Why should we read the Bible? Google “Bible Reading,” and dozens of Bible agencies, ministries, churches and individuals invite people to read or listen to the Bible. To help us read/listen to the Bible, they offer an extensive range of plans, charts, guides, schedules, approaches, programs, challenges and resources.
The information on the sites offering Bible reading plans says we should regularly read or listen to the Bible to develop our faith as Christians, for inspiration, to see what wonders God works, for the sake of learning, for guidance, to study, to know the truth, for adventure, for a steady diet of God’s Word, for a rewarding experience, and so on.
While there is value in reading the Bible for the reasons mentioned above, the main reason why we read the Bible should be to connect with the Person of whom the Bible speaks – the triune God. This is paramount; if we read the Bible to know the Word of God yet don’t read it to know the God of the Word, we miss the mark!
Love the God of the Word, and we’ll love the Word of God! When we read the Bible for any reason other than because we love God, it may be a difficult, confusing or tedious read. But when we read the Bible relationally, as God’s love letter to us, our reading becomes a living, experiential, intimate, interactive, functional, communal, and transformational journey with Him.
In conclusion, while there are many benefits to reading the Bible—such as gaining knowledge, finding guidance, and drawing inspiration—the ultimate purpose should be to deepen our relationship with God. When we approach the Bible not merely as a book to contemplate and study, but as a means to connect with the living God, our reading experience becomes much more meaningful and transformative. By reading the Bible with a heart that desires to know and love God more, we open ourselves to a deeper, more intimate journey of faith that can profoundly change our lives.
What are your reasons for reading the Bible? Please share in the comments.
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Summary
Reading the Bible offers numerous benefits, such as strengthening faith, providing guidance, and inspiring us. Many resources and plans exist to help people engage with the Bible regularly. However, the most important reason to read the Bible is to connect with God, not just to gain knowledge or insight. Engaging the Scriptures with a heart that seeks to know and love God becomes a transformative, relational journey that deepens our faith and strengthens our connection with Him.
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