Cutting Words

In our normal vernacular, cutting words are ones used to wound or offend.  These words have an angry tone and are like darts tossed at one's heart. Sometimes they are used to make another the butt of  a joke, other times they are direct and completely unfiltered. Never are they welcomed or intended for the benefit of the one to whom they are directed. 

There is, however, another kind of cutting word - a word that can cut very deep but is not intended to hurt but to heal. This Word comes from God and is found in Scripture: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Heb 4:12).

The words of the Lord do indeed cut deep and judge in the hidden places of our heart and mind, but they are not intended to defeat us or condemn us, they are meant to heal like the scalpel of a surgeon cutting away tumors of the soul. Jesus' words, rather than put down, give us a place to stand: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matt 7:24).

Nevertheless, just like many avoid seeing a doctor for fear he will give them bad news, many choose not to read the Bible with a listening heart and many choose not to read it at all for fear it will reveal something wrong in them. Sadly, avoiding a doctor doesn't change the diagnosis, it just keeps it hidden. Avoiding God's Word doesn't change what is wrong in your heart, it just allows you to deny it or be unaware of it's deadly nature.  

Daily study of God's Word will uncover things about you that need to change, things that are unacceptable, things that are ungodly. But that is the benefit of such study - the opportunity to discover and turn over to the Father those things that mar your spirit. Jus' Sayn.