Title: Loving Well
{Even if you haven’t been}
Author: William P.
Smith
Pages: 304
Publisher: New Growth
Press
Year: 2012
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review from B & B media.
One of
the neat things about reading and writing is discovering new authors, ideas,
and more. Perhaps this author is not new
to some of you, but it was the first book of his I have read. While some nonfiction books don’t keep me
interested past the preface, I am glad to say this is one of those that I not
only liked, but also found refreshing.
Why? Well,
sometimes when we are in a season of storms in our lives we aren’t sure anyone
really cares or understands. It might
even be that some of us have found the “church” not so interested in the
happenings of the lives of their flock outside the walls of the building. Here, though, William Smith shares the hope
that there are community churches with them actively involved in each other’s
lives. They not only care; they do something
to physically make a difference.
Now is
that all there is to this book? Most
certainly not, there is so much more.
There are many people, communities, and churches who would find this
book both encouraging and challenging.
The author divides this book into three main categories that make it
easy for the reader to see what the premise is and how it will be
presented. In Part 1, “Love that
responds to a Broken World”, we are given five chapters to see how different
types of love can make a difference. In
Part 2, “Love that reaches Out to build Others Up”, presents five chapters on
ways to act to help others. In the final
section, Part 3, “Love that enjoys Heaven on Earth”, we read five more chapters
on how community can love each other.
The
author writes very transparently with what he struggles with in the ways of
being, acting, and showing love to his family, to the church, and to counseling
people. We are reminded, again, that
authors share what they are learning not because they have perfected it in their
lives, but because it is the truth we need to be reminded of and practice until
we go to heaven. There is so much that is
comforting because it affirms my personal belief that we need to care for each
other so the world sees Who we love because He first loved us. I also found some things that were
challenging too. I saw ways in which I
fail to be an ambassador for Christ in simple ways. When you read this book, you might learn
something else besides what I share here and that would be cool! In either case, this is a book the Body of
Christ needs to read, discuss, and actively live out within the community of
believers.
I pray
you get a copy to read and meditate on or discuss with others as there are
questions to ponder after each chapter is presented. This would be a great small group book or
mentoring book because it would make the truths shared become a reality. How?
In small groups or mentoring, accountability is easier to practice than
in larger groups. However, you want to
use this book, it is a great tool.
Personally I rate it a 5-star book and can’t wait to read how this book
may impact your life as well!
