New to Reading the Bible? Here’s Where to Start
Maybe you own a Bible. Maybe you have more than one. It could be sitting on a shelf, tucked in a drawer, or downloaded as an app you meant to open more often.
You want to read it. You’re just not sure where to begin.
That’s okay. You don’t need to have a whole plan figured out before you start. You just need a simple place to begin.
You Don’t Have to Be an Expert
Part of what we call the 5S Life at Love Church is being Self-Fed. It means learning to spend time in God’s Word for yourself, not only hearing about it from someone else. That doesn’t mean you have to understand everything you read or suddenly become a Bible expert. It simply means opening the Bible for yourself and giving God room to speak to you through His Word.
Start Somewhere Simple
If you’re not sure where to begin, try the Gospel of John.
John gives us a close look at who Jesus is, what He did, and what He taught. Near the end of the book, John tells us exactly why he wrote it:
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” John 20:31
You don’t have to read a huge section every day. A few verses is enough. A chapter is great too, if that feels right. There’s no need to rush through it. Read a little, think about it, and come back to it later.
Keep It Simple
You don’t need a complicated system or a long block of uninterrupted time to spend time in the Bible.
Start with five or ten minutes and keep it simple:
Read a small section.
Ask, “What does this show me about God?”
Notice if anything stands out to you.
Talk to God about what you read.
That’s a great place to begin. Over time, you’ll find a rhythm that feels natural for you.
You Won’t Understand Everything
There will probably be verses, names, stories, and sections that leave you with questions.
That’s completely okay.
You don’t have to understand every part before you keep going. If something confuses you, jot it down, ask questions when you can, and keep reading. The more time you spend in the Bible, the more pieces begin to connect. And your understanding will grow over time.
Common Questions
What translation should I use?
Choose one that feels clear and easy for you to read.
The NLT and NIV are both approachable options for everyday reading. The NKJV has a more traditional style and is another solid choice. You can even compare a few translations and see which one helps the passage make the most sense to you.
What if I miss a day?
Just pick it back up when you can.
You haven’t ruined anything, and you don’t need to start over. This isn’t about keeping a perfect streak. It’s about creating space to know God and His Word more deeply over time.
Do I need to read the Bible in order?
No.
The Bible is made up of many different books, so you don’t have to start on page one and read straight through. Beginning with John, another Gospel book like Matthew, Mark or Luke, or even the Psalms can all be great places to start.
What if I don’t feel anything when I read?
Not every day will feel like a big, meaningful moment and that’s okay.
Some days a verse may stick with you for hours. Other days you may simply read, learn something, and move on.
Both matter.
How long until reading the Bible feels normal?
Give yourself time.
Any new rhythm can take a while to feel familiar. Keep it simple enough that you can come back to it without feeling overwhelmed. A few minutes here and there can slowly become a part of your day you really value.
A Resource to Help You Keep Going
If having a little structure would help, Love Church has a Daily Reading Guide designed to help you spend time in God’s Word one day at a time.
You can find it at lovechurch.org/reading-plan.
Think of it as a guide, not something you have to do perfectly. The heart behind it is simply to help you keep opening your Bible and grow in your own personal relationship with God.
You Can Start Today
You don’t need the perfect morning routine, a new journal, or an hour of quiet. Open your Bible. Read a few verses. Ask God to help you understand what you’re reading.
Then come back when you can. That’s a really good place to start.
