“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Rom. 14:12 ESV)

We are accountable to God

The Bible makes it clear that every person will someday give an account of his or her life to God. We may answer to parents, employers, government authorities, church leaders, and others during our lifetime, but our ultimate accountability is to God.

Knowing this should affect how we live every day. Our decisions should not simply be based on what others might think or whether anyone will notice. The important question is: What does God think?

Nothing is hidden from God

“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Heb. 4:13 ESV)

We may be able to hide things from other people, but nothing is hidden from God. He sees our actions, knows our motives, and understands the thoughts and intentions of our hearts.

This truth should not only produce reverence for God; it should encourage us to live with integrity. Integrity means being the same person when nobody is watching that we are when everyone is watching.

God is always watching.

We will give an account for our words

Jesus even warned us about the words we speak.

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt. 12:36–37 ESV)

Words matter to God. What we say can encourage, comfort, strengthen, and build others up—or it can wound, discourage, deceive, and destroy.

Before speaking, it is wise to remember that God hears every word. Ask yourself: Is what I am about to say true? Is it necessary? Is it helpful? Does it honor God?

Live to please God

It is easy to become overly concerned about what other people think. We can spend enormous amounts of energy trying to impress others, gain their approval, or avoid their criticism.

But when we understand that our ultimate accountability is to God, our priorities change. Instead of asking, “Will people approve of me?” we begin asking, “Will this please God?”

Living with accountability to God helps us make better choices even when nobody else knows what we are doing.

Therefore

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Cor. 5:10 NIV)

Live each day remembering that your life belongs to God. Let that truth guide your thoughts, words, decisions, relationships, and actions. You do not need to live for the applause of people or be controlled by their criticism. Live faithfully before the One to whom you will ultimately give an account.

Quote

“Although we have responsibilities to others, we are primarily accountable to God. It is before him that we stand, and to him that one day we must give an account. We should not therefore rate human opinion too highly, becoming depressed when criticized and elated when flattered.” — John Stott

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13–14 ESV)

Some things need to be left behind

There are many things the Bible tells us to remember—God’s goodness, His Word, His promises, and what He has done for us. But there are also things we need to forget.

Paul understood this. His past included things he deeply regretted. Before becoming a follower of Christ, he persecuted Christians and even approved of their imprisonment and death. Yet Paul did not allow his past to keep him from moving forward. He said, “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal.”

We cannot change yesterday, but by God’s grace, yesterday does not have to control today.

Forget the sins of others

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32 ESV)

When someone hurts you, forgiveness does not mean pretending it never happened. It means refusing to keep holding the offense against that person. If God has forgiven us so completely, we should extend forgiveness to others.

“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” (Heb. 8:12 ESV)

God does not continually bring our forgiven sins back before us. We should be careful not to continually bring up the forgiven sins of others either.

Forget your old ways of sin

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.” (Isa. 43:18 ESV)

When God saves you, He gives you a new life. Your past may be part of your story, but it no longer has to define who you are.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 ESV)

If God has removed your sins that far away, why keep dragging them back?

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Cor. 5:17 ESV)

You are not called to spend your life looking backward. God has new things ahead.

“Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” (Luke 9:62 ESV)

Stop living under yesterday’s condemnation

Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself. You may know that God has forgiven you, yet continue replaying old failures, mistakes, and sins in your mind.

When those thoughts return, remind yourself of what God says rather than what your feelings say. Confess what needs to be confessed, learn what needs to be learned, make things right where possible—and then move forward.

Do not allow something God has forgiven to become a prison you continue living in.

Therefore

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1 ESV)

God does not want you chained to yesterday. Leave behind the sins that have been forgiven, the failures that cannot be changed, and the offenses you have chosen to forgive. Then, like Paul, strain forward to what lies ahead.

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” (Isa. 43:25 ESV)

Quotes:

“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” — Johnny Cash

“We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it.” — Rick Warren

The Bible has a great deal to say about remembering. God knows how easily we can become distracted by today’s problems and forget what He has done for us in the past. That is why Scripture repeatedly tells us to remember.

We should remember God’s faithfulness, His Word, His blessings, and the people He has placed in our lives. Remembering what God has done strengthens our faith for what we are facing today. It also reminds us to pray for others, help those in need, and remain thankful.

Remember Others and Thank God for Them

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,” (Phil. 1:3 ESV)

There are people God has placed in your life who have encouraged, helped, taught, prayed for, or stood beside you. Don’t forget them. Remember them with gratitude and thank God for them.

Remember Prisoners and Those Who Are Ill-Treated

“Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.” (Heb. 13:3)

It is easy to become so occupied with our own lives that we forget those who are suffering. God tells us to remember them, pray for them, and care about what they are going through.

Remember Your Creator in the Days of Your Youth

“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them…’” (Eccles. 12:1 ESV)

Don’t wait until later in life to seek God. Remember Him now. Walk with Him through every season of your life.

Remember the Words of the Lord Jesus

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 ESV)

It isn’t enough simply to know what Jesus said. We must remember His words and put them into practice.

Remember Your Christian Leaders

“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” (Heb. 13:7)

Think about the faithful people God has used to teach and encourage you. Remember their example and imitate their faith.

Remember the Poor

“They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.” (Gal. 2:10)

God does not want us to become so focused on ourselves that we overlook people in need. Remembering should lead to action whenever God gives us an opportunity to help.

Remember Jesus Through Communion

“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” (Luke 22:19 ESV)

“In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’” (1 Cor. 11:25 ESV)

Of everything we are called to remember, nothing is more important than Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. Communion reminds us of His body given for us and His blood shed for us. We remember His sacrifice, His forgiveness, His grace, and the salvation we have received through Him.

Therefore

“And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you…” (Deut. 8:2 ESV)

Take some time to look back over your life. Remember the times God protected you, provided for you, answered your prayers, carried you through difficulties, opened doors, closed others, and faithfully directed your steps.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” (Psalm 77:11 ESV)

“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.” (Psalm 143:5 ESV)

Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past will help you trust Him with your present and your future.

And when you need help remembering what God has taught you, you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is there to help.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)

Remember what God has done. Remember what He has said. Remember the people He has placed in your life. And above all, remember Jesus.

Quotes

“Put your mind on the gospel. And remember—there’s one God for all.” — Mahalia Jackson

“Receiving, reading, researching, remembering, and reflecting on the Word of God are all useless if we fail to put what we learn into practice.” — Rick Warren

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

The Problem: Sin Entered Through Adam

The Bible teaches that sin did not begin with us individually—it entered the human race through Adam.

“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” (Rom. 5:12)

Because of Adam’s disobedience in the garden (Gen. 3:3), all humanity inherited a fallen nature. This means every person is born with a sin nature that cannot be fixed by human effort.

No matter how hard we try, we all fall short of God’s perfect standard.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23a)

Sin brings a serious consequence:

“For the wages of sin is death…” (Rom. 6:23a)

The Solution: God’s Free Gift in Christ

But God did not leave humanity without hope. He provided a gift we could never earn.

“…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23b)

Jesus came to deal with what we could not fix. He came to take our place and pay our debt.

Jesus Died Voluntarily for You

Jesus’ death was not an accident or a tragedy beyond His control. It was a willing, purposeful sacrifice.

“The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” (John 10:17-18 NLT)

Jesus willingly gave Himself for us, fully obedient to the Father’s plan.

“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” (Heb. 9:14 ESV)

There is no other way to be saved.

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
(Acts 4:12 ESV)

God’s Love Displayed at the Cross

The cross is the clearest picture of God’s love for humanity.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)

God did not wait for us to become worthy. He acted while we were still sinners.

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8 ESV)

Salvation is not something we earn—it is something we receive.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
(Eph. 2:8-9 ESV)

The Result: A New Life in Christ

When we believe in Jesus, our identity changes. We are no longer defined by sin, but by Christ’s finished work.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
(Gal. 2:20 ESV)

Jesus took our sin so that we could receive His righteousness.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
(2 Cor. 5:21 ESV)

Therefore

The cross calls for a response. Not just admiration—but surrender.

Jesus did not die only to forgive you, but to transform you.

Quote

“The purpose of the Bible is simply to proclaim God’s plan to save His children. It asserts that man is lost and needs to be saved. And it communicates the message that Jesus is the God in the flesh sent to save His children.” — Max Lucado

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”
(Eph. 4:31 ESV)

In Your Anger, Do Not Sin

Everyone becomes angry now and then, and anger itself is not always sinful. Jesus demonstrated righteous anger when He confronted what was happening in the temple. The important issue is what we do with our anger.

Anger should never be allowed to take control or remain in our hearts until it grows into something worse. Unresolved anger can develop into resentment and bitterness and eventually affect our words, relationships, and behavior.

The Bible gives us this important instruction:

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
(Eph. 4:26 ESV)

The passage at the top warns us about six things that must be put away: bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice. Understanding what these words mean helps us recognize why they can become so destructive.

Bitterness: Deep resentment that remains in the heart, often resulting from hurt, disappointment, or an unwillingness to forgive.

Wrath: Strong, fierce, or vengeful anger.

Anger: A strong feeling of displeasure, often arising from something we believe is wrong or unjust.

Clamor: Loud, forceful, or hostile expressions of anger, protest, or discontent.

Slander: False and malicious statements that damage another person’s reputation.

Malice: The desire to harm someone or see that person suffer; extreme ill will or spite.

Watch Out! Bitterness Can Make You Captive to Sin

“For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” (Acts 8:23 NIV)

Bitterness can begin with a genuine hurt. Someone may have treated you unfairly, betrayed your trust, spoken against you, or caused you great pain. But even when the hurt is real, allowing bitterness to remain gives that hurt continuing power over your life.

God wants you free from it.

Don’t Allow a Root of Bitterness to Spring Up

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.”
(Heb. 12:14-15 ESV)

A root usually begins beneath the surface where nobody can see it. Bitterness can work the same way. It may remain hidden in the heart for a long time before eventually showing itself through angry words, resentment, criticism, hostility, or unforgiveness.

That is why God tells us to deal with bitterness before it takes root.

Don’t Jump to Anger

“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.” (Eccles. 7:9 ESV)

When something makes you angry, resist the temptation to react immediately. Words spoken in anger can cause wounds that are difficult to repair. Give yourself time to pray, think, and allow God to guide your response.

Be Quick to Listen and Slow to Anger

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
(James 1:19-20 ESV)

Notice the order: quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

When anger begins to rise, ask God to help you listen before speaking and pray before reacting. You may have every reason to be upset, but uncontrolled anger will not accomplish God’s righteous purposes.

You do not have to allow anger to turn into bitterness, wrath, clamor, slander, or malice. With God’s help, you can forgive, release the offense, and choose a different response.

Therefore

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
(Eph. 4:32 ESV)

When anger or bitterness begins to take hold, bring it immediately to God. Ask Him to help you forgive the person who hurt you and remove resentment from your heart. Choose kindness instead of retaliation, tenderness instead of hardness, and forgiveness instead of bitterness.

Don’t give anger time to grow roots.

Quotes

“Do not say, ‘I cannot help having a bad temper.’ Friend, you must help it. Pray to God to help you overcome it at once, for either you must kill it, or it will kill you. You cannot carry a bad temper into heaven.” — Charles Spurgeon

“To be angry about trifles is mean and childish; to rage and be furious is brutish; and to maintain perpetual wrath is akin to the practice and temper of devils; but to prevent and suppress rising resentment is wise and glorious, is manly and divine.” — Isaac Watts

“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Col. 3:13 ESV)

Forgive as Christ forgave you

Forgiveness is a very serious subject, and the Bible has much to say about it. As believers, we are commanded to forgive others because Christ has forgiven us. Forgiveness is not based on whether someone deserves it, apologizes, or changes. It is an act of obedience that releases the offense to God. Sometimes forgiveness is deeply sacrificial. Stephen demonstrated this as he prayed for those who were stoning him to death:

“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60 ESV)

Warnings about refusing to forgive

• Unforgiveness hinders your fellowship with God

“…if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt. 6:15 ESV)

• Unforgiveness brings spiritual consequences

Before taking communion, believers are instructed to examine themselves.

“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” (1 Cor. 11:28-30 ESV)

• Unforgiveness fuels conflict

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” (Prov. 10:12 ESV)

Keep on forgiving

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked how many times he should forgive someone who sinned against him.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Matt. 18:21-22 ESV)

Jesus was teaching that forgiveness is to become a lifestyle, not something we measure or limit.

Jesus taught us to pray this way

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors… For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt. 6:12-15 ESV)

Therefore

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matt. 6:14 ESV)

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32 ESV)

Quote

“I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note—torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one.”
— Henry Ward Beecher

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” (Titus 3:9 ESV)

Avoid Foolish Arguments and Strife

Even in the early church, people found plenty of things to argue about. Two of the major issues were genealogies and disputes over the Law. Paul warned believers to avoid such foolish controversies because they were “unprofitable and worthless.”

Not much has changed over the centuries. Today, people still argue over countless issues, many of which accomplish nothing except creating division and bitterness. Social media has only amplified the problem, making it easy to become entangled in heated debates that produce more anger than understanding.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be known for our love, humility, and gentleness—not for winning arguments. Before entering a debate, ask yourself, “Will this glorify Christ? Will it build someone up? Will it help bring a person closer to God?” If the answer is no, it is usually wiser to remain silent and walk away.

Be on Guard

“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called ‘knowledge.’” (1 Tim. 6:20 NASB)

Refuse Foolish Speculations

“But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.” (2 Tim. 2:23 NASB)

Turn Away from Those Who Cause Division

“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.” (Rom. 16:17 NASB)

Avoid Empty Chatter

“But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness.” (2 Tim. 2:16 NASB)

Therefore

Don’t allow yourself to be drawn into arguments that accomplish nothing for God’s kingdom. Instead, pursue the qualities that reflect Christ. There are times to defend the truth, but there is never a time to be quarrelsome. Let your words bring peace, grace, and wisdom to every conversation.

“But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” (1 Tim. 6:11 NASB)

“It is honorable to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” (Prov. 20:3 NKJV)

Quote

“Blessed are the peacemakers, and one sure way of peacemaking is to let the fire of contention alone. Neither fan it, nor stir it, nor add fuel to it, but let it go out by itself. Begin your ministry with one blind eye and one deaf ear.” — Charles Spurgeon

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV)

Grow in Faith from Start to Finish

Some people get stuck in their faith. They reach a spiritual plateau and simply remain there. But that is not God’s desire for His children. The Christian life is meant to be one of continual growth—moving forward and upward as we become more like Christ. Spiritual maturity is a lifelong journey that continues until the day we see Jesus face to face.

The wonderful promise is that God does not expect you to grow by your own strength. The Holy Spirit works within you, using God’s Word to transform your life day by day. The One who began His good work in you has promised to continue that work until the day you stand before Christ. As you faithfully seek Him, He will continue to shape you into the person He created you to be.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6 ESV)

To Grow in Your Faith

• Read and listen to God’s Word.
God’s Word is the primary source of spiritual growth because faith grows as we hear and receive His truth.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom. 10:17 NKJV)

• Be a doer of the Word.
Growth comes through obedience, not merely through knowledge. Put into practice what God teaches you.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22 ESV)

• Trust God completely.
Believe that God is who He says He is and that He faithfully rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Heb. 11:6 ESV)

• Keep training through constant practice.
Spiritual maturity develops through consistent study, obedience, and experience as you learn to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Heb. 5:12-14 ESV)

• Be rooted and grounded in God’s love.
The deeper you understand Christ’s love, the stronger and more mature your faith will become.

“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:17-19 ESV)

Therefore

Don’t be content to remain where you are spiritually. Continue growing in your knowledge of God’s Word, your obedience, your faith, and your love for Christ. Healthy believers are growing believers, and God has promised to continue His transforming work in you as you walk with Him.

“Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.” (Heb. 6:1 ESV)

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” (2 Thess. 1:3 ESV)

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18 ESV)

Quote

“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” — Billy Graham

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 ESV)

Hearing the Voice of God

Sometimes I hear someone say, “God spoke to me and said…” and then they explain what they believe He told them. Years ago, that used to bother me because I have never heard God speak in an audible voice.

I don’t doubt that God has spoken audibly to people on occasion. The Bible records many examples. God called to Adam in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:9), called Samuel by name several times (1 Sam. 3:8-10), and spoke to Moses from the burning bush (Ex. 3:1-4:17).

However, I believe that today God most commonly speaks to His children through His written Word. That is how He speaks to me.

As I read the Bible and meditate on what I have read, the Holy Spirit brings God’s Word to my mind as I make everyday decisions.

Recently, for example, I was given too much change at the counter of an auto parts store. I immediately realized the mistake and handed the extra money back to the clerk.

He looked surprised and said, “Wow! Thank you! You are a very honest man!”

I smiled and replied, “Thank you. I’m a Christian, and God would never want me to cheat you.”

At that moment, I wasn’t hearing an audible voice. Instead, God’s Word had already instructed my heart to deal honestly with others. His Spirit simply brought those truths to my remembrance at the right time.

God still speaks today, and one of His primary ways of speaking is through the Scriptures.

“But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!’” (Luke 11:28 ESV)

God’s People Hear His Words

“Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” (John 8:47 ESV)

Faith Comes Through God’s Word

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Rom. 10:17 ESV)

God’s Words Are Spirit and Life

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63 ESV)

The Holy Spirit Brings God’s Word to Your Remembrance

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)

Therefore

Read God’s Word daily. As you fill your mind with Scripture, the Holy Spirit will faithfully remind you of God’s truth when you need wisdom, guidance, conviction, encouragement, or strength. The more familiar you become with God’s Word, the more readily you will recognize His voice leading your life.

“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.” (Heb. 4:12 ESV)

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Rev. 3:20 ESV)