friends last night about these thoughts, as they worried that everything we said was in danger of appearing online in some cliched thought, so if you are reading this, here is your worst fear realised. Actually it did make me think that it is too easy to give out standard answers as Christians and I have in my time been on the receiving end, and yes let's be honest the giving end of some rather slick platitudes, none of which do justice to the radical, honest teaching of Jesus.

 

Jesus never patronised people, he never came out with some tired old cliche because the words he spoke came from God himself. He taught, healed , and lived alongside people during his ministry, he felt their pains and enjoyed their joy and was so close to his Father that he let himself be guided in every action and word.

 

There are so many people today in need, but I am realising more and more that if I really want to help I need to take time listening and praying , being ready to speak when God wants me to speak, and say what he wants me to say, rather than relying on some easy platitude which I haven't really thought about. For only then will people be willing to listen and get to know this Jesus.

"When Jesus finished saying those things, the crowds were amazed at the way he taught. He wasn't like the teachers of the Law;instead he taught with authority." Matthew 7 vs 28