Ever felt uncomfortable or even a little hurt by something you heard in a sermon? It’s not uncommon. Sometimes, God uses preaching to challenge us, uncover things in our lives that we’d rather keep hidden, and help us grow spiritually. But why does it sometimes feel so intense?
God's word is sharp
In the Bible, we're reminded that “the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). God's Word has a way of cutting deep, getting right to the core of our hearts. When a sermon really connects, it’s often because God is using it to show us something important about ourselves.
Conviction, not condemnation
There’s a difference between feeling convicted and feeling condemned. Conviction is when the Holy Spirit nudges us to recognize our sin and turn back to God. Condemnation, on the other hand, is more like a feeling of hopeless guilt, which isn’t from God. Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” When a sermon points out our flaws, it’s not to make us feel bad – it’s to draw us closer to God, so we can find forgiveness and freedom in Jesus.
Growth can be painful
Think of it like working out: muscles only grow when they’re challenged. In the same way, our spiritual growth often happens when we’re stretched and tested. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Sometimes, God allows us to feel uncomfortable to shape us into the people He’s calling us to be.
How to handle the hurt
When a sermon stings, take a moment to pray and reflect. Ask God to show you what He wants you to learn. You might find that what feels uncomfortable at first is actually an invitation to change. Remember, God’s goal is always to help us, not to hurt us.
So, next time a message feels a bit intense, see it as a sign of God at work in your life. Let Him challenge you, shape you, and lead you closer to Him.
