There was an incident at a Bible study some time ago that very much disturbed me. Jeremiah 29:11 was brought up. The verse that says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
This is a well-known verse, as many Christians hold it as a reminder of God's love, and will often post it on social media, wear it on a T-shirt, or carry it in their wallet. But to my Bible group, that sort of thing was absurd; something only a total noob would do.
"Ha!" one scoffed. "They think that verse is about them!"
"They don't even get the context!" another remarked.
"Hey, hey - I'm gonna put a Bible verse out of context on a coffee mug just like those Christians do, but it'll be one of the dark ones. Like 'I will dig your grave, for you are vile!' Lolololol!"
And on they went like that.
Context is very important in Scripture. Not understanding that leads to a lot of unfair, and without citing proper context, hollow and inaccurate, criticisms and misunderstandings about the Bible. It can also lead to the schemes of the Joel Osteens of the world. This particular verse in Jeremiah expressed God's love for those of Judah who had been exiled to Babylon in the sixth century BC as punishment for their unrepentant idol worship.
However, it is important to note that verses written to a specific person or group of people in the Bible can parallel and echo God's truth that applies to all of us today.
Even a verse like that in Nahum, when God tells Nineveh, "I will dig your grave, for you are vile," though written as a warning to a violent kingdom oppressing the Jews, is still a reminder that vengeance is the Lord's, and He will bring unrepentant evildoers to punishment.
Heaven forbid a Christian read a Bible verse like Jeremiah 29:11 and be reminded of God's love and faithfulness, and know that He still holds those same qualities in the twenty-first century.
What if a new believer had heard my Bible group say these snarky, condescending things? They would most likely be confused and hurt, maybe even driven away from the Gospel completely, as is the case with many new Christians whose fellow believers acted so snobbishly.
If anyone reading this has ever been hurt by Christians who have made arrogant remarks such as these, or have done worse, please don't judge the Gospel, or even God, by their deeds. He loves you, welcomes you, and His Holy Spirit longs to guide you and love you - without the butt-pheasantry of the more self-assured and pompous of your brothers and sisters in Christ.
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