The Four Agreements, Reframed: A Biblical and Christ-Centered Perspective

Ancient wisdom may guide the heart, but only Jesus transforms it. A Christian reframing of Don Miguel Ruiz’s bestselling message through Scripture, the Fruit of the Spirit, and the Beatitudes.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28, NLT

What if the wisdom that helped you survive is not the same truth that will set you free?

I understand what it’s like to search for meaning, to piece together truth from different sources.

Before coming to know Jesus personally, The Four Agreements held an influential place in my life and coaching practice. I respected their clarity, and their appeal was undeniable. They provided many with language for self-responsibility, emotional regulation, and peaceful living.

I considered them so foundational that they became required reading for my clients.

And yet, as I encountered Christ, not merely as a historical figure or ethical teacher, but as the risen, living Son of God, I discovered something that surpassed even the most refined human wisdom. I encountered not just principles for living but a Person who transforms lives.

What I once pursued through performance and mindset, Christ offered freely through grace.

This is not a dismissal of the Four Agreements, but a reframing through the lens of revealed truth. I now see in Scripture something deeper, more alive. The Beatitudes, spoken by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, do not merely instruct, they illuminate. They name the kinds of people God blesses, not based on their striving, but on their surrender. The fruit of the Spirit, likewise, is not the product of human effort, but of a heart yielded to God.

So what follows is not a replacement of wisdom, but a fulfillment of it. Here, ancient ideas are re-examined in the light of eternal truth.

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word

Toltec Wisdom: Speak with integrity. Don’t gossip or use your words against yourself or others.

Biblical Reframing: Speak in Truth and Love, as a Vessel of God’s Word

Scripture teaches that our words carry real power, not to manifest reality, but to echo heaven or reflect the fall. When we walk with Christ, our speech becomes more than sound, it becomes service.

Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) — “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) — “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”

John 17:17 — “Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth.”

Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Fruit of the Spirit Alignment:

• Kindness: Use words to build up, not tear down.

• Goodness: Speak in ways that reflect God's character.

• Self-Control: Guard your tongue, resisting careless or critical speech.

  
  

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally

Toltec Wisdom: Nothing others do is because of you. What they say or do is about them, not you.

Biblical Reframing: Find Your Identity in Christ, Not in Human Approval

Christianity does not require us to be unfeeling or emotionally detached. Rather, it offers a secure identity rooted in the unchanging love of God. Our value is not determined by human approval, but by divine adoption.

Colossians 3:3 (NLT) — “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”

1 Peter 2:23 (NLT) — “He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God…”

Galatians 1:10 (NLT) — “I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.”

Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

Fruit of the Spirit Alignment:

• Peace: Rest in God’s sovereignty, not others’ opinions.

• Gentleness: Respond calmly, not defensively.

• Faithfulness: Remain secure in your God-given worth.

  
  

3. Don’t Make Assumptions

Toltec Wisdom: Communicate clearly. Ask questions. Avoid misunderstandings.

Biblical Reframing: Walk in Humility, Seek Understanding.

Scripture doesn’t just commend clear communication, it calls for relational humility. True love makes room for curiosity, correction, and grace.

Proverbs 18:13 (NLT) — “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.”

James 1:19 (NLT) — “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”

1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT) — “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) — “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”

Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

Fruit of the Spirit Alignment:

• Patience: Take time to listen and understand.

• Love: Believe the best about others.

• Gentleness: Approach communication with care.

  
  

4. Always Do Your Best

Toltec Wisdom: Your best changes from moment to moment; avoid self-judgment.

Biblical Reframing: Work Heartily for the Lord, Not for Perfection

Christianity honors diligence, but not as a measure of worth. Instead, we work from a place of rest, knowing we are loved, not because we are flawless, but because we are His.

Colossians 3:23 (NLT) — “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) — “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

Galatians 6:9 (NLT) — “Let us not grow weary of doing good...”

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

Fruit of the Spirit Alignment:

• Joy: Find satisfaction in serving Christ, not striving.

• Faithfulness: Stay committed, even when it's hard.

• Self-Control: Persevere without overextending or burning out.

  
  

A Loving Invitation

If The Four Agreements have helped you grow, there is grace and goodness in that. Many of us begin with borrowed wisdom before we meet the Author of truth Himself.

And yet, it is also honest to say that relating to Jesus, someone unseen, intangible, and divine, may at first feel foreign. Learning to speak with Him in prayer, to recognize His voice, and to understand His Word can feel unfamiliar.

But Scripture assures us that when we seek Him, we will find Him. Not through force or self-mastery, but through revelation. Through time, humility, and an open heart, the Spirit illuminates. The Word of God is historically sound, prophetically fulfilled, and spiritually alive and reveals a Savior who desires to be known.

Jesus does not require intermediaries or systems. He calls us personally. “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” He said. “No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Intellectually, I understood what those words meant. I could define each one. I even thought I was applying them. When I used to pray, before I was reborn, I would literally say, “Father, I am coming to You through Jesus.” As if saying the phrase itself fulfilled the verse! Looking back, I can smile. I knew the language, but I hadn’t yet grasped the reality. I hadn’t yet experienced the Person those words pointed to.

And Scripture says, “There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

So wherever you are in your story, whether anchored in belief, curious, or even skeptical, you are seen and respected. And you are warmly invited to consider:

What if you revisited what you already believe through the eyes of Christ?

What if you explored Scripture not as a religious book, but as a living conversation?

What if the peace you’ve pursued was pointing you toward a Person, not just a practice?

You are invited. Not into pressure or performance, but into a relationship.

Not to carry more, but to lay your burdens down.Not just to change your life, but to be changed by Life Himself.

His name is Jesus. And He is not just a guide. He is the Way.

If you're exploring spiritual things or unsure what to believe, and are wondering if Jesus could really be more than a name, you're not alone and you are welcome here.

If something in this reflection stirred a question or a longing, I’d be honored to walk with you. You're welcome to reach out, share your story, or simply ask, "What now?" I’ll listen. I’ll pray if you'd like. And I’ll point you to the One who changed everything for me.

Because He’s not just a belief. He’s real. And He knows your name.