1 Thessalonians 5:11
King James Version (KJV)
"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."
Without a doubt we are to encourage one another, as well as pray for one another. But not only that, we are also to "esteem others more highly than ourselves." ~Philippians 2:3.
As Christians, we often try to encourage one another with Scripture.
And why wouldn't we? It's the Word of God! In Scripture we find comfort and wisdom; answers and counsel; life and love.
But at the same time we should be careful at the impact of our intended target when carelessly throwing verses around...
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
That's a powerful verse, just in itself! Obviously this verse is talking about the impact the Word of God will have on our lives when we seek it -reading and studying it for ourselves; or even as we hear it from others.
But within this verse, I believe we are also able to understand that as effective as the Word of God can be when used in love, when used for the wrong reason - or with an inappropriate heart attitude - it can be hurtful and detrimental.
Sometimes Christians use God's Word in pride - a way to show off what we know. Sometimes we might use it to promote a personal agenda, or as a means to force our own beliefs on someone. It is easy to recognize when someone shares with the wrong heart attitude. That attitude becomes the focus, instead, and one may not ever hear the intended message of the passage. Something else has gotten in the way.
But it's also just as easy to recognize and far more effective when Scripture is shared out of love, with an intent that is pure. That is when it builds up and comforts. It offers counsel, but at the same time brings unity. It's two hearts sharing the same thing. It's a moment of understanding among family. It's like a warm blanket on a cold day. It's an "Amen"! Thank you, Jesus! And that's exactly where the focus should be.
Ephesians 4:29
Hebrews 10:24 - 25
King James Version (KJV)
"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."
Without a doubt we are to encourage one another, as well as pray for one another. But not only that, we are also to "esteem others more highly than ourselves." ~Philippians 2:3.
As Christians, we often try to encourage one another with Scripture.
And why wouldn't we? It's the Word of God! In Scripture we find comfort and wisdom; answers and counsel; life and love.
But at the same time we should be careful at the impact of our intended target when carelessly throwing verses around...
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
That's a powerful verse, just in itself! Obviously this verse is talking about the impact the Word of God will have on our lives when we seek it -reading and studying it for ourselves; or even as we hear it from others.
But within this verse, I believe we are also able to understand that as effective as the Word of God can be when used in love, when used for the wrong reason - or with an inappropriate heart attitude - it can be hurtful and detrimental.
Sometimes Christians use God's Word in pride - a way to show off what we know. Sometimes we might use it to promote a personal agenda, or as a means to force our own beliefs on someone. It is easy to recognize when someone shares with the wrong heart attitude. That attitude becomes the focus, instead, and one may not ever hear the intended message of the passage. Something else has gotten in the way.
But it's also just as easy to recognize and far more effective when Scripture is shared out of love, with an intent that is pure. That is when it builds up and comforts. It offers counsel, but at the same time brings unity. It's two hearts sharing the same thing. It's a moment of understanding among family. It's like a warm blanket on a cold day. It's an "Amen"! Thank you, Jesus! And that's exactly where the focus should be.
Ephesians 4:29
Hebrews 10:24 - 25
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