Q -  I’ve always been afraid to highlight/underline in my Bible because it seemed somehow sacrilegious to me. I’ve finally started doing it and am loving interacting with God’s word this way. My question is, how do you know what to highlight or write? - Amanda S.

A -  This is such a great question. And Amanda, I completely understand. When I first started studying my Bible, I was so scared to write in it. I was scared I would make a mistake, write the wrong thing, or even “ruin it” with my ugly handwriting! But after a few months of regular study, I honestly couldn’t help but write in my Bible. I was so excited to add notes and prayers about what I was studying so that I would be able to remember how God was working in my life.

Here are a few tips if you would like to start writing in your Bible.

First of all, let go of any perfectionistic tendencies.

•  I am a terrible speller and I used to constantly worry I would misspell something in my Bible and ruin it forever. Well, guess what - I did misspell things, and the world didn’t end, and my Bible isn’t ruined! You are going to occasionally mess up, and that is ok. 

Second of all, remember that there are no rules.

• Remember, there is no right or wrong way to highlight or write in your Bible. It's a personal process that should align with your study style and spiritual journey. Over time, your Bible will become a precious representation of your relationship with God and a cherished record of your growth and insights.

Need some ideas for what to write?

Insights and Reflections:

• I like to use my Bible as a space to record personal insights, reflections, and prayers.
• If a verse prompts a thought or deepens your understanding, write down your reflections or questions in the margins or blank spaces provided.
• This can help you remember your personal journey and provide a valuable reference for future study.

Study Notes and Observations:

• I also like to jot down study notes, observations, or explanations that I come across as I study.
• This can include historical or cultural context, cross-references, or personal thoughts on the meaning of the text.
• These notes can serve as valuable references for future study or discussions.

Key Verses:

• Highlighting key verses or passages that have significant meaning to you can help them stand out and make them easier to find later.
• These may be verses that inspire you, provide comfort, or offer guidance for specific situations.

Themes and Topics:

• If you come across recurring themes or topics in your Bible study, you can use different colors or symbols to mark them.
• For example, you might highlight all the verses about love in pink or underline verses about faith in blue.
• This can help you identify patterns and connections between different parts of the Bible.

Questions:

• As you read the Bible, you may encounter passages that confuse you or raise questions.
• Use the margins to write down these queries or areas where you seek further understanding.
• Later, you can explore these questions through additional study or seek guidance from trusted mentors or resources.

Cross-References:

• The Bible is a collection of interconnected books, and cross-references can provide valuable context and insights.
• When you find verses that reference or relate to other passages, make note of those connections.
• This can help you see the bigger picture and deepen your understanding of specific topics or teachings.

Prayers and Personal Responses:

• Writing down prayers and personal responses to the text can be a meaningful way to interact with God's Word.
• Use the margins to jot down prayers, praises, or reflections that arise during your study.
• This can create a dialogue between you and God, and you can look back on these notes as a record of your spiritual journey.

Remember, the goal is not to fill every blank space or highlight every word but to engage with the text in a way that enriches your understanding and relationship with God.

As you continue to study and interact with your Bible, you will discover what works best for you. Embrace the freedom to make your Bible your own, and enjoy the journey of exploring God's Word in a personal and meaningful way.
 

Do you write in your Bible? Let me know in the comments!

________________________

Are you ready to learn to study the Bible within a supportive and encouraging community?

In the Bible Study Collective Membership, you'll get the tools, inspiration, and support you need to be successful as you learn to study, interpret, and apply God's word to your own life.

 Find out more here.