👉 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and important verse from John 17:15. It's a really powerful message about our relationship with God and the world. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says, “I don't want you to be taken away from this world; I want you to stay safe and avoid things that could harm you.” Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “I pray…” : This is John’s voice – he’s speaking directly to God. “…not that thou shouldest…” : This is a crucial part. “Thou” means "you." It's not saying don't want them taken away, but rather don't want them to be removed from the world. "...take them out of the world..." : This refers to being removed from the joys, struggles, and opportunities of life on Earth. It’s about avoiding things that could cause pain or suffering. “…but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” : This is where it gets really important. "Evil" here doesn't mean a literal bad guy. It means harm , suffering , danger , and anything that disrupts God’s plan for us. It represents temptation, sin, and things that go against God’s will. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to our responsibility as believers – to live a life pleasing to God and avoid things that would lead us astray. It's a call to focus on good, righteousness, and avoiding negativity. Why is it important? Protection: It’s a plea for protection from harm – physical, emotional, spiritual. Guidance: It suggests God wants us to be guided towards the right path and to avoid paths that lead to trouble. Faith & Hope: It's a testament to our faith – that we trust in God to protect us even when we don’t understand everything. In short, this verse is about prioritizing God's will above all else and striving to stay safe and aligned with His plan for our lives. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/17/17-15](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/17/17-15) - This website has a good explanation and context for the verse. Desiring Truth: [https://daringdevotion.org/verses/john-17-15/](https://daringdevotion.org/verses/john-17-15/) - This website offers a deeper exploration of the verse with explanations and thought-provoking questions. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept?
