Ah… The Princess Bride, a movie introduced to me in my youth group days and one I still enjoy watching with my children. And this is one of my favorite parts to quote:

Vizzini: INCONCEIVABLE!
Inigo:  You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Words are funny like that, how they mean different thing to different people at different times and in different situations. We’ve had many an argument in our house over the definition of “few” and “several.” Just the other day my children were just arguing over the definition and proper us of the terms “supper” and “dinner.”

Language is ever changing. It is also dependent on context and inflection. As a result opportunities arise for clarification or deeper understanding.

I was reading my daily devotion a few weeks ago and read this verse from 2 Peter:

⁹ The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

And, you know, it really struck me that morning, stayed with me throughout the day and is still on my mind tonight. The verse (and the greater context) speak deeply but its the phrase, “as some understand” that has been running through my mind.

There are times when God is working to draw me closer by correcting or clarifying my understanding of words and phrases I commonly use: peace, trust, love, repentance, forgiveness, grace, redemption, blessing… and even with growing pains that accompany the process, truth comes into focus.

“I do not think it means what you think it means.”

God open our hearts and minds to to your renewal that we may be drawn moment by moment closer to you.

Where is God working on your heart? What scriptures is the Spirit speaking to you through? I’d be honored to have you share 🙂

~Jillene