One time on The Simpsons, Bart says, “Je ne parle pas Français,” which means, “I do not speak French.” That is an example of a paradox. If he can’t speak French, how can he say it in French?

Here’s a definition of the word “paradox“: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

Jesus said, “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:24). That is a paradox. I am currently in the midst of a series of sermons that highlight some paradoxical teachings in the New Testament, especially among the sayings of Jesus. I’m calling the series, “The Paradox of Giving.”

My hope is that even though our attitudes and behaviors may at times appear to make little sense to others, in the eyes of God those thoughts and actions may be exactly the right thing to think and do.