It’s a brilliant initiative to get books in the hands of children in under-served communities.
As Christians, it’s also great opportunity to think about giving a book to someone who doesn’t yet have a relationship with God.
Books can be incredibly powerful. The words on the page stick with you and the language and phrases work themselves out in your actions and conversations. Books can motivate and inspire, challenge and encourage.
There’s loads of great books which will challenge and engage your inquisitive friend – and provoke follow-up questions and conversations. Perhaps you’ve gifted Mere Christianity by C.S Lewis or The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel in the past.
But there’s no substitute for the Bible. The impact of the living, breathing word of God is not to be underestimated in the hands of the new reader.
It is the book above all books – it remains the best-selling publication of all time. And yet, according to research by the Bible Society, under 20 per cent of people in the UK consider it to be relevant to them personally. It was also nowhere to be seen on Amazon’s list of 2022 best-sellers… To many the Bible is significant to history, to culture, to their great-great grandparents, but not personally to them.
But so often at LCM, we hear stories of people being surprised by what they read when they pick up the Bible for the first time (or in a long time). In the case of Ashan, it was life-changing.
Here’s just a few tips and suggestions.
You can make it relevant and personal by explaining what the Bible means to you and how it has played a significant part in your life. Telling your story of how the Bible has impacted your journey might be engaging and exciting for someone to hear.
2. Make it digestible
The Bible’s 66 books span history, poetry, prophecy and biography so you have a great range to choose from if you just want to give a portion of the Bible to someone. Giving one of the gospels is a great way to encourage a friend to see the Bible as accessible and relevant to them. It’s an engaging eye-witness account of Jesus’ life, so it will be shorter to read and easier to understand, clearly pointing to Jesus.
You could write a short message on the inside cover explaining why you love it, and why you hope they do too. Or you could write a prayer that God would show them love and hope as they read more about Jesus who came to reveal God to us. You could even read it yourself beforehand and underline key verses or make notes in the margins. You may be surprised at how grateful your friend is that you’ve taken the time to share with them what is really precious to you.
3. Make it relational
Another idea that can make the act of giving feel purposeful and relevant, is to invite your friend to read the Bible with you! It’s a simple invitation that encourages us to share life together, to love that person with lasting impact, rather than a quick one-off encounter. It’s the door to journey with them as they discover who Jesus is and find hope and salvation in him.
You don’t have to be the ‘teacher’ or ask clever bible study questions – you just need a conviction for its powerful message and a reliance on the Holy Spirit to use his own words on the page. Anyone who loves their friend and loves Jesus can do this!
The easiest way to talk through a Bible passage is to use ‘What’ and ‘Why’: What is this section about? What is surprising/confusing? What do we learn about Jesus/ourselves? Just talk through where the story is going, who the characters are and what we learn about them.
And Why does God want me to know these things? Why is this relevant to me? Why is this truth important to remember?
These simple questions will help a natural conversation flow, centered around what God is saying through his Word.
Most importantly, don’t forget to pray for the person you’re giving the Bible to, and that God would speak to their heart through his word.
Let’s take the challenge on International Book Giving Day to share the message of the greatest book ever written. It could be life changing!
LCM shares the gospel alongside the local church of London, equipping everyday Christians to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it.
Registered Charity No. 247186
