‘Therefore’ Is Where the Action Happens

The word “therefore” has to be the most ignored word in the Bible.

You see, the word “therefore” is often used to transition from a teaching to an action.

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, – Matthew 28:18-19

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:33-34

What we often do is read the teaching, go on to the command, and forget that it’s something that WE have to do.

And so we read, teach, hear, and learn the same principles time and time again but never put them into practice. The teaching is important, but the “therefore” is the key. It’s where our behavior happens.

The world is changed in the “therefore.”

  • People’s eternities are changed in the “therefore.”
  • Hope is restored in the “therefore.”
  • Families are healed in the “therefore.”
  • Joy regardless of circumstance is found in the “therefore.”

So, let’s ask ourselves this question….

How’s my “therefore”?
That’s what I’m thinkin about today.

turn the world UPSIDE down.


Comments

20 responses to “‘Therefore’ Is Where the Action Happens”

  1. I really like this post! Isn’t that true…therefore is what determines everything!

    1. Yeah. It really is. Thx man.

  2. i agree… everytime i read a “therefore” i remind myself to go back a chapter and start reading. often it is compounding on what was written and the application stems from the passage right before.

    good post!

  3. Amen brother.

    Great stuff. Therefore is so, so very powerful and should never be overlooked or breezed through.

  4. This is something my former pastor pointed out to me years ago. I had always skipped over the “therefores” just because they didn’t seem that important. It really has brought a lot of scripture to life, and challenged me to live it out, once I started noticing the “therefores”

    Great post bud.

    1. Shoot! I thought this was kind of a new idea. I’ve never heard it before God showed it to me a few days ago. There goes the book idea. :) Thanks for reading Jason!

  5. Pia Thompson Avatar
    Pia Thompson

    My late Pastor used to say, “You have to ask what the ‘therefores’ are there for.”

    1. That’s really food stuff! Love it. Thanks for sharing, Pia!

    2. Our youth pastor used to tell us the same thing. I think we have a danger as Christians of missing out on both sides of a “therefore.” We tend to either jump too quickly to the command and ignore the teaching behind the command, or stop at the therefore and miss the command. The beauty is embracing both sides of the “therefore” so that we don’t miss out on anything that God offers us through his word!

  6. I will start listening to the “therefores” in the Bible; therefore I will attain my heavenly home. :)

    1. Haha. Therefore, it sounds like a great idea.

  7. To hear the teaching and ignore the command(s) that follow is akin to seed being sown among the thorns. It may last awhile but soon will be choked out and lost. It takes awhile to turn a thought/principle into a habit then into a way of life. Jesus has left us no other choice

    Great Post.

    Those who love me will follow my commands-Jesus

    1. Thanks. Absolutely agree with you. Scripture should change our actions. Appreciate you stopping by and commenting!

      1. Darrell Childress Avatar
        Darrell Childress

        Great post Jonathan, thanks as always for opening eyes and giving perspective, I was thinking the same thing as Luther..it’s gotta settle on receiving soil!

        1. Thanks Darrell!

  8. Great call out, Jonathan!
    I think “therefore” can be comforting because it provides security and authority behind the action or behavior.

  9. Jonathan,

    Great post! I really liked your comment, “the world is changed in the “therefore.” So true!

  10. jadarosa1 Avatar
    jadarosa1

    I always heard..”when you see the therefore or the wherefore, you always ask why it’s there for?”. Just a sayin..but effective. great post..thanx.

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