Is it essential to quote the Bible in order to give good Christian advice?

[Godlovesmetwo]

I am catholic by the way. I rarely quote scripture. That is partly because I don't have the knowledge of many good CF members who are raised on the Bible as the number one authority.
But I see my role in helping a fellow human being as first, being there for them. As an equal. Not as their scripture quoting superior. As if the OP's lack of knowledge of scripture is contributing to the problem.
See them first as fellow travellers. Don't condescend to them as if you are closer to Heaven , as if you have some special access to God's real intentions. Remember the importance of humility? Giving advice still requires humility. Didn't Jesus emphasise the value of humility?

 

[Left]

Good question.

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

Good question.

I guess the scripture quoting community might take offence. I actually admire their knowledge though.

 

[Korean-American Christian]

Don't condescend to them as if you are closer to Heaven , as if you have some special access to God's real intentions. Remember the importance of humility? Giving advice still requires humility. Didn't Jesus emphasise the value of humility?

I agree. Jesus did emphasize the value of humility

 

[Tigger45]

I tend to use biblical concepts when giving advice even IRL. Although its not because I think I'm Holier than someone else (but I do get that impression here a lot) but because I'm offering scripture as the best advice I can give.

 

[Cimorene]

I don't think so, bc lots of times advice won't come from 1 or 2 verses but the collective message.

 

[Albion]

I guess the scripture quoting community might take offence. I actually admire their knowledge though.

I guess I am on your side with this. While citing Bible passages serves a good purpose, I find it weak whenever someone responds to a question or request for advice with Bible quotes and NO explanation or additional help at all.

 

[Monna]

Short answer, No.

Depending on who you're talking to, quoting explicitly from the Bible, can divert attention away from what needs to be said; it can even cause an immediate negative reaction. However, giving advice that is consistent with God's wisdom as found in the Bible, is always good.
Many church preachers, pastors, priests, ministers (whatever you want to call them) include in their sermons an appeal to the authority of the scriptures by repeating "The Bible says..." Many famous evangelists, like Billy Graham, made this almost a hallmark of their preaching style. And to great effect. However, the people who come to church, who turn on a religious service on TV, or go to one of these large scale evangelistic crusades, do so expecting to hear from "the Word of God."

Talking to your colleague at work, a neighbour, or non-believing friend, possibly an agnostic or atheist, or someone who adheres to an entirely different faith with its own set of sacred writings, will not necessary be receptive in the same way.

Perhaps the best thing to do is listen a lot, and listen especially to what the Holy Spirit prompts you to say. God can use your words and your life's witness even without quoting chapter or verse of the Bible. Somewhere along the line, the person may be receptive to something written, something he or she can actually follow-up on, on their own. Then you can refer to the Bible and particular parts that may be appropriate to the person's specific need. And when they find out that what the read is consistent with what you have said and with what they have seen of your life, there will be a sense of authority and 'rightness.'

At the same time, it is a good idea to become familiar with the Scriptures - especially the gospels and the letters of Paul, Peter, John, James and Jude. The letters were written in very specific contexts, many of which remain in our societies today. You will find you are more confident in giving "scripturally sound" advice if you are more aquainted with the Bible. This means more that you yourself are letting yourself be guided by the Bible, and can recognise your own experiences in things you have read there.

All the very best.

 

[DeerGlow]

I am catholic by the way. I rarely quote scripture. That is partly because I don't have the knowledge of many good CF members who are raised on the Bible as the number one authority.
But I see my role in helping a fellow human being as first, being there for them. As an equal. Not as their scripture quoting superior. As if the OP's lack of knowledge of scripture is contributing to the problem.
See them first as fellow travellers. Don't condescend to them as if you are closer to Heaven , as if you have some special access to God's real intentions. Remember the importance of humility? Giving advice still requires humility. Didn't Jesus emphasise the value of humility?

Maybe you don't have to quote it, just try to make sure it doesn't go against the bible.

 

[Left]

Maybe you don't have to quote it, just try to make sure it doesn't go against the bible.

Great advice.

 

[Emli]

I am catholic by the way. I rarely quote scripture. That is partly because I don't have the knowledge of many good CF members who are raised on the Bible as the number one authority.
But I see my role in helping a fellow human being as first, being there for them. As an equal. Not as their scripture quoting superior. As if the OP's lack of knowledge of scripture is contributing to the problem.
See them first as fellow travellers. Don't condescend to them as if you are closer to Heaven , as if you have some special access to God's real intentions. Remember the importance of humility? Giving advice still requires humility. Didn't Jesus emphasise the value of humility?

As a Bible nut, I can share our point of view:

You don't really have to quote the Bible, but if you want the advice to be truly Christian, it has to be founded on Scripture. As someone who relies solely on God's Word as my source of morals, I can tell instantly if something is off.

We are told not to rely on our own understanding, but trust in God always, and seek the wisdom that comes from above. That is given through Scripture. And through the Holy Spirit, but in order to test that, we still have to rely on the Bible. So in order for it to be Christian advice, it shouldn't be your personal opinion, but rather God's opinion.

We fill our hearts with God's Word, in order to become like Him. It's what the Bible says to do.

You should be ready to give a verse if anyone asks you. If something seems off, we need to know whether the opinion is of God, or of man. If it's from man, I'm sorry, but the Bible says not to trust it.

Do you get where I'm coming from? It's not about knowing Scripture the best, but as hungry and thirsty children, we long for the wisdom of God. That is why we quote Scripture. Otherwise it doesn't edify us in Christ.

Humility is great, but that humility is supposed to be before God, not only before other people. We humble ourselves to commit to Him and to His ways. How do we learn His ways? Through Scripture.

Scripture says to diligently search Scripture, and so we do.

You need to read more. It will do you a world of good, and give you Godly wisdom.

 

[redleghunter]

Didn't Jesus emphasise the value of humility?

Yes he did. How did you know that?

 

[redleghunter]

I guess I am on your side with this. While citing Bible passages serves a good purpose, I find it weak whenever someone responds to a question or request for advice with Bible quotes and NO explanation or additional help at all.

Indeed.

"Just as it is written and forever remains written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”" (Romans 10:15)

 

[redleghunter]

As a Bible nut, I can share our point of view:

You don't really have to quote the Bible, but if you want the advice to be truly Christian, it has to be founded on Scripture. As someone who relies solely on God's Word as my source of morals, I can tell instantly if something is off.

We are told not to rely on our own understanding, but trust in God always, and seek the wisdom that comes from above. That is given through Scripture. And through the Holy Spirit, but in order to test that, we still have to rely on the Bible. So in order for it to be Christian advice, it shouldn't be your personal opinion, but rather God's opinion.

We fill our hearts with God's Word, in order to become like Him. It's what the Bible says to do.

You should be ready to give a verse if anyone asks you. If something seems off, we need to know whether the opinion is of God, or of man. If it's from man, I'm sorry, but the Bible says not to trust it.

Do you get where I'm coming from? It's not about knowing Scripture the best, but as hungry and thirsty children, we long for the wisdom of God. That is why we quote Scripture. Otherwise it doesn't edify us in Christ.

Humility is great, but that humility is supposed to be before God, not only before other people. We humble ourselves to commit to Him and to His ways. How do we learn His ways? Through Scripture.

Scripture says to diligently search Scripture, and so we do.

You need to read more. It will do you a world of good, and give you Godly wisdom.

Indeed.

Apply the model. What did Jesus do?

Matthew 4:4

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

However, the people who come to church, who turn on a religious service on TV, or go to one of these large scale evangelistic crusades, do so expecting to hear from "the Word of God."

That is an important point. Many of the people who come to ask for Christian advice on CF, expect Bible quoted posts/advice. I think if I were in their shoes I'd be more interested in empathy and/o pragmatic advice.

 

[AvgJoe]

I am catholic by the way. I rarely quote scripture. That is partly because I don't have the knowledge of many good CF members who are raised on the Bible as the number one authority.
But I see my role in helping a fellow human being as first, being there for them. As an equal. Not as their scripture quoting superior. As if the OP's lack of knowledge of scripture is contributing to the problem.
See them first as fellow travellers. Don't condescend to them as if you are closer to Heaven , as if you have some special access to God's real intentions. Remember the importance of humility? Giving advice still requires humility. Didn't Jesus emphasise the value of humility?

If the Christian advice, whether given as Scripture or otherwise, is not given in love, most likely, it will not benefit anyone (1 Corinthians 13:1-7).

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

Yes he did. How did you know that?

I read the Bible, mostly Gospel and recently Paul, but I cant remember the quotes. I try to get a feel for the message and ask "what is the underlying message?"

 

[Emli]

That is an important point. Many of the people who come to ask for Christian advice on CF, expect Bible quoted posts/advice. I think if I were in their shoes I'd be more interested in empathy and/o pragmatic advice.

That is not how we are supposed to live though. Redleghunter quoted it best: Matthew 4:4

Pragmatic advice is great, if it's Biblical, but we are supposed to make our choices on His Word, otherwise we are just living like the world. This life is not something we simply endure until we die. We live this life to serve and please the Lord, and to become ready for an eternity in Heaven.
We don't become ready by worldly pragmatism, but through wisdom. Our minds aren't transformed otherwise.

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

Our minds aren't transformed otherwise.

Its our hearts that matter,

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

Some people come here with complex problems that cant by solved by simply quoting the Bible. it is the oversimplification that I object to.