Definition: If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 14:26. It's a really important message about love and our relationship with others. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that true Christians are those who love God and others deeply. It’s not enough to just say you love someone – it has to be a genuine, unwavering commitment to their well-being. If you don't love your family, friends, and even yourself, you can’t truly follow Jesus’ teachings about loving others. Let's unpack the parts: "If any [man] come to me..." : This is a general invitation to someone who loves God. It’s not just anyone – it’s specifically those who are devoted to following Jesus’ example. "...and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters..." : This is the most crucial part . The verse emphasizes that you need to love your family and close relationships. It's about respecting and caring for them – they are important to you. "...and his own life also..." : This is a HUGE key. It means you have to live in a way that demonstrates this love. You have to be willing to sacrifice things, put their needs before your own sometimes, and be kind and compassionate towards them. What does it mean for us? It's about loyalty: It’s saying that we are loyal to God and those who care about us. It’s about a commitment to others: It means you should treat people with respect, kindness, and consideration – even when they make mistakes or cause you pain. It's about being a good example: By showing love and compassion towards your loved ones, you are demonstrating that kind of love for God as well. Why is this important in the Bible? Jesus often uses stories to illustrate this point. Think of the parable of the Prodigal Son – a man who squandered his inheritance and lost everything but was invited back home by his father, showing how love can lead to forgiveness and redemption. This verse is saying that true discipleship (following Jesus) requires a deep and unwavering commitment to love others, just as we are called to love God. In short: Jesus wants us to be loving and compassionate people, not just in words but in action – showing love to everyone we know, including our family and friends. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you a relatable example of how this applies to your life?