Bible Reading: Psalm 119:130
Have you ever been involved in a conversation that got out of hand? Maybe innocent small talk turned into gossip or the subject changed into a topic that you knew God didn’t want you to be a part of.
What do you do when something like that happens?
Psalm 119:130 say, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” In other words, God’s word, the Bible, helps us to understand what is right and what is wrong. It corrects our mistakes. It teaches how to live now and how to be prepared to live in heaven. God’s word encourages the discouraged and it encourages all who obey it to speak and act in God-pleasing ways. If we know what God’s word teaches, we can use God’s words to help ourselves and others turn our wayward conversations in direction that pleases God.
In order to do this effectively, we need to know what the Bible says on different subjects. We need to take time to study the Bible and know what it really teaches on various topics. Here’s one way to do that:
First, read all of the verses that you can find on the subject you want to study. Compare them to each other. If you run into verses that seem to contradict each other ask yourself which possible meaning comes the closest to God’s message of love and salvation.
Second, don’t read just one verse by itself. Read the entire passage where that verse is found. The context of the verse will help to make clear that verse’s true meaning and prevent misunderstandings and misquotes. Pulling a verse out of context and twisting it to suit your own needs is never wise.
Third, read a good commentary on the subject you are studying. Commentaries help to explain what the Bible says.
Finally, if you still have questions, talk to more mature Christians (people who have been Christians longer that you have).
Above all, pray. Ask God to teach you. Ask God to help you put what you learn into practice and choose your words carefully so that you will be able to redirect wayward conversations in the future.
“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2
Prayer: Heavenly Father, prepare me to be your spokesperson. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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