The Greek word "entello" G1781 means to "give charge" which does not have the meaning of "order" as in the army. But it is also stronger than "advise." It is kind of in the middle.
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The Greek word "entello" G1781 means to "give charge" which does not have the meaning of "order" as in the army. But it is also stronger than "advise." It is kind of in the middle.On my Arabic Gospel, the verb ‘command’ in Jesus sayings is translated to a word whose meaning is close to the verb ‘advise’; it doesn’t sound, in any way, the verb ‘order’ (as in the army).
Jesus never forced anyone to follow him or to trust him. In Luke 8, after he cast out demons the people came and asked him to leave, so he left. Jesus gives us hope and life. We follow him because he loves us and he saves us not because we are forced. I believe that in order for a choice to follow Jesus to have meaning, we must allow people the choice to walk away. Sometimes I wish I could take the Gospel and beat people with it till their brains get screwed in right, but not because they are stupid or rebellious or spiteful, but because I am so afraid for them. The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 was to me more about the rich man than Lazarus. He was aware. He could think and feel. That story was told 2000 years ago and that man is still there in pain with no more hope. It would be easier if we could force people to believe and to do right, but it just doesn’t work that way; so, I try each day to do better to be a better Christian because they are dying everyday, the people of this Earth, and it is forever.
In the Garden of Gethsemene Jesus told Peter to put away his sword, for those who live by the sword will die by the sword. Jesus tipped over the tables in the temple Herod built, but did not resist arrest.Not only, Jesus never forced anyone to follow or trust Him, He also didn’t oppose His killers; He even forgave them.
By the way, please don’t worry about Jesus message.
Even on the today’s Gospel (after about 2000 years), it focuses solely on God’s Unconditional Love which contradicts clearly all approved rules of survival (the right of self-defense for individuals and groups) and selfishness (the right of applying a certain justice on others). And while no one is allowed to (or interested in) preaching it openly as clear as Jesus does on the Gospel, no ruling system in the world dares banning, as being a crime, the continuous printing/copying of its verses (which are clearly not for this world). For example, is it possible for the king/prince/president of a country, anywhere on earth, to address the people openly with “Love your enemies” as Jesus said it clearly and lived it?!
For instance, to me in the least, one of the reasons for which Jesus came is that I won’t see myself a weird person when I feel better for not judging others, when I feel better by taking care of those who have to play my enemies, also for not believing in World’s Peace since real peace cannot exist (in general) even in one family and for knowing that every privilege rich man (or one serving a powerful rich group) cannot, even if he wants to, be honest and sincere every time he addresses the multitudes openly... etc.
If the Biblical law tells me, you shall not murder and U.S. laws are against murder, if Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount tells me I should not murder or be angry with my brother, then I should not murder. Arguing whether it is advice or a commandment is a waste of time.
Wow, the ten suggestions ... I wonder if that's really the correct translation.
I respect your belief.
After all, all formal theists are supposed to have such a belief towards the Creator they heard of, right?
Jesus only doesn't say 'obey or worship' your Creator because obedience and worship are of a one-way relationship.
A faithful slave has to obey and praise his master. A master is not supposed to obey or praise his slave.
This is why Jesus says 'love' instead; because true love is a two-way relationship.
But no one can deny that obeying and praising Jesus (or else) are much easier than loving Him truly which is almost impossible for most people in the world to do.
Speaking practically, loving God truly is trusting fully (to no limit) God's Will in everything one may face in his life as being important to exist. For example, If no one is created to play my enemy, how could I have the opportunity (several times) to feed my soul with the joy of opposing my worldly instincts of survival/selfishness and loving the enemies (as if they were myself) whom Jesus is referring to? But, this is just me.
I command
{John 15:14}
{John 15:17}
my commandment(s)
{John 14:15}
{John 14:21}
{John 15:10}
{John 15:12}
commanded
{Matthew 10:5}
{Matthew 11:1}
{Matthew 14:19}
...
Sorry, the list is long.
But we may have different English versions of the Gospel.
I looked up words translated as "command" in my electronic bible. There were 5 greek words translated into 1 english word in the text.
View attachment 317306
The only non-assertive context I came across was word 2036, that isn't usually translated as "command."
View attachment 317307
If you don't have a strongs dictionary tool, you can pop these numbers into the search at blueletterbible.org and see the word usage context in the bible as well as the definition.
The Greek word "entello" G1781 means to "give charge" which does not have the meaning of "order" as in the army. But it is also stronger than "advise." It is kind of in the middle.
In the Garden of Gethsemene Jesus told Peter to put away his sword, for those who live by the sword will die by the sword. Jesus tipped over the tables in the temple Herod built, but did not resist arrest.
Jesus testified against corrupt leaders and was hated.
John 7:7 The world can’t hate you, but it hates me, because I testify about it, that its works are evil.
Well, I don't think we want to pit "obey" against "love". Simply, I believe we are to fear, love, and trust in God above all things. He has given us commandments to obey, but the summary of the Law is love. What I was getting at is that our Lord is not giving out optional folksy suggestions, but that He speaks from a place of authority as God in flesh, and the words that He speaks are good news; the Gospel.
Blessings!
But God commands that we love. And yes there is two-way relating in God's love . . . with each other >This is why Jesus says 'love' instead; because true love is a two-way relationship.
Hello everyone,
On my Arabic Gospel, the verb ‘command’ in Jesus sayings is translated to a word whose meaning is close to the verb ‘advise’; it doesn’t sound, in any way, the verb ‘order’ (as in the army).
In other words, on the Arabic Gospel, Jesus (also my Father in Heaven since they are unified since before Creation by the Divine Spirit of Love, the Holy Spirit) acts always like a loving knowledgeable father who advises his beloved sons so that they can be aware, in advance, of whatever they may face in their life and helps them know how to overcome them.
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
By the way, I am afraid that when trust and love are imposed on someone to accept living them towards someone else they can be about anything but True Trust and Love.
Kerim
The fact is, there can only be One source of the energy that Created all things. Whatever God says is how it is. When we test that, we always find out He's right.You raised a good point.
I guess that even a Christian Arab may see Jesus and/or the Father in Heaven as a Divine Commander.
I think, in this case, he (an Arab or else) has to choose and join a Christian Church or Denomination whose teachings suit him best about how to obey, pray, worship and glorify God.
On my side, I just see God's Will in everyone I may meet. And I live based on this unlimited trust. So it is not surprising that everyone who knew/knows me saw/sees me as being no more of this world.
This is a great point with the exception that God's Spirit of Love/compassion is the same spirit of Life that was breathed into the man formed from the earth, who became a living soul. God's Spirit is a power and therefore a force.By the way, I am afraid that when trust and love are imposed on someone to accept living them towards someone else they can be about anything but True Trust and Love.
Kerim
Are you saying, then, that Jesus' repeated commandment that we love each other was merely "advice." Are you saying that love is not Jesus' requirement for Christians, but just a suggestion?
The fact is, there can only be One source of the energy that Created all things. Whatever God says is how it is. When we test that, we always find out He's right.
So whether it says command or advise, they are similar sentiments. Command being the stricter sense, but also implying a greater level of danger to one's self if unheeded.
Do you follow Jesus' advice like a command?Hello everyone,
On my Arabic Gospel, the verb ‘command’ in Jesus sayings is translated to a word whose meaning is close to the verb ‘advise’; it doesn’t sound, in any way, the verb ‘order’ (as in the army).
In other words, on the Arabic Gospel, Jesus (also my Father in Heaven since they are unified since before Creation by the Divine Spirit of Love, the Holy Spirit) acts always like a loving knowledgeable father who advises his beloved sons so that they can be aware, in advance, of whatever they may face in their life and helps them know how to overcome them.
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
By the way, I am afraid that when trust and love are imposed on someone to accept living them towards someone else they can be about anything but True Trust and Love.
Kerim
Well, you have eloquently summed it up. In the Male/Female aspects of spiritual identity, no one can tell whether they are giving or taking when they embrace one another, and so is Faith, a faith to faith.I also say:
There can only be One Will behind the energy that Created all things.
But Jesus came to tell me that this One Will is not of a 'one-of-his-kind' Being (as Allah of Islam is, for example). Otherwise, such a Lonely Being may tell us everything about the created life but the Unifying Spirit of Love which could exist in the friendship of two independent free humans who accepted to trust fully each other and have therefore one will. So, any outsider sees them as if they were just one person not two.
This is why Jesus let the Holy Spirit be the core/center of his entire message.
"Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven unto men.
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
In other words, if someone cannot perceive in any way the existence of the Unifying Spirit of Love he has no choice but believing that he was created to serve one of the Supernatural Supreme Rulers known by the world. In case of an atheist, he just prefers serving an earthly ruling system instead.
Do you follow Jesus' advice like a command?
I do not have an issue with it just being "advice" since all of Jesus' commands/advice are for our best interest. It becomes our privilege and honor to follow Jesus' advice, because not following the very best advice gets us in trouble.
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