Simply Angie
We often think of the Bible as a weapon—and rightly so. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:17 to take up “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” It’s the one offensive weapon in the armor of God. We are called to wield it with courage—to speak truth, confront lies, and stand firm against the enemy. But there’s another image Scripture gives us—less flashy, perhaps, but just as essential. Before the Word is a sword in our hand, it must be a mirror to our heart. James 1:23–24 says: God’s Word shows us ourselves—our motives, our inconsistencies, our sin, our need for grace. It doesn’t flatter; it reveals. It doesn’t just point out what’s wrong in the world—it points out what’s wrong in us. And that’s why I love this quote: There’s a temptation to wield Scripture like a sword against others while bypassing its personal work in our own lives. We can get so focused on what they need to repent of, believe, or change, that we miss what we need to confess, surrender, or realign. But when the Word does its mirror-work in us first, something beautiful happens. We approach others with humility instead of pride. We speak truth with compassion, not condemnation. We remember that we, too, are in need of mercy every day. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us: It discerns us. Not just our actions, but our intentions. Not just our surface sins, but our deep-rooted attitudes. I’m not suggesting that we don’t use the weapon God gave us for its intended purpose. I just want to remind each of us that before we raise the sword of Scripture to battle against the darkness surrounding us, let’s first sit quietly with it as a mirror. Let it search us. Let it change us. Let it soften us. Only then—when our own hearts have been humbled and realigned—will we be fit to speak that same Word with grace, wisdom, and power. Reflection Questions:
I hope these meditations have been as challenging and encouraging to you as they have been to me. Blessings, Talk to you again soon. Can’t wait?
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Friday, May 23, 2025
Mirror and Sword
