Let’s be honest.
Sometimes, we’re quick to repeat phrases we’ve heard in Christian circles without ever stopping to check if they align with what God actually says in His Word.
It’s like passing on a family recipe without realizing someone added sugar instead of salt a few generations ago.
These phrases might sound nice, comforting, or even wise, but if they’re not biblical, they can mislead, discourage, and even distort our view of God.
So today, we’re going to shine a light on five common sayings that God never actually said—but many Christians keep repeating.
1. “God helps those who help themselves.”
Oh, how this one gets thrown around! It sounds empowering, doesn’t it?
Like a call to personal responsibility.
But here’s the thing: it’s not in the Bible.
Not even close.
In fact, the message of Scripture is often the exact opposite.
God’s heart is for those who recognize they can’t help themselves.
Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Not a word about earning that help.
Take the message of the Bible itself. Salvation isn’t something we earn through effort; it’s a gift we receive through grace.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Does this mean we sit back and do nothing?
Of course not.
Faith without works is dead (James 2:26), but those works flow from faith, not self-reliance.
God’s help isn’t a reward for our effort; it’s a lifeline for our surrender.
2. “Follow your heart.”
Cue the Disney soundtrack, right?
This one has become so ingrained in culture that it sneaks into Christian conversations like an uninvited guest.
But Scripture paints a very different picture of the human heart.
Jeremiah 17:9 warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?”
Following your heart without discernment can lead you straight into trouble.
Instead of blindly trusting our emotions or desires, the Bible calls us to follow God’s Word.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Our hearts need to be transformed and aligned with God’s will before they can be trusted.
And even then, we should test our motives and desires against Scripture.
When you’re faced with a decision, don’t just follow your heart.
Follow Jesus (Yahshua).
Pray for wisdom.
Seek godly counsel.
And trust the One who knows the beginning from the end.
3. “Just be a good person.”
This one sounds noble, doesn’t it?
After all, being good is… good.
But the Bible never says that being a good person is enough to make us right with God.
In fact, Isaiah 64:6 reminds us, “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags.” No amount of good deeds can erase the stain of sin. That’s why we need a Savior.
The gospel isn’t about being good; it’s about being made new. Jesus didn’t die on the cross to make bad people good; He died to make dead people alive.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Of course, being good is a fruit of faith.
But it’s not the root.
Salvation comes by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
So while goodness matters, it’s not the whole story.
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4. “God just wants me to be happy.”
Happiness is a good thing, right?
Absolutely.
But let’s not confuse fleeting happiness with the eternal joy that God offers.
The problem with this phrase is that it reduces God’s will to our comfort and desires.
Nowhere in Scripture does God say His ultimate goal is our happiness.
What He desires is our holiness.
1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”
Here’s the thing: holiness leads to true joy.
When we align our lives with God’s purposes, we experience a deeper, more lasting happiness than anything the world can offer.
It’s not about chasing what makes us feel good in the moment; it’s about walking in the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).
Sometimes, following God means sacrificing temporary happiness for eternal reward. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
5. “Everything happens for a reason.”
This one feels comforting, especially in the face of tragedy.
But we need to be careful with how we frame it.
While it’s true that God is sovereign and works all things for good (Romans 8:28), that doesn’t mean everything that happens is directly caused by Him.
We live in a fallen world where sin, suffering, and evil exist.
Some things happen because of human choices or the brokenness of creation.
God doesn’t cause evil, but He can redeem it.
He can bring beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3) and turn mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11).
When we say, “Everything happens for a reason,” we risk oversimplifying complex situations and minimizing people’s pain.
Instead, let’s remind each other of God’s faithfulness.
Let’s point to His promise to be near the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and His ability to bring good out of even the darkest circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Words matter.
What we say about God shapes how we and others see Him.
So let’s be diligent in seeking the truth and speaking it in love.
Let’s replace these popular but unbiblical sayings with the life-giving words of Scripture.
Remember, friend, God’s Word is enough.
It’s enough to comfort, guide, and transform.
So the next time you’re tempted to repeat a catchy phrase, take a moment to ask, “Did God really say that?”
If the answer is no, let it go. And instead, speak the truth that sets us free (John 8:32).
Call to action
Do you want to learn more about the Bible, live a more blessed life, and develop a stronger relationship with God? If yes, I strongly encourage you to download our FREE Bible study guide, “How to Live a Victorious Life.“
