Crosswalk Video

4 Quick Tips to Better Understand the Bible

Struggling to connect with God’s Word? Discover the 4 R’s—Read, Respond, Reflect, React—that make digesting Scripture simple and impactful. Whether...

Alicia Searl

Published Jan 21, 2025

4 Quick Tips to Better Understand the Bible

Do you need an easy way to digest God's Word? It can be overwhelming sometimes, and maybe you even find reading God's Word a little intimidating. It doesn't matter if you start with Genesis and read all the way to Revelation; you start with the Gospels, or you just start with the Book of Proverbs. Wherever you start, there are four things that you can do to help you better understand God's Word, digest His truth, and really connect with God. I call it the four R's.

The 4 R's

Read, respond, reflect, react.

1. Read. Whether you're reading a chapter or two a day or just a few verses, read it first.
2. Respond. Respond to what you have read. Either highlight some things that stand out to you, circle some words that are powerful, take to your journal and write some things that come to your mind as you're reading it.
3. Reflect. Reflect on it and say, what do you want me to learn in these verses, God?
4. React. React by living those truths out.

I hope this helps to bring you closer to God through His Word.

Originally published January 21, 2025.

Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy. Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.