This would not be classified as a casual, leisurely read for me.

I didn't find myself fully connecting with everything herein.

However, there was definitely some quotable content that stood out.

The intriguing concepts presented made me stop and think.

And the fresh perspectives offered added a new dimension to the subject matter.

It is also creatively written.

In my opinion, at times it was a bit chaotically creative, but creative nonetheless.

The author's unique approach to presenting the ideas made it an interesting read.

Although I didn't resonate with every aspect, there were enough闪光点 to keep me engaged.

Overall, it was a book that had its flaws but also its redeeming qualities.

I would recommend it to those who are open to exploring new and different ideas, even if they may not always be presented in a perfectly organized manner.

It took me three long years to get through this book, which is the main reason I'm giving it three stars. The information within was often redundant, and at times, the writing was rather clumsy. However, I also gave it three stars for some of the material. At times, it seemed as if the author, in his eagerness to show love and forgiveness, either condoned or at least turned a blind eye to situations of abuse. I also disagree with the author's stance that cutting off a family member is never the answer. Sometimes, it is indeed the best option, even if only for a short while. Moreover, the book's language sometimes bordered on a legalistic and narrow view of forgiveness being equated with reconciliation, despite the author verbally stating that wasn't his intention. I wish he had been a bit clearer on that point and allowed more room for people to walk away if they felt it was the safest choice.

Nevertheless, the book brought me to tears several times with its wholehearted desire to discover the heart and purpose of God in loving people and in finding authenticity and honesty within ourselves. The author did excel at presenting two more extreme sides and attempting to find the middle ground - the narrow path. His heart seemed to be in the right place, and the way he worded biblical truths often moved me to tears. I would like to read some of his newer books. Loving people is extremely hard, and the author did a good job of delving into that tough topic in an honest and kind manner.

One other aspect of the book that I didn't particularly love was the way he often assumed that older Christians were naturally wiser and better mentors than younger ones. I haven't experienced that in my own life at all. I firmly believe that older people don't have a special connection with God that younger people lack. We all have something to offer, and people of all ages can disciple one another. If we have the willingness to learn, we can always pick up something new. Age does not automatically equate to wisdom. I wish it did, lol.

Larry Crabb wrote in the Foreward: "For far too long, we have upheld a confidence in the power of God's word by feigning that things are not as dire as they truly are and that God's call to love implies something less than what He actually intended."

Bold Love is not about pretending and thus enabling abuse to persist. Instead, it is about harnessing tender strength to encourage the offender to confront his offense.

"In numerous cases, bold love will unnerve, offend, hurt, and disturb the one who is loved. It will also compel that person to grapple with the internal ailment that is depriving him and others of joy. It is a love that does not shy away from the truth but rather faces it head-on, with the hope of bringing about true healing and restoration."

As Christians, we are called to embark on a walk of love.

The way in which we express this love will surely catch the attention of a world that is watching.

However, I have come to understand that this walk of love is by no means a simplistic "cookie cutter" or a "one size fits all" approach.

This particular book has been extremely beneficial in highlighting the practical differences in walking in love towards different types of people.

It shows us how to love a "normal" person, a "fool", and even a person whose actions might be labeled as "evil".

The insights provided in this book are truly eye-opening and can help us to better navigate the complex terrain of love in our daily lives.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to grow in their understanding and practice of love.

It is a valuable resource that can transform the way we interact with others and bring the love of Christ to a hurting world.

One of my all-time favorite books is truly a remarkable piece of literature.

From the very first page, it has the power to captivate the reader and transport them into a world filled with vivid characters and exciting adventures.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly eager to turn the next page and discover what lies ahead.

The author's writing style is engaging and descriptive, painting a detailed picture in your mind that makes you feel as if you are actually a part of the story.

Not only is the plot thrilling, but the themes explored within the book are thought-provoking and relevant.

It makes you reflect on life, love, and the human condition, leaving a lasting impression long after you have finished reading.

Overall, this book is nothing short of phenomenal and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

One of my "flying" books (a euphemism for "books I threw across the room")

was a particular volume that I had initially rejected in frustration. However, a year after that incident, I curiously picked it up once again.

To my surprise, as I delved into its pages, I found myself reading it all the way through.

This book had a huge impact on me, challenging the deep brokenness within.

It made me reflect on my grudges and the people I couldn't forgive or simply didn't want to.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in a similar situation.

It might just be the catalyst for a profound change in your perspective and a step towards healing and forgiveness.

Give it a chance, and you might be amazed at the transformation it can bring.

I really enjoyed the practical applications for loving others well.

It's not just about having good intentions, but actually putting those intentions into action.

There are so many ways to show love, such as listening attentively when someone is speaking, offering a helping hand when needed, or simply being kind and respectful in our interactions.

These practical applications allow us to build stronger relationships, bring joy to those around us, and make a positive impact in the world.

I have found that when I focus on loving others well, I also experience a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness in my own life.

It's a win-win situation, and I look forward to continuing to explore and practice these applications in my daily life.

Old Love is an interesting work that combines the principles of Bowen Family Systems theory, clinical psychology, and basic biblical concepts to construct a guide for traversing relationships.

Particularly, it focuses on those relationships that are arduous and fraught with emotional entanglements. The book is written in an approachable manner, with its chapters alternating between psychological and theological tenets, and is supplemented by numerous examples.

However, at times, I felt that it was a bit simplistic. Without additional reading or guidance, it could seem rather general. Nevertheless, on the whole, it is a good book that contains sufficient substance to assist one in commencing the process of making changes within challenging relationships.

It offers valuable insights and practical tools that can be applied to various relationship scenarios, enabling readers to better understand and manage their emotions and interactions.

Whether you are dealing with a difficult family member, a challenging romantic partner, or a complex friendship, Old Love can provide you with the necessary guidance and support to navigate these relationships more effectively.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in improving their relationships and enhancing their emotional well-being.

I have been making numerous attempts to read this book. In fact, I have started it on so many occasions.

I truly believe that the very thought of delving into it is just a tad bit scary.

This is precisely why the title holds such significance.

Each time I pick up the book, there is a certain anticipation mingled with a hint of trepidation.

The unknown that lies within its pages seems to be lurking, waiting to be discovered.

But despite the initial scare, I am still determined to overcome it and fully explore the story that awaits.

Maybe with each new attempt, I will gradually become more accustomed to the idea and be able to embrace the reading experience wholeheartedly.

Only time will tell if I can finally conquer my fears and truly understand the essence of this book.

Love is a powerful and eternal force that should never be associated with the call to "Get toxic people out of your life." This is a worldly sentiment, for the world lacks the Truth that has the power to set us free.

In a relationship, if there are toxic elements present, it is not a reason to abandon love. Instead, God, in His infinite wisdom, can guide us and show us the way to handle such situations.

Love is not about running away from difficulties or cutting off those who may seem toxic at times. It is about having the patience, understanding, and grace to work through the challenges and seek solutions that are in line with God's will.

We should trust in God's ability to transform and heal relationships, even those that are currently facing toxicity. By keeping our focus on love and relying on God's guidance, we can navigate through the stormy waters of relationships and emerge stronger and more connected.

Let us remember that love is eternal and that with God's help, we can overcome any toxicity that may come our way in our relationships.

I can't express enough how much I appreciate this book. It was recommended to me, and out of curiosity and based on the content, I confess that I started with the last section of the book, which is something I never usually do.

After that, I went back to the beginning and was completely amazed by the rest of the content and the beautiful way the authors so tenderly explain their message, which is both Biblical and relevant.

As Christians, we often think that we are being "loving" by showing patience and making allowances for others who might be destructive, foolish, or selfish. However, the authors so eloquently explain that this is not the love that Jesus modeled for us. His love is bold, constructive, and might require us to be assertive, creative, direct, or strong.

For someone with a more peacemaking personality like me, this book has challenged the way I do things and my motives in a powerful way. It has also led me to delve deeper into the Proverbs to gain more insight into wise living. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to grow in their faith and live a more meaningful life.

The authors assert that "Bold love is the tenacious, irrepressible energy to do good in order to surprise and conquer evil."

As I delved into their incredibly profound and highly applicable book, I discovered the answers to the central question of the book: "Why should I be good to someone who does me harm?"

The authors maintain that God desires us to forgive those who wrong us and to offer them the bread of life. By doing so, we will enhance our longing for true love and honor. This approach will zero in on and annihilate the inclination to pursue self-fulfilling routes and decisions.

Yes, there is an adversary whose ranks are populated with evil, foolish, and unassuming lost individuals, but they are vanquished by bold love. In confronting evil, our growth commences. It can and will pulverize evil. Bold love undermines the enemy's schemes by causing the person tormenting believers to perceive the mystery and power of the cross.

"Bold Love" is an extraordinary book with its lessons skillfully laid out and presented. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.