The Living Word

In a moment of exasperation, I cried out to God for wisdom in raising my children. I asked for a verse, and He brought me to Ephesians 6:4, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” and Colossians 3:21, “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” Not too long ago, I read John Piper’s sermon article on Colossians 3:21 and his article on Ephesians 6:4. I nodded at the wisdom and was reminded not to provoke them to the extent of them becoming an angry and discouraged person.

But I wasn’t satisfied. I wanted more specific instructions for my parenting. I put that thought aside and continued my daily Bible reading. 1 Peter 2:23 jumped out at me as a Rhema word for what I should do when I discipline my children. This was not the usual verse for parenting advice, but it spoke much.

who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return;
when He suffered, He did not threaten,
but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

1 Peter 2:23 (NKJV)

According to Google Dictionary, revile is defined as “criticise in an abusive or angrily insulting manner.” My first thought was, “Is this verse for my daughter? Not to be reviled when I revile her?” My husband had the same initial thought as well when I shared this Rhema with him. I knew I had some self-reflection to do over my words I used towards my children. I started this post with the thought of writing about the power of our words – good or bad. But as I wrote, this post became about the power of God’s words.

This was how 1 Peter 2:23 spoke to me about parenting: “I was triggered by my children, but I should not revile in return. I suffered as a parent (for example, lack of sleep or me time), but I should not threaten my children just because my emotional state is not balanced or healthy. And when I commit myself to God instead of reacting the moment I am triggered, it allows me to pause first.”

Advice for parenting and even anger management often involves pausing first to regulate emotions before responding too. This reduces impulsive reactions but responses that are measured, helpful and thoughtful. This advice can be applied to any other relationships, such as parents, siblings, friends, bosses, and subordinates.

Having a Rhema shows how the Word of God is dynamic and indeed living. Thus, this ancient text is still relevant in the age of AI. Interestingly, I felt a need to update the About page recently, and was led to an old post I wrote about God’s word: “Your Word in Psalm 119“. I re-read a few of the verses that gave reasons ‘Why we should read the Word’. 

Sometimes we go for retreats and savour on the Word like it’s delicious food and feel deeply satisfied. Most times we chew (meditate) the Word like our daily bread, our daily Manna to sustain us through the day or thrive in it.

Your words were found, and I ate them,
And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;
For I am called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts.

Jeremiah 15:16 (NKJV)

Have you been reading His Word? Whether it is for your relationships, business, parenting, studies, work, or finances, I believe God has pearls of wisdom hidden in His Word for you. And even if it’s just for the strength and grace to go through the day, the living Word of God gives life.

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. 

John 6:35 (NKJV)

P.S. I like to add, having a Rhema word doesn’t mean we don’t read the Bible verses in context. Context gives a fuller and richer meaning to the verses and thus enhances the essence of Rhema.

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