It’s been about a year or so since a book shook the little world I live in. As many of you know, “Love Does” forever changed my approach to life. Not to say I haven’t read some great books since then, but when you read one of those books, you know it. Friends, let me introduce you to the incredibly powerful and important new book from Tullian Tchividjian called “One Way Love.” Many years ago, another book called “In The Grip of Grace” by the great Max Lucado shook up my understanding and charted a new course of my faith. It’s no wonder that Max Lucado is quoted on the front of “One Way Love” as saying:
“Tullian captures the wonder of grace and offers it to us all. I urge you to read this book!”
When the author that penned the book that rocked my understanding of grace recommends a book on that very subject, you can bet my antennas are up. I had the opportunity to review this book recently and I struggle with the words to express my gratitude that it found it’s way to my mailbox and hands. Incredible subject. Exceptional writing. Powerful implications. Need an example, check out my highlight from Chapter One:
The Bible is a record of the blessed bad. The Bible is not a witness to the best people making it up to God; it’s a witness to God making it down to the worst people. Far from being a book full of moral heroes whom we are commanded to emulate, what we discover is that the so-called heroes in the Bible are not really heroes at all. They fall and fail; they make huge mistakes; they get afraid; they’re selfish, deceptive, egotistical, and unreliable……The overwhelming focus of The Bible is not the work of the redeemed but the work of the Redeemer.
Whoa. That was Chapter One. This statement came after the author makes a case that we are absolutely a world that is exhausted. We are constantly chasing a society that is full of demands. Get the looks, girl/guy, job, raise, status, car, home, clout, and everything is perfect. Or is it? Tullian says – “The fact is, real life is long on law and short on grace – the demands never stop, the failures pile up, and fears set in.” Life has become a system of reward and punishment. It’s no coincidence that our understanding of grace is jaded.
When I really love a book, I HIGHLY recommend it. I am HIGHLY recommending “One Way Love.” Grace is quite possibly one of the most powerful forces in the universe. Our understanding of extending and receiving grace is one of the most misunderstood forces in the universe. This book will begin to chip away at the misinformation, misunderstanding and lack of knowledge each of us may have of grace. It will also begin to repair relationships and most likely the most important relationship with our Creator. If you’re looking for that next great book to read, look no longer. “One Way Love” is that book.
For more, check out http://www.onewaylovebook.com/
I give it a 5 out of 5.
“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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