As Christians, we genuinely love Jesus. We attend church faithfully, listen to sermons, share encouraging verses online and discuss how God has carried us through hard seasons. Our faith is sincere and our intentions are good. In fact, Jesus Himself connected love for Him with obedience to His words (John 14:15).Yet, something subtle has happened along the way when it comes to reading the Bible.
For many believers, daily engagement with the Bible itself has slowly faded. Not because of rebellion or disinterest, but because life gets in the way. Busy lives have led us to look for quick inspirational content and quick-read devotionals. These things have gradually replaced the slow, steady habit of reading God’s Word in context.
Knowing About Scripture vs Knowing Scripture
We know about Scripture. We can even quote the most used Bible verses. But we are far less practiced at knowing Scripture – and there is a difference.
Knowing about Scripture often means familiarity with phrases, themes or certain verses. Knowing Scripture means understanding how those words fit within the larger story God is telling. It involves understanding the speaker, the audience and the purpose. One focuses on comfort; the other provides guidance. Scripture was never meant to be fragmented; it was given to teach, correct, and guide (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
When Verses Are Removed From Their Context
In recent years, inspirational quotes and single-verse encouragements have become a substitute for Bible reading. While these snippets can be uplifting, they were never meant to stand alone. A verse pulled from its passage may sound reassuring, but without its context, it can quietly lose its meaning. This is where faith can begin to weaken rather than grow.
Many believers unknowingly cherry-pick verses that affirm what they already believe or hope is true, while ignoring the surrounding passages that challenge, correct or deepen understanding. Peter warned that Scripture can be twisted when it is misunderstood or taken out of context (2 Peter 3:16). Over time, Scripture becomes something we shape to fit our lives instead of something that shapes us. What begins as encouragement can turn into distortion.
A Scriptural Warning We Often Overlook
The Bible warns against this tendency. In the final chapter of Revelation (Revelation 22:18–19), John gives a sobering reminder not to add to God’s Word or take away from it. While this warning speaks directly to prophecy, the principle behind it applies far beyond that context. God’s Word is not ours to edit. We are not free to lift up parts we like and silence parts that feel uncomfortable. When we do, even unintentionally, we risk forming a faith built on fragments rather than truth.
How Biblical Illiteracy Quietly Weakens Faith
Biblical illiteracy does not usually show up as hostility toward Scripture. It shows up as misplaced confidence. Scripture warns that spiritual confusion often flows from a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). We expect verses to carry promises they were never meant to bear. When life does not unfold the way those verses were interpreted, confusion and disappointment follow. God feels distant. Faith feels fragile. Biblical context protects us from this.
Reading the Bible in context helps us understand God’s character more fully, His promises more accurately and His commands more faithfully. It grounds us when everything around us is loud and confusing. It anchors us when opinions are endless and certainty feels rare.
(Click Here to Read “How Are You Feeling? There’s a Scripture for That”)
Start Reading the Bible to Meet God Again
Biblical literacy is not about knowing more facts or winning theological arguments. It is about knowing God as He has revealed Himself. It is also about allowing His Word to speak on its own terms rather than filtering it through sound bites and slogans. God’s Word is living and active and should be treated as such (Hebrews 4:12).
The invitation before us is not to read more verses, but to read Scripture more fully. We all need to slow down, stay in the passage and let God speak without interruption. Opening the Bible is not about checking a box or proving spiritual maturity. It is about meeting the living God where He has promised to reveal Himself. When we return to His Word with humility and attention, we do not just learn what it says, we learn who He is.
Don’t settle for fragments, return to reading the Bible and encounter God as He has revealed Himself.
Blessings,
Amy
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In