Red Letters: Living a Faith That Bleeds

by Tom Davis

"I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me."
Matthew 25:42-43 ESV

In many Bibles, Christ’s words are set apart with a red font. It should be obvious, but this distinction helps remind us that when God becomes Man and that Man speaks—it’s probably something we cannot afford to miss.

So why doesn’t the church take these “ red letters” to heart? Why aren’t we doing more to be Christ’s hands and feet to the poor, the disenfranchised, the weary, the ill, the fatherless, the prisoners? It’s all there—in red letters. Why has the Church shirked its responsibilities, leaving the work to be done by governments, rock stars, and celebrities?

The Gospel wasn’t only meant to be read—it was meant to be lived. From the HIV crisis in Africa to a single abused and lonely child in Russia, the Church must seize the opportunity to serve with a radical, reckless abandon. Author Tom Davis offers both challenge and encouragement to get involved in an increasingly interconnected, desperate modern world.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Religion, Inspirational, Christianity, Nonfiction, Spirituality

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Tom Davis is an author, consultant, and the president of Children's HopeChest ( www.hopechest.org) a Christian-based child advocacy organization helping orphans in Eastern Europe and Africa. Tom holds a Business and Pastoral Ministry degree from Dallas Baptist University and a master's degree in Theology from The Criswell College.

Reviews

[Tabitha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The basis for this book is a solid one. I think that it would be a good starting point for people that are unfamiliar with HIV/AIDS and the Christian church's response to this. Given my history in medical case management, I didn't actually learn anything from the book. The author did highlight other books, including: Sach's The End of Poverty and Friedman's The World is Flat.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful book on the topic of Jesus’ language in the Gospel accounts to application into our lives, if you are a Christian. It focuses on the AIDS pandemic in Africa in the early 2000’s and how American Christians should use Jesus’ words to help motivate us to serve those in need when no one else is willing to do so. We are called to help the poor and those in need and yet, some American Christians don’t see this because of our comforts in the US; however, the author didn’t seem to talk about Jesus in the book but gave a lot of statistics with little bits of Scripture. In the end, it was thought provoking and challenging.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but well written.

[ChrisVV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Printed in 2007. The statistics are outdated. However, living the life of red letters rings true every day.

[Emily Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful read that encourages us to live out our faith and see the eyes of Jesus in those around us! I loved the premise, call to action, and learning more about the AIDS/HIV epidemic.

[Adam R. Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A review by Adam B.R. Clarke

Tom Davis challenges his readers to wake up and look in the mirror, in search of a “little Christ.” He calls us into a world of compassion, lived out through the study and understanding of the “Red Letters” of Jesus’ teaching. This is one calling that is continually falling on deaf ears around the globe. My hope for everyone after reading this is that every passionate Christian will pick this up and search for Jesus in everyone they encounter.

As a youth leader this book needs to be on hand as a continual reminder of how to live for Christ. In a job where this message is essential to not only our own personal relationships with Christ, but stands as a foundation to our calling to create disciples. Red Letters: Living A Faith That Bleeds, succeeds in its attempt to show how the world would be a better place through both compassion and hope. We need to leave behind our fear and comfortability with apathy and silence towards those that really need both hope and compassion. When reading Matt. 25:41-45, and taking in the words from Davis there is a clear understanding that ignorance and apathy can no longer be acceptable answers to our stalling in the mission of God, which is to love God, love our neighbor, and to create disciples. In order to be a successful Christ Follower, or promote Christ’s teachings effectively, we need to do one thing correctly; To care for what God cares about.

I truly appreciated the fact that Davis did not stop at charity as sole answer to the crisis’ that are abundant around the globe. He focuses on the HIV/AIDS crisis and the growing problem of prostitution among the youth in Russia, as they are kicked out of orphanages. We need to move beyond charity into compassion, hope and justice. Biblical justice is a calling to protect the weak from abuse or having the ability to show the love of God in practical and tangible ways. How does Christ accomplish this? He provided us with the Red Letters, and by teaching in short stories (parables). Justice also needs action. Wrongs need to be righted and our lives need to be given over so that we can serve others that are in need. I found this particular statement to be very challenging and helpful, “Learning to live a faith that is so real, you bleed Jesus. Here’s how you start: Look for Jesus every morning in the eyes of the people you meet. And then look for him in the mirror.” To often I find myself failing in regards to this calling. To often we find ourselves skeptical of those asking for help, when we should in fact be showing the same compassion Christ expects from us.

This is a fantastic and practical understanding of the incredible need there is in the world for “little Christ's.” Discipleship is often a staple in the job description of any youth or church leader. We are expected to create disciples and followers of Christ and Tom Davis provides here a tangible way to teach, live and act out this calling; compassion and hope that we learn through the Red Letters.

[Gwyneth Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with the author that many who call themselves Christians are not following the teachings of Jesus, caring more about their personal salvation than the poor, orphans, people with HIV/AIDS, etc. The title comes from the "red letter" Bibles, editions in which Jesus's words appear in red ink. The author points out that if you look at the red letters in such editions, Jesus helped the sick and the poor radically, without hesitation, and he calls his followers to do likewise. "Whatever you do unto the least of these, you do unto me." I found this book refreshing in its call to ACTION, rather than the author merely shaking his finger at us or letting us off the hook by allowing that the HIV/AIDS crisis, for example, is too big for "just little me" to solve. The author interweaves personal stories and Bible passages, and includes concrete ideas for what we can each do. It's short enough to read in a day or two, too. The writing often sounded like a sermon, which may appeal to many churchgoers (though it's not my cup of tea). I thank Hannah F for pointing me to this book - I never would have known about it otherwise. :)

[Sandy Sandmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still trying to wrap myself around this book, but basically, it's telling us, as Christians and as human beings, we need to be helping the helpless, bringing health to the sick, feeding the poor, etc. We can't ask how you got that disease and deny medical care because someone got sick because they were gay, an IV drug user, a prostitute, etc. EVERYONE IS WORTHY OF HELP AND LOVE!!! Davis specifically talks about the HIV/AIDS orphans and the growing number of humans dying of the disease because we won't send them medication. We have the medications to help people live longer, but the meds still aren't making it into Africa. He gives you numbers, the facts, and everything you need to make the severity of the pandemic real, then he gave you tools you need to make a difference in the problem.

I highly recommend this book. Read it and DO SOMETHING!!!

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Davis' message is simple, zeroing in on Jesus's statement that "whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me." He calls upon contemporary Christians to rise to the challenge of ending extreme poverty around the world, as well as the spread of HIV in Africa. Borrowing a bit of terminology from Bono (who is one of his models for Christian activism), Davis emphasizes justice over charity, permanent solutions over temporary gestures. He is, like the good Samaritan, less interested in judging others than in easing their suffering. There's a lot of information about organizations you can help and other resources at the back of the book.

[Donald]

Another one of the many "think about this" books. As Christians we are called to action, to making a difference and he spells out the Aids problem in Africa in full detail. The details of the pandemic will make you want to vomit at times. I purchased this book because it was 90% off at one of my favorite bookstores, otherwise I probably would have never read it. Tom Davis has a heart for those that our society considers unloveable. It's a good read.

[Jordan Palser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and incredible book! Perfect combination of sharing from the heart and scripture. I greatly respect Tom's genuineness about compassion and hope. There are many great missions and Great Commission resources, but appreciate his global perspective along with the focus of Africa. You can almost heart Tom talking as he writes, and his strategic information is of tremendous support! I wish there was an updated edition or a part two!

[Aryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely challenges you to live out your faith. You are awakened from your daily life, and reminded that there is a world in desperate need. Tom Davis implores us as Christians to heed God's word, to go outside our churches and get moving! For lack of better words, to "practice what we preach".

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of few books I have read straight through in one sitting. After having traveled to Africa and actually seen the faces of people impacted by such atrocities, this book furthered my commitment to act. I have since sponsored two little girls in Africa and plan to add to my giving in the very near future.

[Zacksmom Okon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a life changing book for all humanity. Who would have thought a phrase like "the least of these" would be the nucleus of such an important part of our walk in faith. For me, this book went far beyond HIV/AIDS pandemic. A new perspective of the life, ministry, and compassion of Jesus Christ. (oh, yeah - and I have a new respect for Bono)

[Mary]

This book was great. It really made me think about a lot of different things. The only complaint about this book is it focused a LOT on charities. Which is not a bad thing at all don't get me wrong everyone should take care of others...I mean it's in the Bible. I just think there should have been more about helping besides just giving money. This is definitely a good read though.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good place to START if you're new to the issue of the crisis of HIV/AIDS orphans. It's a fairly simple book with a good take-home message. Its prose lacks polish (I think I did editorial work for too long not to notice), and it has a self-published feel at times. Still, worth the read -- this book definitely brings a lot of issues that merit attention to the table.

[Emma Lane]

When I bought this book a few months ago, I expected a simple book about living like Jesus. I got so much more than that. It opened my eyes and broke my heart for the injustices in the world, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the world. God did big things for my heart through this book without me expecting anything to come from it.

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

hey, it's about africa so i'm probably a little partial ;) but seriously, this is a great book. Definitely challenging. Presented some suggestions for confronting the overwhelmingly destitute condition of our world...so ya, read it kids!!!!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of my all time favorite books....A Must Read! Tom Davis challenges us to take action, to do something, to put into motion the mission God has given us. Amazing! Tom is a true inspiration!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited to read this... I skimmed the book and already feel that my life may just be challenged and changed a bit. Very heart wrenching about AIDS orphans and the situation around the world. "I desire mercy not religion" (Matt9:12) so far is the gist I'm getting!

[Carol Wunderlich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview and challenge to live God's call to justice. Lots of Bono and other pop culture references... could make it a good tool for a message of justice for young adults. Not so strong on the practicval ways to help end injustice here closer to home tho.

[Phil Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The challenge within this book can be best summarized by one quote from it: "We weren't created so we could simply amass wealth and influence. We were created for something more. To live for something bigger than ourselves."

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't help but be moved to tears and action.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I've read so far I've really enjoyed. There's a lot of famous quotes and great facts. The author's made great points and wonderful references to the Bible.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! This one can change your life, if you let it! I highly recommend this one!

[Lori Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very convicting, It was so good I read it in 2 days, I think that is a record for me.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of my all-time favorite books. Definitely for people who have a passion for orphans.

[Candice Sneed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favorite by Tom Davis. A must-read for anyone.

[Tylor Lovins · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is just awful. This guy obviously wrote this book to make money from well-meaning 'new' Christians who are looking for ways to impact the world.

[Jarkko Laine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book with a strong, meaningful message every Christian should consider. Not a perfect book, but deserves 4 stars because of the impact it had on me. I have to find my way to live this book!