“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22, NIV

Reading and reflecting on what the Bible says means little if it does not inspire action. God’s Word helps us to know what path we should take and how our lives should look. For instance, Philippians 4:6 says not to be anxious about anything. If we have read and reflected on Scripture, when we encounter an anxiety-inducing situation, we can remember what we have read and apply that to our attitudes and actions.

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“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’” – Matthew 4:4, NIV

Reading the Bible is an important habit to form. It allows us to learn more about God and helps us appreciate what He did for us. During busy times, reading and understanding the Bible may be a bit difficult, but it is worth the investment. Even spending a few minutes a day with God’s Word can start to form the habit and make a difference.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11, NIV

Reflecting on the verses is crucial to reading the Bible. It is easy to open the Bible, read a bit, and put it away without thinking about it again. It takes discipline to reflect and be willing to learn from what the Scripture says. Without reflecting on what the Bible is saying, it may be difficult to understand or grasp the point that is being made. Finding application of biblical passages in our lives can be a result of reflection on Scripture. There are various ways in which we can reflect on Scripture that we may grow from:

• Journaling and Note-taking: Some people may benefit from taking notes as they read the Bible. This can help sort out thoughts and highlight important ideas and concepts.
• Small Group Reading: Working through passages with a friend or a group of people is one way to reflect on God’s Word. Meeting together and fellowship can also keep the habit of Bible reading going because there is accountability. This can happen in a Bible study session or a more casual setting.
• Prayer and Meditation: Having some quiet time in prayer and meditation before or after reading the Bible is another way that God can use His Word to speak into the hearts of Christians.

As believers, we have access to God’s Word, the Bible. The Bible is hugely important in the lives of Christians. It is the story of the world and God’s redemption of it. It also provides examples for how Christians should live and what to strive for in the Christian walk.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV

Reading the Bible and reflecting on what it says can help with “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” It also helps us to act on our convictions and faith. Knowing what God is saying to us and to His people in the past allows us to know how to direct our lives and helps us better understand Him. Thus, we can grow closer in our relationship with God.

Table of Contents:

• Reading the Bible
• Reflecting the Scripture
• Acting Out Convictions and Changing Attitudes