Sometimes God’s word seems difficult to comprehend. It helps if we understand the context. Sometimes it’s the language or translation, and other times it’s the interpreter or messenger; yet still sometimes it’s a matter of a blind, closed or hardened heart. We are all imperfect. God does provide grace, however, to hear and understand clearly. Then it’s a matter of responding.
RELEVANCE
Jesus talked much about God’s commandments. He shared that the secret to understanding was abiding in Him: resting in fellowship with Him, in His love; learning of Him. Then we can discern truth and respond accordingly. God never meant for His word to be difficult or burdensome, but bring grace to walk in a way pleasing to Him and fruitful for us.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (John 15:9-10).
“Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment” (1 John 3:21-23).
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith” (1 John 5:2-4).
What refreshing words! What encouragement! Let the Lord’s words inspire you. The Holy Spirit truly seeks to penetrate our heart and mind and cleanse our conscience so we discern, obey and walk in His truths.
REFLECT AND RELATE
If God’s words ever seem difficult, read them slowly. Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret. It often helps to look up the Hebrew or Greek word. We have many resources available today to help us understand God’s word.
REFERENCES
Matthew 7:7; James 1:5