Division

 “ 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. ”

Hebrews 4:12 ESV


Gods word is powerful. When wielded by the Holy Spirit, it is 'the sword that makes the wounded whole' in the words of the hymn writer. Interestingly, the writer to the Hebrews emphasises how the Bible divides, rather than makes whole.

I've heard soul and spirit explained as following. Our souls are our personalities and emotions. We all have eternal souls.

Our spirits are our spiritual sides. We are naturally spiritually dead, but we can be made alive in Christ. Even if we feel bad in our souls, we can be secure in our spirits.

God knows our thoughts and intentions. He knows if we take his word seriously or not. He knows whether we have any intention to obey.

'God, may we obey your word. Please help us to think and to intend to honour you with our lives, and forgive us if we don't. In Christ's name, amen'.

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