For many, the only time they engage with the Bible is during Sunday church services. Beyond that, it’s rare to find them reading it.
However, as Christians, reading and meditating on God’s word should be an integral part of our daily lives. In doing so, we’ll come to understand why making Bible reading a regular habit is so important.
Who is the author of the Bible?
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work
2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Bible is the word of God, given to us by the Creator of all things to teach and guide us. As its author, God has ensured that the Bible stands apart from every other book.
Completed over 2,000 years ago, the Bible was written over a span of 1,600 years by various individuals at different times. Yet, it remains unified in its theme, reflecting its divine inspiration.
In earlier centuries, the Bible was only available in ancient languages, understood by a select few who had studied them. As a result, it was largely restricted to priests, who were the sole custodians and teachers of its content.
Remarkably, many individuals sacrificed their lives to translate the Bible into common languages so that everyone could access it. Today, the Bible has been translated into over 2,500 languages, with billions of copies distributed worldwide.
One of the most extraordinary aspects of the Bible is its timeless relevance. Though written more than 2,000 years ago, its teachings and doctrines remain profoundly applicable to our lives today.
7 Reasons to read the Bible
1. Helps us to know about God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
You cannot truly claim to be a follower of Christ if all you know about Him is His name. The Bible reveals everything we need to know about God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
By reading the Bible, you will come to know who God is. You will learn about His Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us, and you will also discover the role of the Holy Spirit, who guides and empowers us in our daily lives.
2. Food for the spirit and soul
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
Ephesians 6:17
Mankind is composed of three parts: the body, the spirit, and the soul. Just as we consume food daily to sustain our bodies, the word of God serves as nourishment for our spirit and soul.
Therefore, it is essential to feed not just our bodies but also our soul and spirit. Regularly reading the Bible ensures that our spirit and soul receive the sustenance they need to thrive and keep us going.
3. It helps us to live in righteousness
To do righteousness and justice
Proverbs 21:3
Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
In the Bible, God gave us the Ten Commandments as a guide to living righteously. Beyond these commandments, the Scriptures contain numerous teachings and passages that instruct us on how to live in righteousness and lead a godly life.
4. The Bible gives us advice
Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
Proverbs 19:20
That you may be wise in your latter days.
The Bible is a book filled with timeless advice. The book of Proverbs, in particular, is rich with wisdom and guidance. Many of the wise sayings we hear today are inspired by scripture. Additionally, the Bible is filled with inspiring stories and valuable lessons to be learned from them.
Reading the Bible equips you with the wisdom to navigate life and helps you know exactly what to do in any situation you may face.
5. It helps us to discern
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1 John 4:1
In the world we live in, it can often be challenging to distinguish right from wrong. Many people have acted wrongly, believing they were doing the right thing. Reading the Bible provides clarity and helps you develop discernment.
Furthermore, if you rely solely on what others tell you about God’s word and His works, you risk being misled. Without a personal understanding of the Bible, you have nothing to compare their teachings to and may unknowingly accept falsehoods.
This is why it is essential to read and meditate on God’s word. When you study the Bible, you are better equipped to recognise false teachings and discern truth from error. You’ll know when something contradicts scripture because you’ve read it yourself and understand what it says.
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6. It gives us comfort and encouragement
But those who wait on the Lord
Isaiah 40:31
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Life is full of ups and downs, and we all face difficult times. God understands this, which is why He gave us a book to provide comfort when we are sorrowful. The Bible offers encouragement and strength when we feel like giving up.
No matter what you’re going through, there are countless Bible verses that speak directly to your situation. Whether you’re dealing with illness, mourning, a broken heart, job loss, or insecurity, the Bible has a verse to bring you comfort and hope. Whatever you are facing or feeling, God’s word is there to uplift and reassure you.
7. It shows we love God
Reading the Bible is a reflection of our love for God. When you love someone, you naturally want to spend more time with them, learn more about them, and understand what brings them joy and what causes them sorrow. You want to know everything about them.
The same applies to the Bible. It is God’s book, revealing who He is, what He loves, and what displeases Him. If you truly love God, reading the Bible is the natural way to deepen your relationship with Him and grow in your understanding of His character and desires.
How to read the Bible daily
Have a quiet time
One effective way to read the Bible daily is to incorporate personal devotion into your routine. Set aside just 5 to 10 minutes each day to read and meditate on God’s word.
Using a Bible study toolkit can make this practice even easier. These toolkits often include a Bible reading plan, verse study sheets, and a journal to help you better understand the Scriptures and apply them to your daily life.
Download a Bible verse of the day app
Another great way to read the Bible daily is by downloading a Bible verse of the day app on your phone. There are numerous apps available on both the App Store and Play Store. Once installed, a daily Bible verse will appear on your screen, offering a simple and convenient way to engage with Scripture every day. It’s a great reminder to stay connected to God’s word throughout your day.
Sign up for an online devotional
You can also sign up for an online devotional to receive regular devotionals directly in your inbox. These can be daily or weekly devotionals, or even Bible reading challenges.
By signing up for these services, you’ll receive a Bible study plan regularly, ensuring that you’re consistently engaging with God’s word. It only takes a few minutes to read each devotional, but the spiritual benefits are truly rewarding.
