Good morning and happy, I'm not gonna say it, Wednesday. Question; do you hate your family and friends? Strong words for someone to ask don't you think? What could I possibly mean by that? Why in the world would I ask that? If you know the answer, then you know why I asked. In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus tells us that is exactly what we are to do. Whoa. Hold on wait a minute, really? Yes He does. So let's look at it. First the word "hate". It doesn't mean the same then as it does now, at least not the way we use it. Part of our problems today. It really means "loved less". I hear the ooohs now. This is how the Bible gets twisted and used against us. Take a verse out if it's context or without knowing the meaning of ancient words and phrases. That is why it is so important to read and learn your Bible. So, with that, let's see what He is saying. Love your family and friends and self less than Me. Put Jesus first and above ALL things in your life, including yourself. The verse that is the parallel to this explains it. Matthew 10:34-39. But if we don't read we don't know. Jesus said at the end of Luke's words. "He that has ears to hear, let him hear." We have to study the words of our Lord. He is our only way to the Father and so why would we not try and learn from Him. Sorry for the harsh words at the start, but I hope it got your attention. It did mine when I read them today. I think it's great the way Jesus teaches us. Study on this passage of Luke. It's a very interesting read. Love God first above all things. Not how anti-Christians would use that verse is it? I love you, but not more God. In love always <><