WATCH: What Did George W. Bush Just Say About Gays?

When George W. Bush was recently asked by a Zambian journalist whether same-sex marriage was compatible with Christian values, the former U.S. president responded by paraphrasing a Bible verse.

"I shouldn't be taking a speck out of someone else's eye when I have a log in my own," Bush replied.

His cryptic answer quickly grabbed headlines around the globe, as it seemed to suggest Bush's views had evolved regarding LGBT civil rights since he endorsed a constitutional amendment banning marriage equality in 2004.

But the former president clarified the meaning behind his remark during a new interview with ABC News.

"I meant it's very important for people not to be overly critical of someone else until you've examined your own heart," Bush told ABC News' Chief White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl.

When Karl asked if his response meant Bush's views on marriage equality had changed, he refused to answer the question. "I just don't want to wade back into the debate," he said. "I'm out of politics. The only way I can really make news is either criticize the president, which I don't want to do, criticize my own party, or weigh in on a controversial issue."