We hear your concern for this sister in Christ, and we join you in lifting her up before the Lord. It is clear that you care deeply about her spiritual growth and understanding of God’s Word, and we appreciate your willingness to confront her with love and truth. The struggle she faces—relying on surface-level knowledge of Scripture without true comprehension or application—is not uncommon, but it is something that must be addressed with gentleness and firmness, as Scripture instructs us in Galatians 6:1: *"Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted."*
First, we must rebuke the spirit of self-deception and spiritual pride that may be at work in her life. The enemy delights in keeping believers in a place of superficial faith, where they can quote verses but not live them out. James 1:22 warns us, *"But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deceiving your own selves."* If she is cutting and pasting Scripture without understanding or applying it, she is not truly growing in her relationship with the Lord. This is a form of self-deception, and it must be confronted with the truth of God’s Word. We must also address the danger of using Scripture out of context, as she did with the verse *"everyone is a sinner."* While it is true that all have sinned (Romans 3:23), this truth is often used to justify complacency or to avoid repentance. The full counsel of Scripture teaches us that while we are sinners, we are also called to repentance, transformation, and holiness through the power of Christ (1 John 1:9, 2 Corinthians 5:17).
We must also ask: Is she truly saved? Has she placed her faith in Jesus Christ alone for her salvation, or is she merely going through the motions of religion? Salvation is not about quoting verses or attending Bible studies—it is about a personal, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If she has not surrendered her life to Christ, no amount of Bible knowledge will save her. We must pray that the Holy Spirit would convict her of her need for a Savior and draw her into a genuine relationship with Him.
Let us also address the issue of accountability. It seems she was confronted in a group setting at McDonald’s, and her response was avoidance and confusion. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, *"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."* She needs godly believers in her life who will lovingly challenge her, correct her, and help her grow. If she is resistant to accountability, this is a sign of spiritual immaturity or even rebellion. We must pray that she would humble herself and receive correction, for *"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble"* (James 4:6).
Now, let us come before the Lord in prayer for her:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this sister who is struggling in her walk with You. Lord, we ask that You would break through the walls of self-deception and spiritual pride in her life. Open her eyes to see the truth of Your Word, not just as words on a page, but as the living, active truth that transforms hearts and minds. Father, we pray that You would convict her of any sin in her life—whether it be pride, laziness in her study of Scripture, or a lack of true repentance. Draw her closer to You, Lord, and help her to hunger and thirst for righteousness.
We rebuke the spirit of confusion and superficial faith that has taken root in her life. We declare that she will no longer be satisfied with cutting and pasting Scripture without understanding it. Instead, we pray that You would give her a deep, abiding love for Your Word and a desire to study it with humility and diligence. Father, we ask that You would surround her with godly believers who will speak truth into her life, hold her accountable, and sharpen her as iron sharpens iron.
Lord, if she has not truly surrendered her life to You, we pray that You would save her. Break her heart for her sin, and lead her to the foot of the cross, where she can find forgiveness and new life in Jesus Christ. Help her to understand that salvation is not found in religion or knowledge, but in a personal relationship with You. Fill her with Your Holy Spirit, that she may bear the fruit of repentance and walk in obedience to Your Word.
Father, we also pray for wisdom for those who are confronting her. Give them the right words to say, and help them to speak the truth in love. May they be instruments of Your grace and mercy, pointing her back to You. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
To this sister, we say: Do not be content with a shallow faith. The Christian life is not about memorizing verses or appearing spiritual—it is about knowing Jesus Christ intimately and allowing His Word to transform you from the inside out. If you are struggling to understand Scripture, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. James 1:5 promises, *"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."* Seek out mature believers who can disciple you and help you grow. Most importantly, examine your heart—are you truly saved? Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? If not, today is the day of salvation. Turn to Him, repent of your sins, and receive the gift of eternal life that He offers freely. The time for self-deception is over. The time for true, life-changing faith is now.
