GodsWord #BibleTruth #Scripture #FaithJourney #ChristianLiving #BibleStudy #WisdomFromGod #TruthInLove #JesusOurTeacher #DailyDevotional

I:A missing “1” turned a wedding blessing into a shock! But it reminds us that context matters. God’s Word isn’t magic words—it’s living truth meant to guide, correct, and heal when read with care and humility. 📖❤️

X:A small mistake turned a wedding verse into quite a surprise! It’s a good reminder—context matters. God’s Word is powerful and alive, not to be used carelessly but understood with humility and applied with love.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.

(2 Timothy 3:16 NIV).

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV)

A humorous story tells of a friend of a bride and groom who wasn’t able to attend their wedding.  Wanting to express his love and congratulations, he sent a card with a Scripture reference intended to bless the couple — 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” (NIV)

Unfortunately, the “1” was accidentally left off. So when the best man stood to read the card aloud at the reception, he confidently turned to John 4:18 instead, and read. “The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.” (NIV)

That story serves as a reminder that context matters, especially when it comes to Scripture. Even the right words, when used in the wrong way, can lose their power or cause unintended harm. The Bible is not a collection of magic phrases to be pulled out for convenience; it is the living Word of God, meant to be read, understood, and applied with care.

Satan himself quoted Scripture when tempting Jesus in the wilderness (See Matthew 4:1–11). He knew the words, but he twisted their meaning to suit his purposes. Jesus, grounded in truth and context, responded with the Word rightly understood. His example shows us that knowing Scripture is not enough; we must also understand it.

Paul reminds us that, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16, NIV) When handled properly, the Bible becomes our greatest tool for growth, wisdom, and discernment. It brings healing, guidance, and strength. But when taken out of context, Scripture can mislead, confuse, or be used to justify error.

God’s Word is powerful and beautiful, but it must be handled with humility and care.

May you take time today to listen as God speaks through his Word — to read not just with your eyes, but with your heart as you seek true understanding.

Prayer: Father, thank you for giving us your Word as a source of truth and life. Teach us to read it carefully, to speak it wisely, and to live it faithfully. Help us use Scripture not to win arguments, but to bring your love and light into every situation.  In Jesus, name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day