Share with Care

Verse of the day: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

As children, how often were we warned not to run holding sharp objects, such as scissors? The reason being, that we could cause serious injury to ourselves or someone else. Sharp objects can be both useful, and dangerous. A knife, for example, can be useful to cut things open in order to get something we need. We can build/carve things using sharp cutting tools. A scalpel can be used, by a medical professional, to help treat and heal someone. However, sharp objects can also be used to injure or take a life. The Word of God is no different. It is the Christian Mirror. It shows us who we are, how we think, and what needs to be changed. It is the one place we can turn to, as God’s children, to take an honest look at who we really are. It is alive, and transcends time. It is powerful, and will change our life, when we apply it, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It reveals our deepest thoughts, and exposes our deepest and darkest secrets, rendering us completely naked before God (v.13). It knows what we are thinking and what our intentions are, even before they are manifested in our words and deeds. Just as the Word of God knows us, and exposes us, so readily, so Jesus, the Word (John 1;1), does the same thing in our lives. He knows us like no one else does, and when we have a close, intimate, relationship with Him, He shows us who we are, and exposes who we are, so that we can give it over to Him, and be transformed (John 3:21; Rom 8:29). With that said, we must be careful to not only be consistently, and prayerfully, in the Word (reading and studying it), but we must also be careful about how we use it. There is a reason why God tells us to “speak the truth in love” (Eph 4:14-16). Just like a sharp instrument can be used to treat and heal sickness or injure and kill, so it is with the Word of God. By the Word, we truly learn who our God is, so that we can grow closer to Him, and share that truth with others (1 Peter 3:15). We can use the Word to lead others to Christ (Matt 28:19-20), as well as disciple our brothers and sisters (2 Tim 2:2). The Word is a place where we can find comfort, and use it to comfort, and encourage, others (1 Thess 4:18; 5:11). However, the Word of God used to bash others who do not believe as we do or berate those that have stumbled will discourage, and even destroy, another person’s relationship with God; and could repel an unbeliever from, rather than draw them to, Jesus Christ. The Word, taken out of context can cause great damage to those who have a true desire to learn correct theology; and could lead them down an erroneous path, as they genuinely try to walk with the Lord. Needless to say, the false teacher will pay a great price in giving an answer to God for misleading others. The Word of God is very clear that our wrath, especially in communicating God’s Word, does nothing to produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20). Therefore, let us be careful about how we are using God’s Word. It can either be a Sharp Sword used to lead others to Jesus, and allow them to find the healing they need or we can wield it wildly, and angrily, causing damage that could have condemning, eternal, consequences for both the person communicating it (loss of reward), and the person receiving it (turning away from God). The hardest truth to accept for any one of us, is the truth that exposes who we really are; and that is exactly what God’s Word does for us, and for those we share it with. Remember, that our ultimate goal in sharing God’s Word with others is not to prove how righteous we are, but to glorify God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Bible tells us that God so loved the world, that He gave His Son for us, so that none will perish, but have eternal life. Call upon Him today, and experience the eternal love that God the Father offers through Jesus Christ (Rom 6:23; 10:13).