I was raised in a very religious household. I would go to Church every week, whether it was with my mom, grandma, or other family members. I have vivid memories of going to Bible class as a child and hearing the Priest's sermons. Later, I went to a Catholic middle- and high school. I am even Confirmed in the Catholic faith.

You could say I'm pretty tight with my faith. And for good reason. It has helped me through some of my darkest times, including many terrible years of struggling with depression.

More likely than not, you have seen plenty of articles about faith and people throwing scripture around. If you've been to the Santa Monica Pier, you've probably seen those guys carrying their signs and their bullhorns shouting at you to repent. I don't know what their faith it, but I do know that if they've read the New Testament, they're doing a mighty fine job of ignoring it.

The most overlooked message in the New Testament is to not shove your religion down other people's throats.

Yeah, that's right. The Bible, and Jesus himself, clearly states that while you should have pride in your faith, you shouldn't be going before others and openly calling yourself great because you have faith. If you do that, you don't really love God. Rather, you love the praise that comes from others as they see you "give" yourself to the Lord.

Do you think I'm kidding? Let me point you towards Matthew 6:1-15, aka my favorite Bible passages.

Within these fifteen verses, you have 1. the proper way to give alms (so donations basically) and 2. the proper way to pray (including the Lord's Prayer!).

I think it's real convenient that everyone always forgets, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." It's literally right after the Lord's Prayer.

Also, "And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. " Do you know what this means? Those Facebook posts that basically say if you don't repost this, you don't love Jesus are literally the opposite of what Jesus himself asked people to do.

Conveniently, the guidelines for praying, giving alms, and even fasting are all the same: don't tell others. Do so privately within the confines of your own home and stop bragging.

I suggest y'all start listening. Or ya know, at least actually read the Bible so you know what it's about.

Spoiler Alert: it's not about nit-picking Bible verses to justify your cruel, not-faith-related beliefs.