When we moved to Northeast Ohio six years ago, the loneliness set in hard and I found myself longing for home and family. I had my first child shortly after we moved, and even though family came and visited there was still a void in our lives. We were new at our church and found, that though people are very kind, it takes more than Sunday morning “how are you?” to build a true community. The first taste of belonging I experienced in our new town was in Women’s Bible Study. The group was tiny, only three women (and two babies) huddled together, laughing and studying God’s Word over hot chocolate. A few years later, I found myself leading a Women’s Bible study and cherishing the conversation and relationships that grew in that small living room. In our busy lives, we can find a million excuses to stay away from “extra” activities like Bible Study and Small Group. We have jobs and kids and more than enough on our plate already. Why would we go to a group when we can study the Bible on our own or when we already attend weekly church service? As I have asked myself all of these questions, I have 5 reasons why you should join a Bible Study.
1. You Need Community
The lack of community was evident to me when we moved since we didn’t know anyone and had no family close. But, most people will say that they struggle to build lasting relationships and experience loneliness. In a digital world, we need face to face relationships, not only online friends but people that can see your daily life in its truest form. Those in person friendships are where accountability thrives and you grow closer over shared experiences. We were made for relationships, just as God has the Son and the Spirit, we need community. I found a loving community of women eager to share pain and joy and willing to meet together in Bible Study.
2. You need time away
We all face a certain amount of pressure in daily life and need to take time away from those daily stressors in order to gain perspective and to rest. I found that Bible Study was a great way to take time away from my responsibilities and grow in my love for the Lord and be encouraged by other women.
3. Your perspective is vital
Studying scripture can be confusing, and having other voices to speak into what you’re studying is so important. Every woman brings a different point of view to a study and so many times I have heard exactly what I needed to hear from another woman at Bible Study. Together, we can help teach each other about the Lord and every voice adds a new way of looking at the world.
4. Grow closer to God through His word
I cannot know my family unless I talk to them and spend time with them. In the same way, I cannot know God without spending time in prayer and reading His Word. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Through studying the Bible with others we are able to embrace and understand what God is trying to teach us. Teaching, rebuking, correcting and training are all part of our Christian walk but that path can be traveled easier with friends. And spending time with others reading the Bible not only helps us grow closer to God but His people also.
5. It’s cheaper than therapy
If you don’t believe me, try it for yourself!
First Church :: Tallmadge 