TO LEARN AND TEACH

Nehemiah 8:8 NET
They read from the book of God’s law, explaining it and imparting insight. Thus the people gained understanding from what was read.

Dear Believer,

Understanding is a function of study. A person who takes time to study is more likely to understand than a person who doesn’t.

Yet in spite of studying, some people still don’t understand. You have to explain to them. They have to be taught.

In the focus scripture of today, we see Nehemiah and Ezra with their group of teachers ‘explaining and imparting’ insight to the people. These people then gained understanding.

Patient teachers are needed today. Instead, what we have among many groups of believers are arrogant teachers who talk down on people. They fail to gently impart knowledge.

When God blesses you with understanding, be humble with it. Do not see the ‘ignorant’ as unfortunate people.

If you seem to know a lot today, understand that there was a time you didn’t know anything.

I’ve met young Believers who would look at those who seem to know less than they are and then address them with irritation.

“You mean you don’t know this? How could you be this ignorant? No wonder your life is like this…’

That is not charitable. You must gently impart insight.

If you read the whole story in that chapter, you’d see how the people wept when they understood what was in the book of the Law. Light came. They became contrite in heart and were ready to do the right thing.

That is what happens when we gently impart knowledge.

Look around you, Believer. See your children, friends, church members or even spouse who seem to be slow in understanding some things in the Word of God or about life. Prayerfully and humbly impart understanding to them. Arrogance will only put people off.

And if you are the one who needs to learn something, stay humble, too. Do not claim to know or understand what you don’t. Reach out to those who can teach you and bear with them when they seem not to be patient enough.

Only the humble can receive understanding.

Believers are not just called to be disciples, we are also called to disciple others. That is to say you are called to be both a student and a teacher. This calls for a lot of humility.

The Lord teach you to excel in both responsibilities in the name of Jesus.

Have a great day.

Your friend,
Deon.
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For more study, read Proverbs chapter 2.