Do you wonder about God’s personal love for us? Do you have a background of little to no love as a child and have always been searching for it? Are you a perfectionist with thoughts of I’m just not good enough? This book might be for you.
God’s love (and grace) has nothing to do with not living up to your own or other’s expectations. It is simple in its complexity. It has little, to nothing, to do with you/me and everything to do with the One who forgave every complex bit of ourselves on the cross. We are so wrapped up in what we think is expected that we choose to lay the burden on others and of course the media. He loves us and He wants us to converse (i.e., pray) with Him without judging ourselves or letting others judge us.
This book is really about understanding the characteristics that are not particularly valued in our society. Love, gentleness, lowliness, humility, sharing, tenderness, caring and more. We have grown up thinking self-sufficiency is of the utmost importance not realizing that the far more important concept (to use an overused cliché) is to ‘let go and let God’.
Forgiveness is another of the characteristics that is not valued. The book goes into great detail on this subject. It is impossible to be considered Abba’s Child if we do not learn to forgive. Whether it is a personal affront, abuse, a legacy of racism, or any other sin against us Jesus says to forgive just like we would be expected to be forgiven.
Abba’s Child is an excellent study in understanding how love, grace, and forgiveness work together. I highly recommend this book. It should be read by and on the bookshelves of every believer.
One last thought…Let yourselves be loved!
A copy of this book was provided for me by Tyndale Blog Review Network/NavPress. No other remuneration was received. The thoughts and ideas in this review are entirely my own and are based totally on the book. If you click on the book picture it will take you to NavPress where you can purchase the book. (I am not an affiliate of this company and receive nothing from them for this option.)
The Belt of Truth Refers to personal integrity, i.e., knowing the truth and speaking the truth. Simply put – Don’t lie.
The Breastplate of Righteousness What is righteousness? Honoring God by making the right choices.
Fitted Feet It was absolutely imparative that a soldier would have the solid footing given by strong and fitted sandals. Then he could stand strong and move as needed to defeat the enemy. The rest of this verse refers to the spreading the Gospel of Peace which is a reference to sharing the Word whenever the opportunity arises. In other words – Be ready to talk about God.
Shield of Faith In battle the shield can be moved in any direction to deflect arrows, rocks, anything thrown at you. Shields of ancient times were made of leather and soaked with water to extinguish fire. The shield saves the soldier from harm just like our faith does for us.
Helmet of Salvation The helmet obviously protects the head. Simply said – God protects me.
Sword of the Spirit The sword is the only piece of offensive gear in this list. All the others are used defensively. It is used to reflect the Word of God.
Do you have a favorite book in the Bible? One that you can turn to and know that you’ll find new insight into living the way God wants? James is my go-to book. It’s the first book I read when I get a new Bible. It’s underscored, highlighted, marked up, and has notes in the margins. It speaks something new to me every time I read it.
You must be logged in to post a comment.