👉 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Malachi 3:18. It’s a really important message about judgment and repentance. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying: “When you are finally ready to return to God, you need to really look at yourself and see if you’re walking in obedience to Him.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Then shall ye return…” : This means it's time for a change. It’s not just about going back; it’s about a deliberate, conscious decision to turn away from something wrong and towards God. “…and discern between the righteous and the wicked…” : This is the core of the message. Discernment means to understand something well – to be able to tell the difference between good and bad. The verse says we need to know who is truly right with God and who isn't. It’s about recognizing that God wants goodness in your life. “…between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” : This is a crucial part. “Serveth” means to obey or follow. This means you are actually following God’s will – doing what He wants, even when it's difficult. The verse says we need to be truly obedient to Him. What does this mean for us today? It's a call to: Take responsibility: We are accountable to God and must make choices that reflect His character. Examine ourselves: It’s important to honestly assess our lives – are we living in accordance with God’s teachings? Are we truly loving Him? Seek God's guidance: The verse encourages us to seek His wisdom and direction as we decide how to live. In short, Malachi 3:18 is a warning and an invitation to a serious relationship with God – one that requires careful thought, honest evaluation, and unwavering obedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse in the same passage? Discuss its significance within the larger context of the Old Testament prophecy? Give you some examples of how we can discern between good and bad?
