Everyone in this parable hears the Word. The difference comes in what happens next.

The first one doesn’t understand what they’ve heard. (This is where good, biblically sound teaching and preaching comes into play.)

The second one doesn’t accept it for themselves. (This is where we need to be praying and studying for ourselves so that we can hear God speak to us.)

The third one doesn’t cling to it when faced with the temptations and trials of the world. (This is where a community is helpful. We can encourage one another, hold one another accountable and be a source of support.)

The fourth understands it, accepts it and clings to it.

You are loved. <3