“Is not My word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah‬ ‭23:29‬ ‭KJV‬‬. These words sound strange to our modern generation that has become accustomed to soft and gentle words from the pulpit. We have come to a place where very few people will listen to God’s Word about sin and evil. Most come to church expecting to have their ears tickled and made to feel good about themselves. But this verse reminds us that God’s Word is to have a purifying effect on our hearts and lives. The Word will be like a fire cleansing the dross from our lives. The Word will be like a hammer that breaks the hardness of our stubborn hearts. And for true children of God, how thankful we are that God’s Word does these things! Every time the Word of God exposes needs in our lives we should humble ourselves and receive with thanksgiving the correction our Heavenly Father sends to us. While it is true, God’s Word will bring comfort and healing, we should realize that only happens after it has cleansed us and brought our lives into harmony with God’s will.