Do You Enjoy Memorizing Scripture?

Question

This question is for Christians who love hiding God's Word in their hearts as much as I do. Right now I am memorizing verses, but eventually, I would like to graduate to portions of Scripture.

The passage I want to commit to memory is either Matthew 6:19-34 or Luke 12:22-33. I like the way both passages of Scripture are worded, but I'm just not sure which one I should memorize since they are almost alike in content. I guess it's a matter of personal choice (I'm leaning towards Matthew), but would be interested in what you think. Thanks!

Also, I am Googling scripture topics lists to get ideas for future verses to memorize. I came upon a site called Pat's Place, and on it, she has a list of topics for scripture memory. I copied and pasted it into a text box and printed it up for my own use. However, I'm just wondering if, since the site is copyrighted, does that include her particular list of topics for scripture memory? I looked, but did not see where I could write for permission.

After reading some of your responses, most of which were very helpful, I feel that I should make clear *why* I memorize.

1. Scripture commands it, or at least it implies that we should memorize - Psalm 119:11. I believe that's the correct verse.

2. Jesus Christ himself memorized Scripture. Obviously, *he* thought it was important, so I am always surprised when professing Christians downplay its worth.

3. I use Scripture to evangelize; not to throw in other people's faces or to make myself look like some hot shot, but to be able to give proof, should that person or persons want to read it for themselves later on. At least I can write down the information.

4. I memorize Scripture just for the sheer *love* of it and of God's wonderful Word!

Also, if someone reading this could address Matthew and Luke *specifically* concerning which one I should memorize or both, it would be greatly appreciated.

It would also be greatly appreciated if no one else would give me any more smart answers like Karl did. Thanks.

Answer 1

I can't begin to tell you how many times the Lord has used Scripture that I have memorized to bring me through a situation, or help someone else go through one.

In the Psalms it tells us, "How can we keep ourselves pure? By hiding Your Word in our hearts."

If we don't have it in us, it's not likely to change us.

The Navigators, out of Colorado Springs, have great resources to help with Scripture memorization.

Answer 2

I go to a Christian School, so we are required to memorize a theme verse for the year, and other verses for Bible class. I usually don't like memorizing the verses for the tests, or quizes, etc., but if I am memorizing them for my own benefits then I find it much easier to do, and I like doing it more.
I am sure that you would be able to use these ideas from the website, as long as they are for your personal use only, and you still give credit to the website.
And, for which passage you are going to memorize, you could memorize both! Commit to memorizing one passage for a week or two, then once you know the passage, move on to the next. That's what I would do. However if you must choose one, I would choose Luke. It shows how God will always provide for us, and how we should not worry.
Good luck with your memorizing!

God Bless,
Alexa

Answer 3

I admit . . i like to memorize certain verses. It helps a whole lot more if instead of just reading the scripture you can have it in your head and heart at all times. That way, when you need it most, it will come to your mind. If i were you, I too would go for Matt. 6:19-34. But both are good. why don't you do matt first and then luke.

Answer 4

Memorizing scripture is pointless. Jesus enemies were "well versed". The idea of having a Bible isn't to memorize it, but to meditate on what it teaches. That's where the real benefit is.

Luke 11:46, 52
Psalm 1:2

Of course there is nothing wrong with memorizing scriptures, but you should always keep in mind that just because you are familiar with what the Bible says, it doesn't mean you understand it the way God let's those who love him understand it.

Answer 5

I think it depends on why you are memorizing them. If you want to hold the words in your heart to live them always - go for it! If you are memorizing to throw into others faces - then don't bother. I don't know, however, why you would be "hiding" the Good News in your heart, did you mean "holding"? Of the four gospels, all were written to emphasize certain events or to appeal to certain groups of people. I like Matthew best because it seems to me to be the most straight-forward of the gospels.

Answer 6

Knowing the scripture is a good thing, but more importantly is understanding the wisdom of the scriptures, they are many fawcetted and apply to situations that go beyond the initial statement. Nikita Kruschev could recite the book of matthew verbatim, it never made him a christian. It is in the living of the scripture that we grow in faith.

Answer 7

I do
I personally like Matthew too
For the last question, since it's a website and it's helping you memorize scripture, I don't think it would make anyone angry

Answer 8

Genesis:

019:031 And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old,
and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after
the manner of all the earth:

019:032 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

Ah yes here's a good one to keep in your heart...fables and lies are not what a real god wants from you.

As a good christian tho you should choose only the passages that are reflective of your particular point of view and skew them to your own purposes as is the good christian way.

Answer 9

Memorizing scripture is not as important as living them. Take what you have learned and do good works. Otherwise, the Bible is nothing more than words.

Answer 10

I like to memorize the Psalms.