My husband is an electrical engineer from Maryland and I am from a small town in Georgia with a totally different mindset than he. Not to go into lengthy detail, but our communication is sometimes difficult. Sometimes it is not the actual definition of the word, but the way in which it is used.

How can we truly follow God and the teachings of Christ if we do not understand?

Read > Study > Understand > Follow

STUDY: to read in detail especially with the intention of learning ; to consider attentively or in detail; application of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge.                                Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, January 2019

UNDERSTAND: to grasp the meaning of; to achieve a grasp of the nature, significance, or explanation of something.                                     Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, January 2019

Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.        Proverbs 23:12 NIV

KNOWLEDGE: the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association; the sum of what is known; the body of truth, information, and principles acquired by humankind. Merriam Webster Online Dictionary, January 2019

Every day, I read at least one scripture from the Bible. I read the passage, think about it and then break it down. What do the words mean? Could they have a different meaning from what the word means today? Are the words or phrases the same in our time and culture as they were when it was written?

I have a small notebook I use to write definitions and comments about the passage. Then I can revisit my notebook during the day. The more I read it, the more I see how it relates to me. Also, learning through repetition works well for me.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6 NIV