Slapping on a Bible Verse

Slapping on a Bible verse.

Don't you just love it when a popular phrase makes its way into the Christian lexicon like it was a gospel word? The phrase that came to mind was one I've heard spoken time and time again by friends who I know read the Word of God. It's passed on like a piece of godly advice that apparently we should all take to heart. It's almost an admonishment. The phrase? "stop slapping a Bible verse on someone's pain when they come to you with an problem."

When said like this the implication is that we will somehow have a more fitting response to someone's dilemma than the Word of God would have.

And that's a dangerous lie from the enemy to be believing.

Because, if I were your enemy, I would make you think that the Word of God has lost its power and that the following verses from Isaiah weren't true:

Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV [1] The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; [2] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; [3] to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

Friends, we have a calling and a responsibility to bring the Good News to those who are hurting. We won't have a better response than God's Word. We just won't.

Stop, drop and think about who that popularized phrase benefits? Who wouldn't want you to share the Word of God or a hymn to someone hurting?What is that type of thinking trying to promote?

Satan and his ways or God and His ways?

Satan and his will or God and His will?

Satan and his wisdom or God and His wisdom?

When Jesus answered someone in pain He generally didn't use some catchy phrase that didn't come directly from the Father or some insight that was common to man but not endorsed by God?! If you read Jesus's words then you know how many times He directly quoted scripture when teaching and healing.

He quoted scripture on the cross to those who had ears to hear.

Why would we think anything other than scripture or a hymn or a song would help a fellow believer in need?

Ephesians 5:19-21 ESV says: [19] addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, [20] giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, [21] submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Yes we most certainly should listen first to what someone in pain is courageous enough to share. Yes we should ask questions like Jesus did to ascertain what people really want. Yes we must use Holy Spirit discernment and speak what He says when He says to. But ABSOLUTELY apply some Spirit inspired scripture, a psalm or a hymn on someone's pain. What other medicine is there? Name another "well meaning" balm and I'm gonna tell you it comes from the enemy. Periodt.

Don't forget saints: the enemy's constant pursuit is for you to separate from the Source. And He knows that will happen if we stop using the sword God gave us to wield which is the Word. The enemy wants us unprotected and to seem wise in our own eyes.

Don't fall for it!

As Christians, we fight with the Word. We heal through the Word. We glorify God through the Word. So, keep listening to scripture, reading scripture, studying scripture, meditating on scripture, memorizing scripture and then APPLYING scripture so Holy Spirit can use you to truly help a believer who may be in so much pain that they cannot grasp scripture for themselves. Send them some Spirit filled songs that can minister to them when they can't find it within themselves to worship. Pray with them or send them a voice-mail or text prayer to interceed for them when they can't find the words to pray for themselves. Point them back to the Source for their strength in Jesus's mighty name in EVERY situation.

Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV says: " [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. [6] In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. [7] Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. [8] It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."

So, get to applying the Word in a Spirit directed way and let it do what it does which, as the writer of Hebrews 4:12 ESV says:

[12] For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

The Word will discern and will provide the heart healing God wants done.

Nothing else can substitute.

Here are just a few verses we can memorize and apply. I pray that they bless you:

1 John 4:4 ESV [4] Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Psalm 34:18 ESV [18] The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV [11] For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Philippians 4:6-8 ESV [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Feel free to leave in the comments some of your favorite healing verses, songs or psalms.