Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ConceptReflection, in a biblical context, refers to the act of thoughtful consideration or meditation on God's Word, His character, and His works. It involves a deep, introspective process where individuals examine their own lives in light of Scripture, seeking to align their thoughts and actions with God's will. Reflection is both a mental and spiritual exercise, encouraging believers to grow in wisdom and understanding.
Biblical BasisThe Bible frequently encourages believers to engage in reflection. In
Psalm 1:2, the psalmist describes the blessed man as one whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." This meditation is a form of reflection, where the individual continually ponders and applies God's Word.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to self-examination and reflection in
2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." This call to reflection is a means of ensuring that one's faith is genuine and active.
Purpose and ImportanceReflection serves several purposes in the life of a believer. It aids in spiritual growth by fostering a deeper understanding of God's Word and His purposes. Through reflection, believers can identify areas of sin and weakness, leading to repentance and transformation. It also strengthens one's relationship with God, as it involves listening to His voice and seeking His guidance.
Reflection is crucial for discerning God's will.
Romans 12:2 instructs believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation and renewal come through reflective engagement with Scripture and prayer.
Methods of ReflectionReflection can be practiced in various ways. One common method is through prayerful meditation on Scripture, where individuals read and contemplate passages, asking the Holy Spirit for insight and application. Journaling is another effective tool, allowing believers to record their thoughts, prayers, and insights gained during reflection.
Silence and solitude are also important components of reflection. In
Mark 1:35, Jesus exemplifies this practice: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." By withdrawing from distractions, believers can focus more intently on God's presence and voice.
Challenges and ConsiderationsWhile reflection is beneficial, it can be challenging in a fast-paced, distraction-filled world. Believers must be intentional about setting aside time and creating an environment conducive to reflection. It requires discipline and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about oneself.
Additionally, reflection should always be grounded in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit. It is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual discipline that seeks to draw closer to God and conform to His image.
ConclusionReflection is a vital practice for believers, fostering spiritual growth, self-awareness, and a deeper relationship with God. Through intentional meditation on God's Word and His works, believers can align their lives with His will and experience transformation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The return of rays, beams, or sound from a surface.
2. (n.) The act of reflecting, or turning or sending back, or the state of being reflected.
3. (n.) The reverting of the mind to that which has already occupied it; continued consideration; meditation; contemplation; hence, also, that operation or power of the mind by which it is conscious of its own acts or states; the capacity for judging rationally, especially in view of a moral rule or standard.
4. (n.) Shining; brightness, as of the sun.
5. (n.) That which is produced by reflection.
6. (n.) An image given back from a reflecting surface; a reflected counterpart.
7. (n.) A part reflected, or turned back, at an angle; as, the reflection of a membrane.
8. (n.) Result of meditation; thought or opinion after attentive consideration or contemplation; especially, thoughts suggested by truth.
9. (n.) Censure; reproach cast.
10. (n.) The transference of an excitement from one nerve fiber to another by means of the nerve cells, as in reflex action. See Reflex action, under Reflex.
Greek
1761. enthumesis -- deliberation, pondering, pl. thoughts... of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: enthumesis Phonetic Spelling:
(en-thoo'-may-sis) Short Definition: inward thought,
reflection, thoughts Definition
...2072. esoptron -- a mirror (ie an object for looking into)
... Ancient mirrors (merely made of ) only produced an image (reflection). So, to get
an accurate picture (reflection) the viewer had to look ("")....
357. analogizomai -- to consider
... through the needed thought-process (analysis); to "add things ," from "premise to
conclusion" -- especially by repeated (nuanced)reflection that advance the...
5485. charis -- grace, kindness
... of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially
the divine influence upon the heart, and itsreflection in the life...
1260. dialogizomai -- to consider
... From dia and logizomai; to reckon thoroughly, ie (genitive case) to deliberate
(byreflection or discussion) -- cast in mind, consider, dispute, muse, reason...
Strong's Hebrew
7881. sichah -- complaint, musing... meditation, prayer. Feminine of siyach;
reflection; be extension, devotion --
meditation, prayer. see HEBREW siyach. 7880, 7881. sichah. 7882 .
...Library
Reflection.
...REFLECTION. How often when walking down the country lane in the twilight
of a summer's evening you have looked upon the round, full...
The Ray and theReflection
... I. JOHN THE RAY AND THEREFLECTION. 'We love Him, because He first loved
us.'"1 John 4:19. Very simple words! but they go down...
OnReflection and Passion, and on Observing Propriety of Speech...
... Onreflection and passion, and on observing propriety of speech?... 98. There are two
kinds of mental motions [149] "those ofreflection and of passion....
Meditation andReflection.
... CHAPTER XVIII. MEDITATION ANDREFLECTION. Meditation andreflection are two
words that express two shades of difference of the same idea....
The Natural Supremacy ofReflection
... SERMON III. The natural supremacy ofreflection. The natural supremacy
ofreflection or conscience being thus established, we may...
Celsus Adds: "Will they not Besides Make thisReflection? if the...
... Chapter XVIII. Celsus adds: "Will they not besides make thisreflection?...
Celsus adds: "Will they not besides make thisreflection?...
Psalm 71 Part 1 the Aged Saint'sReflection and Hope.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 71 PART 1 The aged saint'sreflection and hope. v.5-9
CM. The aged saint'sreflection and hope. My God, my everlasting hope,....
Psalm 71:1. 5-9. First Part. The Aged Saint'sReflection and Hope.
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 71:1. 5-9. First Part. The aged saint's
reflection and hope. 1 My God, my everlasting hope, I...
On John viii. 12.
... 12. Now this word "I am" expresses His eternal subsistence. For if He is the
reflection of the eternal light, He must also be eternal Himself....
Upon Human Nature.
... these require, not only that we do good to others when we are led this way, by
benevolence orreflection happening to be stronger than other principles...
Thesaurus
Reflection (3 Occurrences)... 5. (n.) That which is produced by
reflection.
... 7. (n.) A part reflected, or
turned back, at an angle; as, the
reflection of a membrane.
...Reflecting (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Given toreflection or serious consideration; reflective; contemplative;
as, a reflecting mind. Multi-Version Concordance Reflecting (2 Occurrences)....
Rainbow (6 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Caused by thereflection and refraction of the
rays of the sun shining on falling rain. It was appointed...
Shining (115 Occurrences)
... in a continuous manner; radiant; as, shining lamps; also, bright by thereflection
of light; as, shining armor.... 5. (n.) Emission orreflection of light....
Ethics
... and new problems appear as to right and duty in which the existing customs of life
offer no solution, that doubt awakes, and with doubtreflection upon the...
Baal (94 Occurrences)
... special Baal, and the various local Baals were summed up under the name of Baalim,
or "lords." Each Baal had a wife, who was a colourlessreflection of himself...
Joseph (248 Occurrences)
... record of the facts," and that "the second fact raises the further question whether
the figure of Joseph, in part or even as a whole, is areflection of the...
Images (158 Occurrences)
... It has been generally conceded since the days of Robertson Smith that it takes at
least as much imagination andreflection to see an expression of deity in...
Pauline
... Furtherreflection added to the concepts.... Furtherreflection and observation taught
Paul something of the greatest importance for Christian theology....
Hezekiah (124 Occurrences)
... In the vision of Isaiah (Isaiah 1, 39), we have thereflection of the moral and
spiritual situation in Jerusalem, as realized in the fervid prophetic...
Resources
What is the Baha'i faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that humanity is made in the image of God (imago dei)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that we live in a fallen world? | GotQuestions.orgReflection: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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