Definition: And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:5. It’s a really important one about forgiveness and understanding. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying that you are responsible for your own mistakes and difficulties. He’s giving you a rule or instruction – a “precept” – to guide your behavior. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Jesus answered…” : This means Jesus is speaking directly to the people following him. “…and said unto them…” : Jesus is telling someone (likely the disciples) something. “…For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.” : This is the key part! "Hardness of your heart" means being stubborn, angry, or unwilling to forgive. Jesus is saying that you are capable of doing this – of being hard on yourself and others. He’s pointing out that you're prone to making mistakes and causing problems. So, what does it mean practically? It’s essentially a reminder that: We all make mistakes: Everyone has them. It's okay to stumble or misjudge things. Taking responsibility is important: Jesus isn’t saying you are inherently bad. He’s highlighting your tendency towards stubbornness and unwillingness to let go of things. Forgiveness is key: This verse encourages us to be forgiving – not just of others, but also of ourselves when we make mistakes. It's about letting go of anger and resentment. In short, it’s a gentle but serious message about the importance of humility and forgiveness. Does that explanation make sense? Would you like me to: Explain why this verse is significant in the Bible? Give you a few examples of how to apply this principle to your own life?