Do We Know What We Are Talking About?

Not too long ago, my property manager (at my temporary, secular job) brought up a point that people only quote half verses from the Bible. She said it in humor - as she does with most things - but it was very true. Some people like to think of the good stuff but not the work that needs to be put in or the responsibility that is required with what they are saying. Futhermore, half quoting could mean only getting half of the revelation, half of the blessing. Note: have you ever met someone and you saw so much in them, more than they realized? Well that's what God shows me in her. She is going to do a MIGHTY work for the Lord.



Anyway, this conversation slipped my mind, until God brought it up again for the sake of this article. In the example mentioned by my property manager, the verses were separated by few books. During my research, I found that often times, verses written together are not spoken together.  With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I came upon scriptures that are quoted often. These are verses that I've heard and even quoted myself not realizing that I was only hearing and saying a PORTION of the message. We are required to read the before and after to get the full revelation of what God is saying to us. Also, reading for ourselves will eliminate us quoting "verses" that are NOT actually Biblical.

Listed below are a few examples of highly quoted verses that don't include the before or after verses.

Ex. 1: 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT reads "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline." How should we use what He's given us? For His glory, of course! "So NEVER be ashamed to tell others about the Lord. And do not be ashamed for me, either, even though I'm in prison for Him. (This is Paul speaking.)With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News".


Ex. 2: I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13) This is true! But where was Paul, getting this revelation? How did he know this to be true? Read verse 12."I can live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in EVERY situation, whether it be a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little."(Phil. 4:12)  Reading this verse makes this verse a testimony and not just words of hope to someone else. He's not speaking on anything he didn't experience!


Ex. 3: Used for rebuke and as an excuse: For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. (Romans 3:23) KEEP READING! "YET GOD, ( !!!! ) with undeserved kindness, declares that WE ARE RIGHTEOUS. ( !!!! ) When did this take place, you may ask?? He did through Christ Jesus when He FREED US from the penalty for our sins. (Romans 3:24) So pick that head up! Walk in your righteousness! You are free!!


Ex. 4 John 14:2 Reads "There are more than enough rooms (or many mansions as worded in KJV) in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?" Most of the time, only the beginning of this verse is quoted. It is spoken to give hope of what is to come. But who is it for?? John 14:1 gives the explanation: "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. Jesus is speaking to those whose trust is in He and His Father. We must first put our trust in Them to have the Their promises! And verse three (3) should DEFINITELY be spoken along with verse two (2). It fills the heart with so much joy! "When everything is ready, I WILL COME AND GET YOU, SO THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME WHERE I AM." (Exclamation point times infinity!) Hallelujah!

These few examples are brought to our attentions to stir up our reading habits. God is requiring us to have a deeper understanding. Think about it: if you don't get it, how can you give it? He keeps speaking to us about the work that needs to be done! And we are well able just as Caleb said in Numbers 13! Caleb saw people in power and even giants inhabiting what was to be his people' territory but it did not discourage him! We should feel the same way!! We need to equip ourselves with the 66 books God has given us!