Synopses & Reviews
Each day involves countless interactions with others–not only among family and friends but also with neighbors, coworkers, even telephone solicitors. An attitude of love may ot be your top priority in some of these encounters. But what if the ancient maxim “love your neighbor as yourself” applied to everyone, including those you meet in the most ordinary circumstances?
By giving love, instead of grabbing for it, youll become the person others want to love in return, no matter what their role in your life.
Relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman applies the seven characteristics of authentic love to family life, friendship, the workplace, and beyond. Eye-opening personal assessments uncover relational strengths and weaknesses, while real-life stories and ideas for building habits of love will inspire you to grow into the complete person you were meant/created to be.
Capture a vision that will transform your relationships and make your corner of the world a better place–by choosing Love As a Way of Life.
Includes questions for personal reflection or group discussion.
From the Hardcover edition.
Synopsis
Unlock the Power of Authentic LoveGod designed us to thrive in relationships, so it should come as no surprise that the greatest success in life comes through the practice of authentic love. But what does a love-driven life look like-not just in marriage, but in friendships, at work, in the church, and in business relationships?
In Love As a Way of Life, relationship expert Gary Chapman shows how genuine love can direct your interactions with other people, leading to positive change in their lives and yours. Youll learn how the seven traits of love-kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty-work together to transform your approach to everyday encounters with others.
Through real-life stories, self-assessments, and practical exercises, this groundbreaking book paves the way for you to live out authentic love, leading to satisfying relationships and a higher level of success in every area of life. The Five Love Languages saved your marriage. This book will transform your life.
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Includes questions for personal reflection and group discussion.
About the Author
Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-seven books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. A popular speaker and internationally respected marriage and family-life expert, he hosts the daily radio program A Love Language Minute. Dr. Chapman and his wife, Karolyn, have two adult children and two grandchildren and live in North Carolina, where he serves on a church staff.
Reading Group Guide
A SAMPLE OF THE QUESTIONS FOUND IN Love As a Way of LifeTo begin the guide, consider this question: When you love others, do you believe you are loving God? Why or why not? You might want to keep this question in mind as you discuss the seven traits of a loving person. Gods help in loving others is always available to us because he cares so deeply about others receiving and reciprocating his love.
Kindness: Discovering The Joy Of Putting Others Before Yourself
Further Bible reading: Jeremiah 31:1-6; Joel 2:13; Luke 6:32-36; Romans 2:2-4; Ephesians 4:29
The apostle Paul said the love of God is “expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:7-8). The pattern is clear. The kindness that God shows toward us is what motivates us to be kind to others. Paul spoke of this when he said, “At one time we…lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:3-5). While kindness does not come naturally, we have the perfect model of Gods kindness in Jesus. The Holy Spirit is at work in us to express Christs kindness through us.
1. Give an example of a time when another person expressed kindness to you. How did that kindness change you or your relationship with the person?
2. Peter said Jesus “went around doing good” (Acts 10:38). This is the simplest yet most profound summary of Jesuss lifestyle. In what ways did Jesus show love in doing good for others? Name some ways that Jesus has done good for you.
3. In Matthew 10:42, Jesus speaks of the value of giving “even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones.” Why did Jesus call attention to such a small gesture? What makes a simple act of kindness such an important part of being a follower of Jesus?
4. In what ways does our culture diminish the value of small acts of kindness?
5. Christians are sometimes criticized for not living out the love they profess. Why do acts of kindness draw others to God? How have you seen unkind acts turn people away from God?