Reading the Bible with a Mirror, a Magnifying Glass

I love the Bible so much, not just because it is rich in truth, but because it speaks plainly. It doesn’t sugarcoat. It doesn’t flatter. It’s direct, honest, and deeply revealing. But perhaps what I’ve come to appreciate most is how the Bible constantly reveals the condition of my soul.
That hasn’t always been easy to accept.
In fact, it took me a while to grow in love with the Bible for this very reason. At first, it felt like confrontation, staring into the Word and seeing myself not as I wished to be, but as I truly was. Yet, because I desired growth, wisdom, and spiritual maturity, I had to embrace that mirror. I had to welcome the uncomfortable transparency.

Sometimes, I remind myself that even if I can’t admit my struggles to others, I should at least be honest with myself behind closed doors. I cannot afford to live in self-deception. I don’t want to be like the Pharisee who preached righteousness yet failed to apply it to his own heart. And when God’s Word shines a light on the parts of my heart I’d rather not face, I know it’s for my good and I can accept it with grace.

It’s easier to correct others than it is to confront ourselves but the real work begins within. The Bible is like a mirror, it shows us our spiritual blemishes, our misplaced priorities, our hidden sins. But it’s also a window into God’s peaceable kingdom. It reveals not just what is, but what could be if we submit to Christ’s transforming work. Yet even our clearest view of ourselves or heaven’s promises is still partial and imperfect. That’s why the process of sanctification requires ongoing surrender.
And like the mirror on our wall that we use to check our appearance each day, we need the Word daily to check the condition of our hearts. Imagine how chaotic our lives would be if we went days without checking our physical reflection. The same goes for our spiritual reflection.

The book of Romans, my Struggle, and the Hope
I recently started reading the book of Romans, it felt overwhelming. ”God opened my eyes to how I’ve judged people I care about, just because their struggles didn’t happen to be mine.” I also saw how impossible it was for me to meet God’s standard on my own. But thank God for Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The Christian journey isn’t meant to be done in our own strength. We need divine help and we have it.

Teaching Others, Forgetting Ourselves
Sometimes we fall into the trap of trying to teach others while neglecting ourselves. This reminds me of the household scenario; where a woman hires a young girl to care for her children and manage her home. Over time, that girl learns how to nurture, manage, and build a peaceful environment. But ironically, the children in the home don’t receive the same intentional training.
This is what happens when we spend time learning Scripture, but only to share it with others. We train others in godliness while our own homes and hearts go untouched. This has often made me reflect on the common question: Why do some pastors’ children misbehave? It’s sobering. And it’s made me cautious. If I must teach, I want to first be a living testimony of the Word’s power in my own life and family.

A Story That Burned a Fire Me
I once read a story of a woman who believed others were always against her. When she was upset, she spoke rashly and complained often. She noticed that people including her children distanced themselves from her. Feeling alone, she finally turned to God for answers.
That’s when the mirror of the Word revealed her harshness, selfishness, and pride. She realized she had a habit of blaming others instead of reflecting on her own heart. God used her children to reveal these blind spots. Through them, she learned how much she needed grace, healing, and transformation. In her words: “These mini versions of me have gone on to teach me more about my sin and my need for a Savior than anyone else ever had.”

Marriage Is a Mirror, Parenting Is a Magnifying Glass
I’ve heard it said that marriage is a mirror, one that shows you your flaws in ways you’ve never seen. I believe that’s true. But parenting? Parenting is like a magnifying glass. It zooms in on your attitudes, your reactions, your inconsistencies.
We all need magnifying glasses in our lives, whether it’s through our children, our spouse, a trusted friend, or a mentor. We need people and the Word of God to help us see ourselves more clearly. Why? Because we often don’t notice the rip in our shirt until someone or the mirror shows it to us.

A Call to Self-Examination
Serving God doesn’t eliminate the need for self-examination. In fact, it demands it. Romans 2 reminds us that it’s not those who merely know the law who are justified but those who live by it. We can’t afford to be hearers only.
James 1:23-25 says it plainly:
“For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
Conclusion
Don’t Ignore the Mirror
If people close to you have been questioning your attitude, your character, your words, don’t ignore it. Take a moment this week to sit quietly with the Lord and ask, “What are You trying to show me?” Then be brave enough to reach out to someone you trust and ask them for honest feedback.
Our reflection in the mirror may not always be pleasant, but it is necessary. God isn’t looking for perfect knowledge, He’s looking for faithful hearts that are open to growth.
May we not just study the Word to instruct others, but first allow it to transform us from the inside out.