Another fantastic book by Francis Chan. This as a great, convicting, easy to read book. It's all about love, crazy, life altering love. Why do we as Christians always seem to forget the two greatest commands that Jesus gives us are solely about love. 1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, sole, mind and strength. 2. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love. Again, the two most important commands Jesus gives us revolves around love. Chan reminds us how when we first fell in love with someone, we were willing to do crazy things, like driving 4 hours just to visit a friend for only 1 hour. That is how our lives should change if we truly fall in love with God. For too many Christians salvation and a relationship (or lack there of) with God is more of a fire insurance policy then an actual love relationship. Many like God, but fewer LOVE God. We already know God loves us beyond our own comprehension. He sent his SON to DIE for us. I think many times, we as Christians become callus to that statement because we have heard it for so long and so many times. But God willingly sacrificed his son for his creation. Even with all of our flaws, rebellion and sin. That is like me giving up my only son, so that I could save my Lego creation. (Granted we are more then just Lego's, but I think you get my point) God loves us that much. Though there are 10 main points Chan discusses in this book, one point seemed to really stick out to me. (especially in light of facilitating a neighborhood group.) Jesus doesn't just call us to merely put up with or tolerate our neighbors, but to love them as ourselves. To care for them as ourselves. Constantly looking for ways to help and serve them. How you live your days is how you have lived your life. When you die, which you will, that I can guarantee (anyone what to make a bet on that), how will you be remembered? When someone gives your eulogy, will they need to pretend to come up with things that make you sound like you were better then you were? Like you actually offered something to the world and those around you? Will the people listening think, "Yeah right, that guy only cared about himself. He never did anything for another person. Forget about being used as an example of God's love."? Or will there not be enough time to hear from all the people you have touched and served because of God's love. Chan's message is not at all a works based message nor does he ever claim you could loose your salvation. He is just emphasizing that our love for God should pour out of us. Like the old hymn goes "they will know we are Christians by our love". I pray that my love would continue to increase and pour out of me onto others. I highly, highly recommend this book.
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