A Loving Life
In a World of Broken
Relationships
By Paul E. Miller
Reviewed by Pat Beaty
First of all, I want to suggest that you read the book of
Ruth again before you read Paul Miller’s book.
He uses that Biblical story as a framework for a discussion of real
love, as opposed to “Disney” love. As an added benefit, his thoughts seem to
clarify the events in the lives of Ruth, Naomi and others in the Biblical
account.
The author states, “The book of Ruth is an ideal narrative
for our post-Christian world, where breaking covenants, not enduring in love,
is the new norm.” And, how about his one
– “The death of self offers ideal growing conditions for love.” The author intrigues
his readers with a fascinating discussion of the characteristics of love as he
deftly and gently guides us to an explanation of the subject of this book – Hesed
love (commitment love). He explains that
“this type of love is at the heart of Christianity. It is Jesus’s love for us
at the cross and it is to be our love for one another.”
This book is skillfully written, very moving, and a learning
experience you will never be able to forget. I can promise that you will become
immersed in every paragraph. I can
honestly say that, as I read a book as good as this one, I almost feel like I’m
having a discourse with God. Oh…one more
suggestion: you may want to keep this
work on your “favorite books” shelf and enjoy reading it again at a later time.
