diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 7a086a5..db51eed 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ decorator-based API similar to popular event-driven frameworks, allowing
 developers to focus on behavior rather than boilerplate.
 
 #### Key Features
+
 - Minimal setup, easy to extend
 - Event-driven API using async/await
 - Clean command registration
@@ -28,6 +29,7 @@ developers to focus on behavior rather than boilerplate.
 # Quickstart
 
 **Requirements**
+
 - Python 3.10+
 
 ```
@@ -35,38 +37,45 @@ pip install matrix-python
 ```
 
 If you plan on contributing to matrix.py, we recommend to install the development libraries:
+
 ```
 pip install -e .[dev]
 ```
 
-*Note*: It is recommended to use a [virtual environment](https://packaging.python.org/en/latest/guides/installing-using-pip-and-virtual-environments/) when installing python packages.
-
+*Note*: It is recommended to use
+a [virtual environment](https://packaging.python.org/en/latest/guides/installing-using-pip-and-virtual-environments/)
+when installing python packages.
 
 ```python
 from matrix import Bot, Context
 
-bot = Bot(config="config.yml")
+bot = Bot()
 
 
 @bot.command("ping")
 async def ping(ctx: Context):
-    await ctx.send("Pong!")
+    await ctx.reply("Pong!")
 
 
-bot.start()
+bot.start(config="config.yml")
 ```
 
 [Documentation](https://github.com/Code-Society-Lab/matrixpy/wiki) - [Examples](https://github.com/Code-Society-Lab/matrixpy/tree/main/examples)
 
 # Contributing
-We welcome everyone to contribute! 
+
+We welcome everyone to contribute!
 
 Whether it's fixing bugs, suggesting features, or improving the docs - every bit helps.
+
 - Submit an issue
 - Open a pull request
-- Or just hop into our [Matrix](https://matrix.to/#/%23codesociety:matrix.org) or [Discord](https://discord.gg/code-society-823178343943897088) server and say hi!
+- Or just hop into our [Matrix](https://matrix.to/#/%23codesociety:matrix.org)
+  or [Discord](https://discord.gg/code-society-823178343943897088) server and say hi!
 
-If you intend to contribute, please read the [CONTRIBUTING.md](./CONTRIBUTING.md) first. Additionally, **every contributor** is expected to follow the [code of conduct](./CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md).
+If you intend to contribute, please read the [CONTRIBUTING.md](./CONTRIBUTING.md) first. Additionally, **every
+contributor** is expected to follow the [code of conduct](./CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md).
 
 # License
+
 matrix.py is released under [GPL-3.0](https://opensource.org/license/gpl-3-0)
diff --git a/examples/checks.py b/examples/checks.py
index 58bf128..16b042c 100644
--- a/examples/checks.py
+++ b/examples/checks.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 from matrix import Bot, Context
 from matrix.errors import CheckError
 
-bot = Bot(config="config.yaml")
+bot = Bot()
 
 allowed_users = {"@alice:matrix.org", "@bob:matrix.org"}
 
@@ -23,4 +23,4 @@ async def permission_error_handler(ctx: Context, error: CheckError) -> None:
     await ctx.reply(f"Access denied: {error}")
 
 
-bot.start()
+bot.start(config="config.yaml")
diff --git a/examples/cooldown.py b/examples/cooldown.py
index 8450840..de8f95c 100644
--- a/examples/cooldown.py
+++ b/examples/cooldown.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 from matrix import Bot, Context, cooldown
 from matrix.errors import CooldownError
 
-bot = Bot(config="config.yaml")
+bot = Bot()
 
 
 # Invoke by using !hello
@@ -27,4 +27,4 @@ async def cooldown_function(ctx: Context, error: CooldownError) -> None:
     await ctx.reply(f"⏳ Try again in {error.retry:.1f}s")
 
 
-bot.start()
+bot.start(config="config.yaml")
diff --git a/examples/error_handling.py b/examples/error_handling.py
index 88b7c25..3f6ee3b 100644
--- a/examples/error_handling.py
+++ b/examples/error_handling.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 from matrix import Bot, Context
 from matrix.errors import CommandNotFoundError, MissingArgumentError
 
-bot = Bot(config="config.yaml")
+bot = Bot()
 
 
 @bot.error(CommandNotFoundError)
@@ -30,4 +30,4 @@ async def command_error(ctx: Context, error: MissingArgumentError) -> None:
     await ctx.reply(f"{error}")
 
 
-bot.start()
+bot.start(config="config.yaml")
diff --git a/examples/extension.py b/examples/extension.py
index 6addf63..9a95811 100644
--- a/examples/extension.py
+++ b/examples/extension.py
@@ -34,12 +34,14 @@ async def divide_error(ctx: Context, error):
 
 
 """
+# bot.py
+
 from matrix import Bot
 from math_extension import extension as math_extension
 
-bot = Bot(config="config.yaml")
+bot = Bot()
 
 
 bot.load_extension(math_extension)
-bot.start()
+bot.start(config="config.yaml")
 """
diff --git a/examples/ping.py b/examples/ping.py
index 58d6f39..7c82be8 100644
--- a/examples/ping.py
+++ b/examples/ping.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 from matrix import Bot, Context
 
-bot = Bot(config="config.yaml")
+bot = Bot()
 
 
 @bot.command("ping")
@@ -8,4 +8,4 @@ async def ping(ctx: Context) -> None:
     await ctx.reply("Pong!")
 
 
-bot.start()
+bot.start(config="config.yaml")
diff --git a/examples/reaction.py b/examples/reaction.py
index 204bcd1..5f5c1ac 100644
--- a/examples/reaction.py
+++ b/examples/reaction.py
@@ -1,43 +1,52 @@
-from asyncio import Event
-from matrix import Bot, Room
+from nio import MatrixRoom, RoomMessageText, ReactionEvent
+from matrix import Bot
+from matrix.message import Message
 
-bot = Bot(config="config.yaml")
+bot = Bot()
 
 
 @bot.event
-async def on_message(room: Room, event: Event) -> None:
+async def on_message(room: MatrixRoom, event: RoomMessageText) -> None:
     """
     This function listens for new messages in a room and reacts based
     on the message content.
     """
     room = bot.get_room(room.room_id)
+    message = Message(
+        room=room,
+        event_id=event.event_id,
+        body=event.body,
+        client=bot.client,
+    )
+
     if event.body.lower().startswith("thanks"):
-        await room.send(event=event, key="🙏")
+        await message.react("🙏")
 
     if event.body.lower().startswith("hello"):
         # Can also react with a text message instead of emoji
-        await room.send(event=event, key="hi")
+        await message.react("hi")
 
     if event.body.lower().startswith("❤️"):
-        await room.send(event=event, message="❤️")
+        await message.react("❤️")
 
 
 @bot.event
-async def on_react(room: Room, event: Event) -> None:
+async def on_react(room: MatrixRoom, event: ReactionEvent) -> None:
     """
     This function listens for new member reaction to messages in a room,
     and reacts based on the reaction emoji.
     """
     room = bot.get_room(room.room_id)
-
+    message = Message(
+        room=room,
+        event_id=event.event_id,
+        body=None,
+        client=bot.client,
+    )
     emoji = event.key
-    event_id = event.source["content"]["m.relates_to"]["event_id"]
 
     if emoji == "🙏":
-        await room.send(event=event_id, key="❤️")
-
-    if emoji == "❤️":
-        await room.send(message="❤️")
+        await message.react("❤️")
 
 
-bot.start()
+bot.start(config="config.yaml")
diff --git a/examples/scheduler.py b/examples/scheduler.py
index 955535a..3426efe 100644
--- a/examples/scheduler.py
+++ b/examples/scheduler.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 from matrix import Bot, Context
 
-bot = Bot(config="config.yaml")
+bot = Bot()
 
 room_id = "!your_room_id:matrix.org"  # Replace with your room ID
 
@@ -15,19 +15,19 @@ async def ping(ctx: Context) -> None:
 @bot.schedule("* * * * *")
 async def scheduled_task() -> None:
     # This task runs every minute.
-    await room.send(message="Scheduled ping!")
+    await room.send("Scheduled ping!")
 
 
 @bot.schedule("0 * * * *")
 async def hourly_task() -> None:
     # This task runs every hour.
-    await room.send(message="This is your hourly update!")
+    await room.send("This is your hourly update!")
 
 
 @bot.schedule("0 9 * * 1-5")
 async def weekday_morning_task() -> None:
     # This task runs every weekday at 9 AM.
-    await room.send(message="Good morning! Here's your weekday update!")
+    await room.send("Good morning! Here's your weekday update!")
 
 
-bot.start()
+bot.start(config="config.yaml")
diff --git a/matrix/bot.py b/matrix/bot.py
index 163a847..ed09437 100644
--- a/matrix/bot.py
+++ b/matrix/bot.py
@@ -28,29 +28,34 @@ class Bot(Registry):
     """
 
     def __init__(
-        self, *, config: Union[Config, str], help: Optional[HelpCommand] = None
+        self,
+        *,
+        help_: Optional[HelpCommand] = None,
     ) -> None:
-        if isinstance(config, Config):
-            self.config = config
-        elif isinstance(config, str):
-            self.config = Config(config_path=config)
-        else:
-            raise TypeError("config must be a Config instance or a config file path")
+        super().__init__(self.__class__.__name__)
 
-        super().__init__(self.__class__.__name__, prefix=self.config.prefix)
-
-        self.client: AsyncClient = AsyncClient(self.config.homeserver)
+        self._config: Config | None = None
+        self._client: AsyncClient | None = None
+        self._help: HelpCommand | None = help_
         self.extensions: dict[str, Extension] = {}
         self.scheduler: Scheduler = Scheduler()
         self.log: logging.Logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+        self.start_at: float | None = None
 
-        self.start_at: float | None = None  # unix timestamp
+    @property
+    def client(self) -> AsyncClient:
+        assert self._client is not None, "Bot has not been started."
+        return self._client
 
-        self.help: HelpCommand = help or DefaultHelpCommand(prefix=self.prefix)
-        self.register_command(self.help)
+    @property
+    def config(self) -> Config:
+        assert self._config is not None, "Bot has not been started."
+        return self._config
 
-        self.client.add_event_callback(self._on_matrix_event, Event)
-        self._auto_register_events()
+    @property
+    def help(self) -> HelpCommand:
+        assert self._help is not None, "Bot has not been started."
+        return self._help
 
     def _auto_register_events(self) -> None:
         for attr in dir(self):
@@ -192,7 +197,26 @@ async def _on_command_error(self, ctx: Context, error: Exception) -> None:
 
     # ENTRYPOINT
 
-    def start(self) -> None:
+    def _load_config(self, config: Config | str) -> None:
+        if self._config is not None:
+            raise RuntimeError("Config is already loaded.")
+
+        if isinstance(config, str):
+            config = Config(config_path=config)
+        elif not isinstance(config, Config):
+            raise TypeError("config must be a Config instance or a config file path")
+
+        self._config = config
+        self._client = AsyncClient(config.homeserver)
+        self._help = self._help or DefaultHelpCommand()
+
+        self.prefix = config.prefix
+        self.register_command(self.help)
+
+        self.client.add_event_callback(self._on_matrix_event, Event)
+        self._auto_register_events()
+
+    def start(self, *, config: Config | str) -> None:
         """
         Synchronous entry point for running the bot.
 
@@ -201,6 +225,9 @@ def start(self) -> None:
         :func:`asyncio.run`, and ensures the client is closed gracefully
         on interruption.
         """
+        if config is not None:
+            self._load_config(config)
+
         try:
             asyncio.run(self.run())
         except KeyboardInterrupt:
diff --git a/tests/test_bot.py b/tests/test_bot.py
index 95e3d01..00bf5ef 100644
--- a/tests/test_bot.py
+++ b/tests/test_bot.py
@@ -15,14 +15,15 @@
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def bot():
-    bot = Bot(config="tests/config_fixture.yaml")
+    b = Bot()
+    b._load_config("tests/config_fixture.yaml")
 
-    bot.client = MagicMock()
-    bot.client.room_send = AsyncMock()
-    bot.log = MagicMock()
-    bot.log.getChild.return_value = MagicMock()
+    b._client = MagicMock()
+    b._client.room_send = AsyncMock()
+    b.log = MagicMock()
+    b.log.getChild.return_value = MagicMock()
 
-    return bot
+    return b
 
 
 @pytest.fixture
@@ -46,12 +47,8 @@ def event():
 
 
 def test_bot_init_with_config():
-    bot = Bot(
-        config=Config(
-            username="grace",
-            password="grace1234",
-        )
-    )
+    bot = Bot()
+    bot._load_config(Config(username="grace", password="grace1234"))
 
     assert bot.config.user_id == "grace"
     assert bot.config.password == "grace1234"
@@ -59,8 +56,9 @@ def test_bot_init_with_config():
 
 
 def test_bot_init_with_invalid_config_file():
+    bot = Bot()
     with pytest.raises(FileNotFoundError):
-        Bot(config="not-a-dict")
+        bot._load_config("not-a-dict")
 
 
 def test_auto_register_events_registers_known_events(bot):
@@ -107,7 +105,7 @@ async def handler2(room, event):
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
 async def test_on_event_ignores_self_events(bot):
     bot.start_at = None
-    bot.client.user = "@grace:matrix.org"
+    bot._client.user = "@grace:matrix.org"
 
     event = MagicMock(spec=RoomMessageText)
     event.sender = "@grace:matrix.org"
@@ -122,7 +120,7 @@ async def test_on_event_ignores_self_events(bot):
 
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
 async def test_on_event_ignores_old_events(bot, room, event):
-    bot.client.user = "@somebot:matrix.org"
+    bot._client.user = "@somebot:matrix.org"
     bot.start_at = event.server_timestamp / 1000 + 10
 
     bot._dispatch_matrix_event = AsyncMock()
@@ -142,7 +140,7 @@ async def test_on_event_calls_error_handler(bot):
     event.sender = "@someone:matrix.org"
     event.server_timestamp = 999999999
     bot.start_at = 0
-    bot.client.user = "@grace:matrix.org"
+    bot._client.user = "@grace:matrix.org"
 
     await bot._on_matrix_event(MatrixRoom("!roomid", "alias"), event)
     custom_error_handler.assert_awaited_once()
@@ -380,42 +378,44 @@ async def cmd2(ctx):
 
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
 async def test_run_uses_token():
-    bot = Bot(config="tests/config_fixture_token.yaml")
+    bot = Bot()
+    bot._load_config("tests/config_fixture_token.yaml")
 
-    bot.client.sync_forever = AsyncMock()
+    bot._client.sync_forever = AsyncMock()
     bot.on_ready = AsyncMock()
 
     await bot.run()
 
-    assert bot.client.access_token == "abc123"
+    assert bot._client.access_token == "abc123"
     bot.on_ready.assert_awaited_once()
-    bot.client.sync_forever.assert_awaited_once()
+    bot._client.sync_forever.assert_awaited_once()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
 async def test_run_with_username_and_password(bot):
-    bot.client.login = AsyncMock(return_value="login_resp")
-    bot.client.sync_forever = AsyncMock()
+    bot._client.login = AsyncMock(return_value="login_resp")
+    bot._client.sync_forever = AsyncMock()
     bot._on_ready = AsyncMock()
 
     await bot.run()
 
-    bot.client.login.assert_awaited_once_with("grace1234")
+    bot._client.login.assert_awaited_once_with("grace1234")
     bot._on_ready.assert_awaited_once()
-    bot.client.sync_forever.assert_awaited_once()
+    bot._client.sync_forever.assert_awaited_once()
 
 
 def test_start_handles_keyboard_interrupt(caplog):
-    bot = Bot(config="tests/config_fixture.yaml")
-
+    bot = Bot()
+    bot._client = MagicMock()
+    bot._client.close = AsyncMock()
     bot.run = AsyncMock(side_effect=KeyboardInterrupt)
-    bot.client.close = AsyncMock()
 
-    with caplog.at_level("INFO"):
-        bot.start()
+    with patch.object(bot, "_load_config"):
+        with caplog.at_level("INFO"):
+            bot.start(config="tests/config_fixture.yaml")
 
     assert "bot interrupted by user" in caplog.text
-    bot.client.close.assert_awaited_once()
+    bot._client.close.assert_awaited_once()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.asyncio