Context

I passed a road sign the other day with a single verse of Scripture on it.

No context.

No surrounding truth.

Just one isolated line used to make a bold statement about sin.

And instead of feeling convicted, encouraged, or drawn closer to Jesus…I felt grieved. Not because Scripture was present. I love seeing God’s Word in public spaces. But because Scripture, when pulled out of its God-given context, can be used in ways God never intended.

The Bible is not a collection of standalone slogans.

It is a unified story of redemption, grace, holiness, and transformation.

When we lift one verse out of its setting and aim it like a weapon, we risk doing exactly what Jesus warned against. Jesus spoke strong words to religious leaders who knew the Scriptures well, but used them wrongly:

“You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34)

They knew the Law.

They quoted the Law.

They enforced the Law.

But they missed the heart of God behind the Law.

Jesus went on to say, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness.” (Matthew 23:23)

That is the danger of legalism. Legalism reduces God’s Word to a rulebook instead of a rescue story. It turns Scripture into a measuring stick instead of a mirror.

It offers condemnation where God intends conviction, and shame where God intends repentance and restoration.

The Word of God is meant to expose sin — yes.

But always with the goal of leading people to grace.

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)

Notice that phrase: grace and truth.

Not truth without grace.

Not grace without truth.

Both.

Truth shows us our need.

Grace shows us God’s heart.

When Scripture is used without love, it becomes a hammer.

When Scripture is used with love, it becomes a healing instrument.

Paul warns us about this exact issue:

“The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6)

It is possible to quote Scripture and still miss the Spirit of Scripture. It is possible to be technically correct and spiritually wrong. Jesus never minimized sin.

But He consistently met sinners with compassion before correction.

To the woman caught in adultery, He said:

“Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:11)

Grace first.

Then transformation.

That order matters.

In seasons when the Church should be strong biblically, we must also be humble biblically. Strong enough to call sin what God calls sin.

Humble enough to remember we were rescued, not self-made.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” (Galatians 6:1)

Not a spirit of superiority.

Not a spirit of public shaming.

A spirit of gentleness.

If our use of Scripture pushes people farther from Jesus instead of closer to Him, something is off.

God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).

It convicts.

It corrects.

It trains in righteousness.

But it also invites.

Jesus did not come to build fences around holiness.

He came to open a door to redemption.

Legalism says, “Clean yourself up, then come to God.”

The gospel says, “Come to God, and He will change you.”

That road sign reminded me of something important:

We must be careful not to use holy words in unholy ways.

May we be a people who handle the Word of God with reverence, humility, and love.

People who speak truth.

People who extend grace.

People who remember that the same Jesus who calls us to holiness is the same Jesus who carried a cross for sinners like us.

“And if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)

Not driven away.

Not beaten down.

Drawn.

Lord, make us a church that reflects Your heart.

Truthful.

Gracious.

Bold.

And gentle.