Understanding the Practice in Simple Terms
Have you ever heard someone say, “You’re cherry picking the gospel”? If you’re not sure what that means, let’s break it down in everyday language.
What Is “Cherry Picking”?
“Cherry picking” is a phrase used to describe the act of selecting only the parts of something that you like, while ignoring the rest. Imagine you have a bowl of cherries in front of you, but you only pick out the sweetest, ripest ones and leave the others behind. That’s cherry picking!
Cherry Picking the Gospel
When people talk about “cherry picking the gospel,” they’re referring to picking out certain teachings or passages from the Bible—specifically from the gospel, which is the story of Jesus and his teachings—while ignoring others. For example, someone might focus on the parts about love and kindness, but skip over the tougher messages about sacrifice or forgiveness.
Why Do People Cherry Pick?
· Comfort: Some messages are easier to accept and follow than others.
· Convenience: It’s tempting to stick with teachings that fit our lifestyle or beliefs.
· Personal Preference: Everyone has different values and experiences, which can affect how they see things.
What’s the Problem?
Cherry picking can be a problem because it doesn’t give the full picture. The gospel is meant to be taken as a whole. Picking and choosing can lead to misunderstanding or missing important lessons. It’s like reading only a few pages of a book and thinking you know the whole story.
How to Avoid Cherry Picking
· Read and learn about the gospel in its entirety.
· Ask questions and seek guidance from others who have studied it deeply.
· Be open to parts that challenge you, not just the ones that make you feel good.
In the end, understanding the gospel means looking at the whole message, not just the bits and pieces we like. It might be tough sometimes, but it can help us grow and see things from a bigger perspective.
Minister A Francine Green, April 2026
afrancinegreen.com 