The Tribune

From a weeping Jesus to the lesson of the mustard seed

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Feature Writer

acadet@tribunemedia.net

There are many memorable Bible passages that people hold near and dear to their hearts and which get them through life’s myriad experiences.

Tribune Religion asked a number of our readers to share some of their favourite scriptures with us and explain their meaning as it relates to them personally.

For Theresa Gibson, it’s the shortest verse in the Bible, the impactful John 11:35 “Jesus Wept” scripture that touches her soul so deeply.

“I feel as though it is the most powerful Bible verse because it humanises Jesus. The same way we go through troubles, pain and hurt and we cry and mourn; He did the same. It is comforting to know that our Saviour shared the same emotions we shared and overcame them. It gives me hope whenever my world is in a disarray,” she said.

Kristina Roberts said her all-time favourite is Isaiah 46:4, which reads: “Even to your old age and grey hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

She believes there are many instances in the Bible in which Jesus expresses His love for His people, but this one means the most to her.

“Relationships here on earth can be so troubling. As much as you love, there is opportunity for you to also be hurt in the process of loving. There are people out here who have estranged relationships with their parents, kids, work life; it’s everywhere. I made that example to say we place people on pedestals, and sometimes get hurt by those we would never have imagined getting hurt by. But God, oh my, I get the chills by just thinking of how merciful and forgiving He is. This scripture tells us He will never give up on us, no matter the age or time, no matter what we have done; He will sustain and carry us. That is a powerful thing to know that God himself got our backs, even when we feel as though no one else does,” said Kristina.

In this season and time in her life, Vanessa Brown said her favourite Bible verses are Mark 11:24-25: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Anthia Wright said although it may sound cliché to some, her all-time favourite scripture is the Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me”.

“Many have made this a mantra. It is popular for a reason, and that is because of the empowerment and uplifting it brings as you repeat it to yourself on a daily. There is power in the tongue, so imagine repeating something so motivating to yourself when you are in a dark place. My strength comes from the Lord and I owe my life to Him and Him alone. I am thankful for the dark days this scripture has brought me through because if it wasn’t for overcoming those days - I wouldn’t know how to express to you today of how powerful those words are. I always have a wooden signage in my home with this phrase,” said Anthia.

Camille Dean said one of the verses in the Bible that as always stood out to her the most is the Matthew 17:20, which encourages people to have the faith as small as a mustard seed.

“In this case, a mustard seed is being used proverbially by Jesus to describe something that is so small. And this particular something is all that you need to believe. If our faith, no matter how big or small, is placed in the hands of Jesus, only great things can happen in our lives. With mustard seed faith, mountains can be moved. Times are hard for everyonem but I encourage all reading this to know that all that is needed is faith along the way. Hold on tight to this life, cherish it and keep the faith,” said Camille.