Surrender to Love
Discovering the Heart
of Christian Spirituality
By David G. Benner
Reviewed by Pat Beaty
The author says, “this book is about love – not the soft
sentimental kind but the strong spirit-transforming kind.” And this one
sentence description is more than accurate.
It is a short, simple read, but within its simplicity is more beautifully
written truth than one can find in several similar long-winded expositions all
together. Don’t get me wrong – it is not
the Bible; but words and thoughts from that precious book are found throughout
this offering. It is a phenomenal book, possibly
rarer than I thought. It was written in
2003.
Would you argue with this description of the way God feels
about you, “ God is head-over-heels in love with you. God is simply giddy about
you. And He loves you deeply, recklessly
and extravagantly – just the way you are.
God knows that you are a sinner, but your sins do not surprise him, nor
do they reduce in the slightest his love for you”?
Picture this: It would make me happy to read aloud to you
this entire book – and I feel that we both would receive joy and fulfillment as
a result of my crazy behavior. This book is that good! Perhaps because it is so wonderfully written,
I found it difficult to review. Suffice it to say, I attempted to underline the
prominent phrases and thoughts as I read it; but, as I look back, I feel like I
could have underlined most of this work.
I enjoyed it that much.
Although “Christians often focus on obedience more than surrender,”
the author states that “Christ does not simply want our compliance, he wants
our heart.” In the preface, “Surrender,
love, and spirituality,” the writer explains the meaning and manifestations of
these terms. He says, “to be human is to
have been designed for intimate relationship with the divine.”
In the chapter, “It All Begins with Love,” the author begins
a fascinating chapter, replete with examples you will easily understand, as he
asks, “What do you assume God feels when you come to mind?” Believe me, from this point on, you will not
want to put this book down until you finish it.
The Christian psychologist in the author easily comes out
when he asks, “Does it seem hard to believe that, when God thinks of you, love
swells in his heart and a smile comes to his face?”
This writer makes you think, often deeply, but you will find
the exercise pleasant. He makes it
something you really want to do. “The Cross
invites us to take the risk of losing our life so that we will truly find it”
(Mark 8:35). You will enjoy reading this
book and dwelling on it in your heart and mind.
Read previous reviews at http://patbeaty.blogspot.com
June 21, 2013
