Effectively reading the Bible
We are asked to read the Bible everyday to keep a healthy spiritual life. But what good will it do if we read in vain? Mwereti Kanjo spoke to women of God in Malawi on how a woman can effectively read the Bible.
The Bible clearly says that man shall not live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds or comes from the mouth of the Lord. To a Christian woman, the Bible is a living manual, without it the spiritual, physical and mental life would be complete chaos. But, how do you read the Holy book effectively as a woman?
Pastor Towela Masiku says as women, reading the Bible effectively is dependent on what you want to do as an individual and the situation you are in. However, before reaching this stage it is important that you are involved in Bible study for a year.
She says the Bible study is an opportunity to educate yourself on the Bible all year through. After that, then a woman can effectively relate to the scriptures.
“Reading the Bible depends on what you want to do. You read the Bible according to the stories, let’s say you are talking about forgiveness, you look at the scriptures that are in line with forgiveness.
“The word of God is the lamp unto our feet. We need it all the time, it just has to be with you all the time,†said Pastor Masiku.
One scripture known to most women is the common woman in Proverbs 31, which talks about the woman as a mother, wife; generally the woman and her duties. But as a woman, restricting oneself to specific scriptures because they talk to the woman is not the best way to go, says Masiku.
The thing about the word of God is that it is available to everyone, she says, adding that there are scriptures that we need in our lives time and again yet they are unisex, Psalms 23 for one.
Pastor Carol Chapomba agrees with Masiku. She says reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelations will bear no fruits if you read without understanding. There are certain scriptures that must be explained by the Holy Spirit or men and women of God. Where you feel you do not understand, pray that the Holy Spirit opens your mind.
“A woman must look for scriptures according to the situation that they are in. If you are hurting look for verses that will ease your pain, verses that will speak to you and restore your trust, faith in God. Where you are seeking courage, do the same. The Bible is God talking to us, trust in it and you will never go astray,†said Chapomba.
Chapomba pointed out the following verses for women: 1 Corinthians 7:16, Ezekiel 36 verse 26-27 and Mark 11 verse 22-24.
