The other day, I was thinking about all the many things Jesus said. When He spoke, people listened — even the Scribes and Pharisees. But then I began to consider some of the things He did not say, yet so many practice in their daily lives. The list would be exhaustive, but I will mention four things Jesus did not say.
Take Care of Yourself and Let Others Take Care of Themselves
In 2026, we are definitely living in a “me first” society. Psychologists, when trying to encourage patients, will say, “You have to concentrate on yourself. Let your friends and family take care of themselves.” That sounds like good advice, right? No, it is not.
Jesus focused on the trait of humility. If we only think of ourselves, we are selfish. That is contrary to the example Jesus set. He said that He came to serve, not to be served. He taught that the individual who seeks to be exalted will be humbled, but the one who lives in humility will one day be exalted.
Count the Faults of Your Daily Associates
The main theme of my ministry has been “Looking Past Faults and Meeting Needs.” I got that from what the Bible says. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col. 3:13-14 NIV1984).
Once a Christian begins to bear a grudge against another, that individual will continually focus on the faults of the other person. Accounting will take place. The fault finder will keep a record of the faults of the other on a regular basis. It is then that we must be reminded of this scriptural admonition: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17).
If It Feels Good, Do It
Of the many things that Jesus would never have said, this is at the top. If your elbow hurts and it feels good to rub it, then do it. But that does not work with the sinful and immoral actions of believers. Just because we see other believers do things contrary to biblical teaching does not mean we should follow their example. In fact, Jesus taught and gave the example of living a life of denying self to please God. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:24-25). Put those verses in conjunction with what was previously noted, and the next verse comes into play. “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other” (Gal. 5:26).
Be Sure to Worry About Everything
Worry is a global malady. People from every walk of life deal with fear, anxiety, and worry. Jesus recognized that and spoke about it often. One thing He never said was, “Be sure to worry about everything!”
The biblical fact is that worrying is futile. It accomplishes nothing. Jesus essentially said that worry was a misguided focus on life. “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” (Matt. 6:33-34).
Sometimes it is better for us to focus on the things Jesus did not say!
