Definition: But [as] God [is] true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Corinthians 1:18. It's a really important and thought-provoking statement about how God sees us. Here’s the simplest explanation: Basically, God doesn’t always agree with us. Let's unpack it a little bit: “But [as] God…” – This sets up a comparison. It’s like saying “In this way…” or “In that manner…” “…is true…” - This means God is honest and truthful. “our word toward you was not yea and nay.” – This is the core of it. "Yea and nay" is a way of saying "yes" or "no." What does this mean? The verse says that when we speak to God, our words shouldn’t always be a simple “yes” or “no.” It means our words are often more nuanced – they express a range of thoughts and feelings. Think of it like this: Sometimes you might say "I'm happy" - that could mean you’re truly joyful, or it could mean you're feeling a little bit good. Sometimes you might say "That’s not good" - that means you're concerned about something, even if you don't want to say it outright. The verse is saying that God sees our words as a whole – the combination of thoughts and feelings – and recognizes that sometimes we're expressing both positive and negative emotions. It’s acknowledging that our words aren’t always perfectly clear or straightforward. Why is this important? This understanding helps us to: Be more honest with God: It encourages us to be genuine in our communication. Understand God's perspective: It shows that God sees us as a whole person, not just reacting in one way or another. Pray more effectively: It reminds us to pray with sincerity and to seek understanding of how God is working in our lives. In short, this verse encourages a deeper connection with God by recognizing that our words are often complex and express a wider range of feelings. --- Would you like me to: Explain it further? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to everyday situations?