For the Love of God: February Scripture Reading Plan + Tips

When we think of February, many of us think of Love, in a romantic sense but there is just so much more to it than we think about. I was reading Jeremiah 31 where it talks about God’s relationship with his people and it said,

“At that time,” declares the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.”

²This is what the Lord says:

“The people who survive the sword
    will find favor in the wilderness;
    I will come to give rest to Israel.”

³The Lord appeared to us in the past,^[a] saying:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
    I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

It showed the type of love God had for His people, Hesed, Chesed which is 2617 in the Strong’s concordance and it means loving kindness. When we think of kindness, it means favor, good deed, kindly, merciful kindness, and mercy.

There are other types of love:

Eros, that passionate, sensual, or sexual type.
Phileo, that brotherly love, close friendship
Agape, the highest form of love, the fatherly love of God for humans, as well as the human reciprocal love for God.

Love is the bible, God’s Word! He is the Word. This is His love letter to us. Look at some verses!

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New International Version): “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
John 15:12 (New International Version): “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
1 John 4:7-8 (New International Version): “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Ephesians 4:2-3 (New International Version): “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Colossians 3:14 (New International Version): “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
1 Peter 4:8 (New International Version): “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Romans 13:10 (New International Version): “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

Loving God and others is a COMMANDMENT, not a suggestion.

As we spend our time in February with love weaved throughout, I want to make sure we are studying His Word, daily. So here is a bible reading plan.

Here are some ways to engage allowing us to fall in love with the Word of God.

1. **Set a Consistent Time:** Establish a specific time each day to read your daily portion of the Bible. Consistency helps build a habit.

2. **Reflective Journaling:** Keep a journal to jot down your thoughts, questions, and reflections after each reading. This enhances your understanding and connection to the text.

3. **Discussion Groups:** Join or create a group with others following the same plan. Discussing the readings fosters a sense of community and provides varied perspectives.

4. **Visual Aids:** Create a visual representation of your readings. This could be a mind map, doodles, or symbols that help you remember key points.

5. **Scripture Memorization:** Identify key verses from each day’s reading to memorize. This helps internalize the teachings and carry them with you throughout the day.

6. **Prayerful Reflections:** Use the readings as prompts for your prayers. Reflect on how the scripture relates to your life and offer prayers based on the themes.

7. **Comparative Study:** Compare different translations of the Bible to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the text. This can provide nuances not apparent in a single translation.

8. **Creative Expression:** Express your understanding of the readings through creative means like artwork, poetry, or even a short story.

9. **Audio Readings:** Listen to an audio version of the Bible as you read along. This can provide a multi-sensory experience and deepen your engagement.

10. **Share Highlights:** Share daily highlights or favorite verses on social media, encouraging others to join the journey or spark conversations with friends.

11. **Apply Lessons Practically:** Consider how the readings apply to your daily life. Look for opportunities to live out the principles or lessons learned.

12. **Reflection Day:** Designate a day each week to reflect on the readings from the past week. Summarize key takeaways and set intentions for the upcoming week.