Nevertheless

10 January 2010

Nevertheless

Here's a word I've grown to really like - "nevertheless". It has several synonyms, such as nonetheless, however, "even so", notwithstanding, yet, and "all the same".

These words allow us to express contrasting perspectives, thoughts, and ideas within the same sentence - well, at least within the same paragraph.

In a discussion with another person, these words allow us to concede a point, yet gently disagree, more gently than using "But!"

However, the word "but" has its place, when the second thought is expressed to override or cancel out the first.


The Bible uses these words extensively.

Here are two of my favorite sections where "Nevertheless" is used:  


Philippians 1:21-25  
21 For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,


Philippians 4:13,14
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

Here are two of my favorite sections where "But God" is used:

Ephesians 2:1-6  
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.  
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,


Romans 5:6-8
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

All scripture quoted is from the New King James Version, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Larry Carroll