A Selection of titles, and reviews, by Daryl Wearring.
When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus was clear that, as well as loving God with our heart, mind, soul and strength, we should be loving those around us – our neighbours – with a similar passion. But, if we are honest with ourselves, how are we doing on that score? How much do our actions match this aspiration? It’s much easier to offer help, love and support to those we know (or like), but if that’s as far as it goes then are we really much different to the world? As Christians we are called to be noticed through our sacrificial love and generosity for others. Here are a few new books to help us make a difference…
1. The Everyday God by Jonathan Arnold
Jonathan Arnold encourages us to demonstrate God’s love in everyday works of mercy. Using real-life stories, he unveils the power of practical faith, showing how it can ignite transformation among the homeless, refugees, the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalised in our society. Reflecting upon Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25:34-40, he challenges us to move out of our comfort zones and respond to the needs around us.
2. Neighbourhoods Reimagined by Chris and Elizabeth KcKinney
Using the beatitudes as the framework for being good neighbours, Chris and Elizabeth McKinney help us to reach out practically to our local communities. They firmly believe that we are ‘placed for a purpose’ and that God has plans for us to make a difference where we live – starting with our next-door neighbours. Includes helpful stories and application questions for small groups to discuss and put into action.
3. Bridge-Building Apologetics by Lindsey Medenwaldt
On a slightly different tack, this book is about establishing caring and compassionate relationships with those you desire to reach for Christ in your community, and building bridges with those who hold different views. It includes strategies and practical tips for engaging non-Christians, and people of different faith backgrounds, in relationships and faith-centred conversations, with grace, love and respect.
4. Loving Samaritans by Terry Crist
This looks like a great book giving guidance on showing radical love to those who are different to us. Weaving the story of the woman at the well with his own examples of today’s culture, Terry Crist shows us how we can trade judgment for grace, disputes for harmony, apathy for empathy, and hate for love and acceptance. We can imitate Jesus’ love in the interactions we have with others through our words and actions.
5. The Art of Giving by Matthew Porter
In the first of two books on generosity, Matthew Porter asks: Why is it good to give? How does it change me and impact the world? Why is giving so central to the life of the follower of Jesus? As he unpacks the answers, he shows how we can bring lasting transformation to ourselves and those around us as we become more generous followers of Jesus. A practical book to help us grow in joyful generosity.
6. Bread and Bibles by Greg Quiggle
If we’re looking for examples of social action for us to follow, we could not do much better than study the life of D.L. Moody, whose approach to poor and immigrant communities was to carry a loaf of bread in one hand and a Bible in the other. This new biography takes a focused look at the social vision and missionary work – including triumphs and failures – of D.L. Moody, a man whose impact continues to this day.
7. A Short Guide to Gospel Generosity by Nathan Harris
Part of a series of short guides, this little book reminds us of the life-giving, sacrificial generosity that God shows to us in the saving work of Christ, and how, in turn, our own generosity can have a big impact on others. Readers are called to consider all of their resources and gifts from God to be held loosely (whether our time, our talents or our treasures), ready to be used sacrificially for God’s purposes.
Together Magazine
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