I ran across this while doing some thinking today, and thought everyone needs to do their devotions using the y’all version of the Bible. http://yallversion.com/
Seriously. You should take your devotional verses and run it through the y’all version. No, its not because I grew up in Texas. But because I grew up in Texas I know the word “y’all” is plural for the pronoun “you.” So to Tiff, I can say, “can you turn the TV volume down,” but to a group of kids playing, I would say, “could y’all be quiet!”
So, the y’all version takes your favorite Bible passages and shows you how we often miss how communal Christianity is. The Bible is full of command to y’all people, not just you individuals. For example look at Ephesians 4:25-29
25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of y’all with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on y’all’s anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity. 28 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with the who has need. 29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from y’all’s mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom y’all were sealed for the day of redemption.31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from y’all, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven y’all.
The Bible is speaking to Christians as a collective group, not each one individually!
OK, if you don’t think y’all is appropriate because to it is too colloquial for the Bible, then you should read the old King James Version. Everywhere you see the words “thee”, “thine”, and “thou” know that it NOT because these are divine pronouns, rather “thee”, “thine” and “thou” are singular pronouns. When the KJV uses the words “ye”, “you” and “your” it is using a plural pronoun.
Yes, the Bible in its original languages make a distinction between singular and plural forms of you. Unfortunately English doesn’t. I guess if y’all version bothers you and KVJ is too difficult to read, you can read it in Chinese too, and see how often 你们 shows up rather than simply 你.
Y’all have a good day, and remember we are not to live the Christian faith as long rangers.