How Do You Hear It?

It's interesting how much the tone of our words is as important as the words themselves when trying to communicate. If my daughter is having a hard time sleeping, I can say, "close your eyes and go to sleep". But depending on my tone, it can come across harshly or gently. She will either hear it as a rebuke or a gentle encouragement. 

When we read the Bible, we may insert tone into the words without even realizing it. If you perceive God as a harsh Father, you might constantly insert a tone of condemnation into every Bible passage or message.

It's important that we seek to hear what the Spirit of God is saying (and how He is saying it) and in a sense, let Him read the Bible TO us.  He desires to show us who He REALLY is.