Definition: Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Luke 3:8. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage about repentance and the power of faith. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God wants us to focus on repentance – feeling sorry for our mistakes and turning away from bad behavior – and then, start believing that God can work through seemingly small things to bring about a significant change. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance…” This means we need to actively change our ways. It's not enough to just feel bad; we need to actually do good and stop doing wrong. Think of it like a seed that needs to grow into something strong and beneficial. “…and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” This is the really important part. It’s using a metaphor – a stone. “These stones…” The “stones” represent ordinary people or everyday life . They're the things we often take for granted, and maybe even don't do much about. “…We have Abraham to [our] father…” This refers to Abraham – a very important figure in Jewish tradition. Abraham was a patriarch (a very old and wise person) who is considered the father of many people in the Bible. “For I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” This is where the magic happens. Jesus says that through the seemingly insignificant actions and things we do every day – even small acts of kindness, forgiveness, or striving for good – God can work his way into our lives and bring about a significant change. It’s like saying that with enough effort and goodness, God can create something new and wonderful from the smallest things. In essence, the verse is urging us to: Change Our Ways: Don't just feel bad; actively work to do good. Believe in God's Power: Even small actions, when combined with faith and repentance, can have a huge impact. Why is this important? This passage is often interpreted as relating to the coming of Jesus. It’s about how even ordinary people can be part of something bigger – a transformation that comes from turning away from sin and towards God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide an example of how to apply this principle in your own life?