Definition: Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from the Bible – Galatians 5:20. It's a really powerful warning about what can happen when we lose our focus on God and become consumed by things that aren’t of Him. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that anything that goes against God’s will – anything that focuses on something other than Him – is dangerous. It’s essentially listing all the negative behaviors and attitudes that are considered to be wrong in the eyes of God. Let's look at each of these things individually: Idolatry: This means worshipping idols, or anything that isn’t a true, living God. It's about placing something else above Him. Witchcraft: This is a very serious concept in the Bible – it refers to attempting to make something holy or sacred into something unholy . It’s about trying to trick God or create something that isn’t right. Hatred: This is feeling angry and bitter towards someone, often because of their actions or beliefs. It goes beyond just disagreement; it's a deep-seated dislike. Variance: This means being different from what others expect or want. It can be a good thing sometimes, but when it becomes rebellious and doesn’t follow God’s guidance, it becomes problematic. Emulations: This is trying to copy someone else's success, beauty, or qualities – it's about mimicking them instead of focusing on your own growth and goodness. Wrath (Anger): This is a strong feeling of anger, often fueled by hurt or bitterness. It’s a negative emotion that can damage relationships. Strive: This refers to struggling with something - it's about pushing yourself beyond your limits and trying to achieve something that isn't aligned with God’s purpose. Seditions: This means causing division or conflict amongst people – spreading bad news or creating arguments. Heresies: These are beliefs that contradict the teachings of Jesus Christ. They are essentially deviations from what is true and right according to God's Word. In short, Galatians 5:20 warns us against everything that goes against God’s will and puts our focus on something other than Him. It's a call to live a life that pleases God – a life of obedience, love, and faithfulness. Why is this important? This verse reminds us that our thoughts, feelings, and actions should always be directed towards God. When we let our desires or judgments overshadow God’s will, it leads us down a path of wrongness and unhappiness. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give some examples of how these things might manifest themselves in real life? Connect this verse to a specific story or situation?