Nowadays, everybody wanna “get in they bag” nahhhh “GET IN THAT BIBLE, GET IN THAT WORD”!! Lol.

So, I finally started reading the bible, for myself. Like taking time to actually read and go through the stories and books that I’ve always heard about. 

Because let’s be real … some of us are second hand believers … (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing) but we believe based on someone else’s (perhaps a family member’s) understanding. And we don’t always follow up and seek out our own understanding; we just take their word for it. 

And obviously, EVERYONE interprets things, especially the Bible, in their own way. And their interpretation is based on their own experiences, understanding, and research. And don’t forget that everyone’s walk is different. So at one point in life, your understanding of something can be completely different than a later part of your life, simply because of life circumstances at that moment. Ultimately, there are just so many variables that play a part in someone’s current interpretation of the Bible. 

And then if you seek out independent and outside sources (whether that’s biblical commentary, social media, google, etc.) to help you study the meaning of God’s word, are you not surprised with how people (especially nonbelievers) have interpreted the bible? Because I was! I mean you can find an interpretation from one extreme to the next. One interpretation might have you fired up and excited to read and another might have you questioning your understanding of God. And truthfully, it’s actually kind of overwhelming. 

But now that I’m reading the bible for myself … babyyyyyy … i won’t say some of yall was wrong lol … But I’ll just say I definitely interpreted many things in a different way. 

Like for example, the book of Ruth. Everybody is so impressed with Boaz. “oh, i’m waiting for my boaz!” “It’s the greatest love story of all time!” And while he is great in his own way, I wasn’t that impressed lol (at this point in time … because I recognize my interpretation can also change. I am not exempt lol). But during my initial reading of the Book of Ruth, I was actually more intrigued by Naomi and her relationship with Ruth. 

Or Job!!!!!!!! “The Book of Job is soooo good” “Get you some friends like Job” listen … i’ll just say that in the end I absolutely learned a lot from reading Job … but for me, it was a TOUGH read. Because I’m not even going to hold you, I had a bone to pick with God about halfway through that book, because whyy? Lol. But of course when I got to the end and heard Elihu and God speak, it all came together for me. And i’ll just conclude with: it is my least favorite book so far. But a POWERFUL teaching nonetheless. 

All in all my point is … you have to read the word for yourself! You can’t always rely on other people’s understanding of what the word says. Your understanding and interpretation could be completely different. Keep in mind that our interpretations depend on our own personal journeys, experiences, and our personal relationship with God. 

TAKE AWAY:
READ THE BIBLE FOR YOURSELF!

KEEP spreading God’s word! I encourage you to keep having conversations, but I’m also encouraging you to seek your OWN understanding and not just rely on someone else’s.

Happy reading! 💚

Leave a comment about some of your experiences with reading the bible. Encountered any misconceptions? Are you enjoying it? What are your favorite books or stories?