I recently joined an online book club where we are given a monthly theme. This month’s theme is God’s Love. Seems a fairly obvious theme, what with Valentine’s day and all. It really difficult to come up with a post for it though, what can I write about God’s love being shown? I don’t regularly read books about love or Valentine’s or stuff like that.
I pondered a number of ways I could approach this topic
- What I’m learning about God’s love as seen in the book of Proverbs.
- Books I’ve reviewed that cover the topic of love such as Bear meets Bear.
- Questions my lad is asking, and how I’m seeking to answer them in a variety of books I’m buying. Why? Because of my deep love for him, and wanting to help him sort it all through.
- What I like to read. I have a list that I am working through, and I love my books on audible.
Spending time in Proverbs
In the end, I decided to go with the topic God’s love shown. This is how God shows love to me.
He helps me to see the parameters of his love for me throughout my study of Proverbs. For instance the other day I was listening to a sermon where the pastor took the time to show how Jesus exemplified wisdom. All these examples from the life of Jesus on earth from these snippets from Proverbs 11 and 12. It struck me as odd at the time, but it’s stuck with me. God gave us a supreme example to watch for and copy.
Helping the Lad
My time in this book of wisdom is helping to me to do what I need with my lad. Ask him questions, give him things to research and occasionally to challenge some of his assertions. Asking him what kind of wisdom he’s actually seeking, learning to help him even to ask the questions. I’m not doing it perfectly, and I fear for him, but I’m doing as God himself leads.
I’m affiliate linking through amazon some of the books I’ve picked up that are helping me ask questions and answer some as well. Books like Why Trust the bible, can science explain everything, how we got the bible, stranger on the road to emmaus, contested bones, no God but one, taking God at his word,, can man live without God, evolutions achille’s heel.
Valentine’s books
I haven’t reviewed a whole ton of valentines’ books, but a few have crossed my path. Amazon affiliate link, review.
- love is all around Canada. (review)
- Bear meets bear. (review)
- Love is. (review)
- A love letter from God. (review)
The truest “Valentine” though, God’s love shown to us. His son died for us so that we might return God’s love freely.
Books I love to read
As much as I would like to say I love to read non-fiction, I am drawn in by fiction every single time. I love fantasy, don’t really care for most sci-fi, love thrillers and a good mystery, but dislike scary stuff. Some psychological thrillers I can read but often I have to read them super slowly – like over the course of two years- (Patricia Cornwall), but others I can’t handle even from the very first page. Most drama type books are BORING, oh heavens, just so boring but I did like reading Jane Austen. Historical fiction that tells a story with rich characters can be good.
It is surprising at how often I check glimpses of God as I listen. The care and concern, the willingness to give of oneself to help others, the sacrifice so often demanded, etc. I know much of that is simply my worldview, but God so often reminds me of his care.
Currently, my favourite authors in the fiction realm are Brandon Sanderson (anything), Mercedes Lackey (valdemar series), Anne McCaffrey (pern books), Robin Hobb (anything about the rainwilds), and John Flanagan (ranger’s apprentice series).
How Do you see God’s Love Shown?
How is God’s love shown you? What glimpses have you see of him this week? Do you felt led to see God more clearly in the books you read?
Yes, I totally agree. God’s Son is the absolute most wonderful example of love that we will ever find, but we still will never be able to comprehend it.
I know, it’s such a conundrum at times.
Good to see the variety in you life for how love is shown and seen.
thank you. it’s a good thing to ponder.
I loved a study of Proverbs and the other wisdom books I did with a small group last year. I remember discussing how the word wisdom is often interchangeable with the word love in the Proverbs, because God’s love is wisdom. Interesting thoughts.
I will have to look at that more closely Kym, thank you for pointing that out.