A message of hope

All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

There have been times when I have used scripture to beat someone over the head - oh, not physically, but metaphorically. I have picked the most inopportune times, used the harshest scripture I could find that applied to the issue, and whammo! Yes, I am guilty of causing a 'scripture hit and run'! I was young, not really aware of how God could intervene without 'all my help', and kind of stubborn myself at times. I have mellowed a lot since then and have even been the 'victim' of a few 'scripture hit and runs' from others. Perhaps those helped me to realize the folly of spewing scripture 'at' someone. Scripture is all powerful, but it is a tool best used in conjunction with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

When the Holy Spirit prepares his Word for a particular situation, it rings true in the heart of the one hearing it. When the heart is ready, the Words might just bring conviction, but they also bring great hope and comfort in response to that conviction. We can use words to 'condemn', but we will never be able to use words to bring 'conviction'. God's plan was always to use his people to help one another walk in the light of his truth, but to do it with grace and understanding. There is no room in his church for 'hit and run' preachers! All scripture is useful - in the hands of the Holy Spirit. Yes, the Holy Spirit can move through us to bring a word to one in need of understanding, but we must be sure it is his leading and not our own.

The difference in timing, delivery, and outcome is made when he is behind the words because he has prepared the heart to receive them. If all scripture did was point out what was wrong in our lives, we'd dread ever discovering the truth within its pages. Scripture might bring conviction, pointing out some area where our lives require some adjustment, but it always shows us a certain aspect of light and life as it does. This is where grace bring hope into our lives. Truth uttered by our lips and empowered by the Holy Spirit will always bring hope - even in the midst of conviction. Just sayin!