Are you stuck in your bible engagement? Consider reading with a community.
Reading the bible can be so hard sometimes. Some really do try to engage it, but struggle. We know that there is a goodness in it, but we struggle. A young lady was struggling in the discipline of reflecting on God`s word in her life and approached the pastor for help. He suggested, “Why not try our small groups?” When they gather, reading scripture is a regular part of the experience. This can be a great step in developing the discipline of bible engagement.
Brian Hardin writes – Too often we experience faith in a solitary way. We rarely think of it in terms of “us” and “our,” and frequently see it as “me” and “my.” But we can’t mistake these Western, individualistic values for biblical values. The Bible is clear that living in community with other believers is irreplaceable in the Christian life. (https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2012/08/living-the-bible-in-community/)
There is something special about reading scripture together and discussing it in community. In the West we have pushed very heavy toward individual study. There is a place for that, but God will use community to form us. Just like having a workout partner helps your physical health, so too does community for Bible engagement and spiritual formation.
Reading in community also provides a healthy environment to ask questions, and work through the text.
Consider gathering with another believer to read scripture and talk about it. When your small group gathers do you read scripture? Do you reflect on scripture? Are you in a small group?
Regularly reading scripture together in community will help develop the discipline of engagement in the scriptures.
Are you stuck in your bible engagement? Consider reading with a community.