The Bible is the most widely read and respected book throughout the world. For thousands of years, it has been the guide for individuals seeking to lead lives filled with hope, wisdom, and love. In the book Biblical Teachings by Terry Griffin, the reader comes to understand that the teachings of the Bible are not only historical but also quite modern for contemporary times. Most assume that the only material the Bible contains is the accounts of the ancient world. Still, upon closer reading, the teachings within it are seen to be remarkably relevant and vivid for our contemporary world. The book enables people to learn the mechanism by which such teachings can transform their way of thinking, conduct, and interaction with the world and the people around them.
Terry Griffin says one of his first points is that the Bible isn’t a historical book and isn’t a historical text at all. It is a teaching book on how to live life. Its teaching and storytelling are filled with meaning for anyone who wishes they could lead a good life. In a world where we all wake up feeling stressed or unsure, the teachings serve as a guideline and source of comfort. The Bible, for instance, extensively discusses the importance of love, kindness, forgiveness, and honesty. These are universal values. We all need love and respect, regardless of where we live, whether in village or city life. The book reveals that the Bible teaches you to build a good and stable life, wherever and whenever you are.
Teaching love is one of the closest subjects to teach. Love, within the Bible, is not only an emotion, but an action as well. We were instructed through Jesus that our highest commandment is to love God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This little truth can revolutionize our lives today. When we love our neighbors and strive to make the world a more harmonious and peaceful place, both in our personal lives and in our communities, the commandment of love remains unwavering, even in an increasingly high-tech and fast-paced world. Terry Griffin informs us that by incorporating love into the everyday world, we are integrating light into the world’s darkness.
For another example, consider the teaching of forgiveness. Forgiveness today is never a snap decision. Today’s population carries the burden of the anger, hurt, or pain of yesterday. The Scriptures, however, teach that forgiveness heals wounds. Jesus forgave those who had wronged Him, and He told His people to do the same. Terry Griffin identified forgiveness as not recalling what occurred but releasing the pain and finding peace. In the busy lives we lead, understanding forgiveness provides the opportunity for life to move forward without a burden. It is a teaching that can restore families, friendships, and even society as a whole.
The Scriptures also teach the value of truth and honesty. It is just too easy these days to lie, cheat, or fib for the purpose of protecting oneself or promoting one’s own interests. Scripture, however, reminds us that trust is the very foundation of truth. Through the failure to nurture honesty, our lives together will fall apart, and our world will be the poorer for it. Terry reminds us that living into the truth is an expression of respect for oneself and for others. Even within the marketplace, at school, or just in casual chat, honesty makes a better world.
Another virtue we can learn from the Bible is the virtue of hope. Life these days can be an anxiety producer, and worry can spread abundantly over finances, the job, health, and the future. Most of us struggle to cope with fear and despair. The Bible offers a message of hope through the assurance that God is always with us, regardless of our circumstances. Hope does not breed wishfulness, but a guarantee that it will be better tomorrow. Terry Griffin tells us that such hope can be of benefit to the overcomers and also give them the strength for what is still ahead. With it, we can be assured that where the darkness occurs, the light will shine brightly again.
Another biblical teaching is faith. Faith is trusting in God even though we don’t see the solutions. In the lives we lead nowadays, we would want to trust what we see, what we can touch, or what we can control. Faith, though, calls for trusting in something beyond the material environment. Terry Griffin informs us that faith provides strength for coping with uncertain times. It is a certainty that we don’t need to carry every problem alone. In our faith, we are comforted and made stronger with the capacity to carry on.
The Bible also teaches on the matter of serving. Jesus was seeking to teach His people that serving one another is an act of love and respect. In our day and era, there is a significant focus on one’s interests and one’s agenda. But when we serve, we find the purpose and meaning of life. Terry Griffin shares how small things can make a big difference. Whether it is assisting a neighbour, holding the fort for a friend, or meeting the needs of the destitute, the virtue of serving brings the Scripture message into reality. It teaches that we are one body, and serving one another is an expression of our faith in tangible deeds.
Lastly, the doctrine of the Bible is that it is not limited to the past alone. It is for both the present and the future. Its teachings of forgiveness, love, honesty, hope, faith, and service are as valid today as they were hundreds of years ago. Terry Griffin informs us that we can lead more serene lives and be happier if we adopt his teachings in life. Terry Griffin tells us that the answers do exist and are documented in the pages of Scripture, and we can make them a reality.
