When It Fixes You

Read

2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness"

Think

Have you ever been riding your bike and slowly drifted toward the edge of the sidewalk without even noticing? Then someone calls out, “Watch out, steer back!” and you pull yourself back on track just in time. That little warning did not hurt you. It saved you.

Today we are looking at two of the tools in the Bible’s toolbox that can feel a little uncomfortable but are actually full of love. The verse says the Bible is useful for rebuking and correcting. Those big words just mean the Bible sometimes tells us when we are heading the wrong way and helps us turn back.

Now, nobody loves being told they are doing something wrong. It can sting a little. But think about the bike again. The friend who yelled “steer back” was not being mean. They were helping you not crash. That is what the Bible does when it corrects us.

Here is the bridge to your heart. When you read the Bible and it points out something you need to change, that is not God being grumpy with you. That is God loving you enough to keep you safe. He would rather gently correct you now than let you drift into something that hurts.

This is actually one of the ways you can tell you are really hearing God. Sometimes his words are warm and comforting. And sometimes his words nudge you to say sorry, or to be kinder, or to stop doing something. Both of those come from the same loving God.

So do not be scared when the Bible corrects you. Say thank you instead. It means the God who loves you is steering you back onto the good path, right before you drift too far.

Think of it this way. A grown-up who never corrected a kid, ever, would not really be loving that kid. They would just be letting them wander into danger. God loves you too much for that. When his words nudge you, it is proof of how much he cares.

Apply

Say “thank you” for the nudge – If you read something in the Bible today, or remember a verse, that points out something you should change, do not feel bad. Say, “Thank you, God, for helping me.” Then try to change it.

Pray

God, thank you that you love me enough to steer me back when I start to drift. Help me not be afraid when your words correct me. I know it always comes from your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.