Of course, if the Bible is going to affect our lives, we need to understand what it says. For many, this may require reading portions more than once. to get the full force of certain expressions, we may need to look up words in a dictionary or in Insight on the Scriptures. If the scripture contains counsel or a commandment, take time to talk about situations in our day that make it appropriate. Then you might ask, 'How can applying this counsel benefit us?' (Isaiah 48:17, 18) If the scripture is telling about some aspect of Jehovah's purpose, ask, 'How are our lives affected by this?' Perhaps you are reading an account that tells about the attitudes and actions of people. What pressures in life were they experiencing? How did they deal with these? How can we benefit from their example? Always allow time to discuss what the account means in our lives today. - Romans 15:4; 1Corinthians 10:11.

What a fine way to get God's thoughts impressed on our minds and hearts! Thus we will truly be helped to become "imitators of God, as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:1) And we will provide an example that is truly deserving of imitation by our children.

Next time: Regularly Study God's Word As A Family