reviewsbyerin

The idea that love changes everything is one I definitely agree with—but I must say that this book was not at all what I was expecting! Perhaps I misunderstood the book blurb, but I was under the impression that this book was about how our love can change our surroundings and relationships. However, the book is actually about how living with full knowledge of God's love for us can change everything about our own lives. Micah Berteau wants everyone to know the amazing and transforming love of Jesus, and then to go forth and live loved.

The Bible is clear that God's love toward us is vast and incomprehensible. He showed ultimate love by giving His Son to die for us. Yet it can be easy to teach little children to sing Jesus Loves Me while we as adults feel like we must strive to earn His favor and stay in His good graces. Yet what could we do that would ever make us more worthy in God's eyes? He has already declared His love in the biggest, boldest ways. If we understand this, it can transform how we view Him, how we view ourselves, and how we interact with Him.

Berteau uses the story of Hosea and Gomer to illustrate many of his points. Although I had a basic knowledge of this minor prophet and his message, I had not looked into it in an in-depth way. I appreciated his insights and the way he brought the account to life.

One of my favorite parts of the book was how the author reminded us that with Jesus we have nothing to lose and nothing to prove. God has already done it all. Of course His desire is that our love prompts us to live in humble obedience, and truly living loved will help us say no to temptation because we realize God has already met our needs and can fill the deepest desires of our heart. Another of my favorite quotes comes from Chapter 10: "What if you zeroed in on God's goodness more than anything else? You would know you are loved, called, highly favored, not forgotten, and powerful in the hands of God."

I would recommend this book for anyone who needs the reminder that they are valued and precious in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.

I received my copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.