Dwelling in the word

"Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'" - John 8:31-32

 The word "abide" is incredibly rich (at least to me...). It is like the word "dwell" - there is this feeling of resting and remaining, of making a home. So His word is to be, in a sense, our home - the place where we live, the place to which we return for comfort and strength, the place in which we are nourished, loved, encouraged, and helped to grow. It is the place where our identities are formed (if we are truly abiding there), and where we establish habits and patterns of godliness in our lives.

A family home here on earth is full of flaws, no matter how full of love it is, because no one in it is perfect in himself or has perfect understanding of the other people dwelling there. There can be conflict, tension, and strife; parents may impart poor values to their children; people can isolate themselves even while living under the same roof, causing distance in their relationships; family members may expect too much from each other and give too little; someone might feel left out, lonely, or sad; and in the worst cases, abuse could happen.

But when we're abiding in the word, we're spending time in God's home. Here He is the Father, and He knows His children completely - so He draws us into His love in the ways that we can understand and receive it, and He teaches us what is right without introducing error or sin, and He raises us up to be beautiful and holy sons and daughters in Christ. If we are choosing not to abide in His word, we are choosing to miss out on this deeper communion with Him that comes from dwelling in His home. Come, seek Him in the place where He lives! Make your home with Him, and know His love!

"Even the sparrow has found a home,
And the swallow a nest for herself,
Where she may lay her young -
Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;
They will still be praising You." - Psalm 84:3-4