12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 CSB)

Thoughts and intentions. Would that we knew or understood these in ourselves much less others. On second though, maybe we do not want to know others. We would most likely not like what we discovered.

Scripture, though, when read and understood seems to always get to the heart of the matter. It roots out our own motives and exposes them to the light of God’s precepts and Christ teaching.

Thus, when we open ourselves to Christ and then to the Word our thoughts and intentions are laid bare. We can no longer hide behind our ignorance of what is expected.

It becomes very clear and if we are following the Word then our thoughts and intentions are clear to others.