Memorizing God’s Word

Recently, I was challenged by a friend to commit a portion of the Bible to memory.  He encouraged me to memorize 1 Corinthians 13.  I didn’t respond right away because I thought he was going to finish his sentence and tell me what verse I should memorize within that chapter.  Well, the challenge was to commit the entire chapter to memory.

Now before you dismiss this as a super spiritual, insurmountable task, this chapter only has thirteen verses.  It is also a very well known chapter; the Love Chapter.  I have read from this chapter at every wedding I’ve performed and taught from it on several occasions.  Memorizing this was very possible.

Unfortunately, most adults are not involved learning the Bible by heart.  I started out strong, making use of the Navigators Topical Memory System.  I intentionally memorized key verses from my very first days as a Christ follower.  My desire was to learn God’s Word and have it readily available to me.  However, I have not stayed consistent in doing this over the years.

Sure, there have been seasons when a specific verse from the Bible has captured my heart deeply and I committed it to memory.  There have also been times when I’ve learned the verses that my children were learning at church.

Memorizing 1 Corinthians 13 has helped me to place God’s Word deeply into my life by allowing me to recall and recite this passage anytime.  I now find myself considering the truth of Paul’s words as I go about the daily routines of life.  And because of the nature of this passage, I find that I am thinking about life through the lens of love.

And this is the point of what it means to learn and live God’s Word.  It’s not just reading; it’s not just knowing.  The truth of the Bible needs to impact our day-to-day lives.  Memorizing allows us to always carry God’s Word with us so we can let it do its work in us.

Up to the challenge?  Join me in memorizing 1 Corinthians 13.  Let me know when you are ready to share it with me from memory.  Along the way, you will have the opportunity for God’s Word to deeply impact your life.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”  Psalm 119:11