Everybody’s normal till you get to know them is a popular phrase and the title of a bestselling book by John Ortberg, though it is not a direct quote from the Bible. [1]
Core Book Concepts
- No Normal People: The book teaches that an ideal of “normal” does not exist and expecting people to be normal hurts relationships.
- Accepting Flaws: Maturity means accepting that everyone comes with unique quirks, flaws, and brokenness.
- Grace and Community: True Christian community happens when imperfect people love and forgive each other. [1, 2]
Biblical Principles on Human Imperfection
While the exact phrase isn’t in scripture, the Bible addresses human flaws:
- All Have Sinned: Romans 3:23 states that everyone falls short of perfection.
- Bearing Burdens: Galatians 6:2 encourages believers to support one another’s weaknesses.
- Unconditional Love: 1 Peter 4:8 emphasizes loving deeply because love covers a multitude of faults.
The Bible encourages believers to get to know others by building deep relationships, showing love, and sharing one another’s lives.
Key Verses on Knowing and Loving Others
- Romans 12:10 — “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” This verse calls for genuine care and mutual respect in relationships.
- Proverbs 27:17 — “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” This highlights how spending time with others helps mutual spiritual and personal growth. l
- Hebrews 10:24-25 — “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.” The writer stresses the importance of physical presence and community.
- Philippians 2:3-4 — “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” This points to setting aside pride to truly understand people.
- Galatians 6:2 — “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Getting to know people includes walking with them through hard times.
THE TIMELESS MIRROR.
📌Wrong ASSUMPTION often nullifies our assessment.
>>ASSUMPTION?
It’s taking something to be true without proof; jumping to conclusion unverified; it’s a life by sight… sounds familiar? We’re in it together!
The implication?
We misunderstand, overestimate or underestimate one another and sometimes mistakes ENEMIES for FRIENDS and vice-versa. Terrible!
Jeremiah 17:9 is a Bible verse that says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” [1]
Meaning of the Verse
- Flawed Nature: Human beings are prone to self-deception and moral failure.
- Tricky Emotions: Our feelings and desires can easily mislead us into making poor choices.
- Divine Knowledge: People cannot fully understand their own motives, but God searches and knows every heart. [1, 2, 3]
Biblical Context
- Found in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah.
- Part of a larger warning against trusting entirely in human strength rather than in God.
Reflection: Is your CRITICISM or CONCLUSION always true and justified?
Spiritually, none of us is perfect; each carries certain limitations or deficiencies due to our depraved nature but we’re naturally good in managing it. Physical a person may be attractive but the HEART may not be godly.- Rom.3:11-11; 22-23.
The truth? We need to see and live with the EYES of GOD, instinct can’t screen the ICEBERG of human’s heart… so, let the words of God TRANSFORM your HEART to better understanding!
God bless us.🙏🔥
Jeremiah 17:9 is a Bible verse that says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” [1]
Meaning of the Verse
- Flawed Nature: Human beings are prone to self-deception and moral failure.
- Tricky Emotions: Our feelings and desires can easily mislead us into making poor choices.
- Divine Knowledge: People cannot fully understand their own motives, but God searches and knows every heart. [1, 2, 3]
Biblical Context
- Found in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah.
- Part of a larger warning against trusting entirely in human strength rather than in God.