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Reclaiming Love: Radical Relationships in a Complex World
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul places love at the very center of what it means to embrace life in Christ. All other spiritual gifts are worth nothing in comparison. But the love explained in those verses is nothing short of radical. Fernando’s pastoral work―in the midst of the cultural and ethnic tensions of Sri Lanka―often brought up a very real and honest “Can the biblical teaching about love actually be practiced?” The answer he discovered is a resounding “yes.” The radical love of God is not only real, but it is the key to experiencing joy in the pain and suffering of this world. Believers must look to the Scriptures for God’s teaching on the true nature of love, its divine origins, and its power for those who trust in Christ. This book offers reflections on the Bible’s consistent teaching on love and shares real-life experiences of learning to love in difficult situations.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2013
22 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Ajith Fernando
70 books21 followersAjith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. Ajith is a visiting lecturer and Council President of Colombo Theological Seminary and also serves as Visiting Scholar at Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto. He has written 15 books and his books have been published in 19 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 19, 2013
Reclaiming Love is a pastoral commentary on one chapter of the Bible--the over quoted, under-applied 1 Corinthians 13. Over quoted for weddings may be a better way to say it. The "Love chapter" goes far beyond our romantic and trite views of love. Fernando examines the contextual understanding of love. Specifically, he looks at what love truly is and how it plays out in all of our relationships in the midst of the struggles and hardships of everyday life. It is a thoughtful mix of scholarship and reflections gleaned from over 35 years in ministry, reminding readers that love is supreme and is worth the effort.
If I am being truly honest, I struggled to love this book. Was it solid exegetically, theologically, and practically?
See my full review at:
http://christian-intellect.blogspot.c...
If I am being truly honest, I struggled to love this book. Was it solid exegetically, theologically, and practically?
See my full review at:
http://christian-intellect.blogspot.c...
May 7, 2013
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 13)
The Apostle Paul’s explanation of the importance of love in the life of the believer is perhaps one of the best known and beloved chapters in all of Scripture. Furthermore, Jesus noted in Luke 10:27 that the two greatest commandments or that which encompasses all of the Law and the Prophets is the requirement to "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Seems simple enough but anyone who has been alive for more than two minutes fully understands applying these two passages of Scripture to everyday life is far easier said than done. In a world where counterfeit love is often the name of the game, understanding what biblical love is and more importantly, how this proper type of love plays out in our everyday relationships is sorely needed. Author Ajith Fernando, in his book Reclaiming Love: Radical Relationships in a Complex World provides a timely and salient biblical approach to understanding the biblical concept of love and how to apply that to our everyday lives.
Fernando notes from the start “for the Christian, love is a priority; it is an act of obedience…Christian love is decisive; we must make it happen.” Now before someone tries to assert that Fernando is saying we can love of our own accord, something we now is not true given the dearth of true love in our world today, Fernando qualifies that initial statement by aptly noting “God’s love enters us and then pushes us to act in love. Our part is to obey. Obedience is the key that opens the floodgates of God’s love, so that we will be supplied with the strength to love in the way the Bible asks us to.” This is a very important point to remember, as it is the Holy Spirit working in our lives through the process of sanctification that results in the believer bearing the fruit of the Spirit in their life. One important fruit is that of love. A believer who is bearing this fruit in their life will in turn be properly loving God and loving others thus adhering to and obeying the intent and spirit of God’s law.
The Corinthian Church to whom Paul was writing was placing an overemphasis on the more glamorous spiritual gifts such as tongues and prophecy. In response to this misplaced understanding and approach to spiritual gifts, Paul reminded the believers at Corinth that without a proper foundation of love in all they do, these other gifts are nothing but a noisy gong. Fernando provides some interesting and valuable background on exactly what that phrase noisy gong means which is very helpful in order to understand the point Paul is driving home. This phrase noisy going “literally means “echoing bronze.” The Greek city of Corinth, where the recipients of this letter lived, was famous for producing a special bronze alloy, and we know that cymbals were frequently used in their pagan worship. So Paul may be alluding to the godless, pagan worship of the city where he speaks of gifts exercised without love.” In essence, he is telling the Corinthians that though speaking in tongues may appear spectacular and spiritual, without love it is no better than the practice of worshiping idols.” I found this to be extremely valuable insight and such background truly reveals the necessity of love as the basis for all we do. While certain spiritual gifts may seem more spiritual than others, in reality they are nothing without love that focuses on glorifying God and loving others in the bonds of Christian fellowship.
When we give, it must be done in a spirit of love and not to bring attention to ourselves. Fernando even notes the reality than in the course of church history, people even desired to be a martyr because they felt it would bring them some element of notoriety and honor. He rightly notes “People can make sacrifices with the aim of receiving personal glory through it.” Once again, this is nothing but a noisy going that seeks to aim the spotlight on oneself rather than letting our actions of love bring glory to God.
Fernando does a marvelous job of outlining the characteristics of biblical love in this book. For example, he reminds the reader of the importance of the word Paul chose in I Corinthians 13 to describe love as to be patient. Fernando aptly comments “This is significant because the Greek verb we translate “is patient,” along with its corresponding noun (patience), appear fifteen times in the New Testament to describe the character of believers. In addition, it is used six times to describe the character of God’s attitude toward us…The Greek word Paul uses here (makrothymeo) generally refers to patience that is extended toward people.” This really speaks to what patience is all about. As we all know, it is difficult to extend love to other people either because of their shortcomings or our own shortcomings. Understanding that love involves patience and long-suffering while also noting this is how God demonstrates His love towards us, namely people who are filthy sinners in need of redemption, will only serve to help us comprehend the importance of love being a foundation for all we do.
The author spends the remainder of this excellent book noting each element of love and how that plays out in our daily lives, specifically the aspects of love outlined by the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 13. Each chapter is replete with sound biblical exegesis, relevant life examples, and applicable recommendations on how we can demonstrate love towards God and others.
For anyone desiring to have a holistic understanding of what the Apostle Paul is saying true biblical love is or how we are to love God and love others in keeping with Jesus’ words in Luke 10:27, Ajith Fernando’s Reclaiming Love is an excellent place to start. He cogently engages I Corinthians 13 with great wisdom and insight, noting for the reader the importance of love in the life of the believer. In a world where relationships are indeed complex, this book provides salient commentary on how to truly reclaim love as the starting point for our relationships, something that may require a true paradigm shift in thought, a radical shift in approach if you will for many people.
I received this for free from BookSneeze.com for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 13)
The Apostle Paul’s explanation of the importance of love in the life of the believer is perhaps one of the best known and beloved chapters in all of Scripture. Furthermore, Jesus noted in Luke 10:27 that the two greatest commandments or that which encompasses all of the Law and the Prophets is the requirement to "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Seems simple enough but anyone who has been alive for more than two minutes fully understands applying these two passages of Scripture to everyday life is far easier said than done. In a world where counterfeit love is often the name of the game, understanding what biblical love is and more importantly, how this proper type of love plays out in our everyday relationships is sorely needed. Author Ajith Fernando, in his book Reclaiming Love: Radical Relationships in a Complex World provides a timely and salient biblical approach to understanding the biblical concept of love and how to apply that to our everyday lives.
Fernando notes from the start “for the Christian, love is a priority; it is an act of obedience…Christian love is decisive; we must make it happen.” Now before someone tries to assert that Fernando is saying we can love of our own accord, something we now is not true given the dearth of true love in our world today, Fernando qualifies that initial statement by aptly noting “God’s love enters us and then pushes us to act in love. Our part is to obey. Obedience is the key that opens the floodgates of God’s love, so that we will be supplied with the strength to love in the way the Bible asks us to.” This is a very important point to remember, as it is the Holy Spirit working in our lives through the process of sanctification that results in the believer bearing the fruit of the Spirit in their life. One important fruit is that of love. A believer who is bearing this fruit in their life will in turn be properly loving God and loving others thus adhering to and obeying the intent and spirit of God’s law.
The Corinthian Church to whom Paul was writing was placing an overemphasis on the more glamorous spiritual gifts such as tongues and prophecy. In response to this misplaced understanding and approach to spiritual gifts, Paul reminded the believers at Corinth that without a proper foundation of love in all they do, these other gifts are nothing but a noisy gong. Fernando provides some interesting and valuable background on exactly what that phrase noisy gong means which is very helpful in order to understand the point Paul is driving home. This phrase noisy going “literally means “echoing bronze.” The Greek city of Corinth, where the recipients of this letter lived, was famous for producing a special bronze alloy, and we know that cymbals were frequently used in their pagan worship. So Paul may be alluding to the godless, pagan worship of the city where he speaks of gifts exercised without love.” In essence, he is telling the Corinthians that though speaking in tongues may appear spectacular and spiritual, without love it is no better than the practice of worshiping idols.” I found this to be extremely valuable insight and such background truly reveals the necessity of love as the basis for all we do. While certain spiritual gifts may seem more spiritual than others, in reality they are nothing without love that focuses on glorifying God and loving others in the bonds of Christian fellowship.
When we give, it must be done in a spirit of love and not to bring attention to ourselves. Fernando even notes the reality than in the course of church history, people even desired to be a martyr because they felt it would bring them some element of notoriety and honor. He rightly notes “People can make sacrifices with the aim of receiving personal glory through it.” Once again, this is nothing but a noisy going that seeks to aim the spotlight on oneself rather than letting our actions of love bring glory to God.
Fernando does a marvelous job of outlining the characteristics of biblical love in this book. For example, he reminds the reader of the importance of the word Paul chose in I Corinthians 13 to describe love as to be patient. Fernando aptly comments “This is significant because the Greek verb we translate “is patient,” along with its corresponding noun (patience), appear fifteen times in the New Testament to describe the character of believers. In addition, it is used six times to describe the character of God’s attitude toward us…The Greek word Paul uses here (makrothymeo) generally refers to patience that is extended toward people.” This really speaks to what patience is all about. As we all know, it is difficult to extend love to other people either because of their shortcomings or our own shortcomings. Understanding that love involves patience and long-suffering while also noting this is how God demonstrates His love towards us, namely people who are filthy sinners in need of redemption, will only serve to help us comprehend the importance of love being a foundation for all we do.
The author spends the remainder of this excellent book noting each element of love and how that plays out in our daily lives, specifically the aspects of love outlined by the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 13. Each chapter is replete with sound biblical exegesis, relevant life examples, and applicable recommendations on how we can demonstrate love towards God and others.
For anyone desiring to have a holistic understanding of what the Apostle Paul is saying true biblical love is or how we are to love God and love others in keeping with Jesus’ words in Luke 10:27, Ajith Fernando’s Reclaiming Love is an excellent place to start. He cogently engages I Corinthians 13 with great wisdom and insight, noting for the reader the importance of love in the life of the believer. In a world where relationships are indeed complex, this book provides salient commentary on how to truly reclaim love as the starting point for our relationships, something that may require a true paradigm shift in thought, a radical shift in approach if you will for many people.
I received this for free from BookSneeze.com for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 3, 2013
In Reclaiming Love, distinguished Christian leader and scholar Ajith Fernando engages one of the most profound and familiar (maybe too familiar) passages in the New Testament, the "love" chapter, 1 Corinthians 13. He moves systematically through the chapter, particularly focusing on verses 1 through 7, in a series of reflections. These focus on the various aspects of love Paul describes, often taking on only one word or idea. There is no doubt that the theology here is deep and rich, and that it is moreover theology that begs to be lived, even if it isn't easy to do so. Fernando often does a good job of teasing out practical implications of what this type of love actually looks like in practice. He often draws on his own experience. This is a book I really wanted to like, but I continuously found it tough going. There is no doubt that Fernando brings great wisdom to bear in many of the discussions, and the book contains many helpful and at-times profound reflections. But I just didn't catch a strong stream or progression tying them together, or tying them to Paul's original situation. It seemed like there were sometimes opportunities lost to either make a profound connection (say to love as integral to the trinitarian being of God) or a challenging application (on exercising love that costs us something) that just didn't get made. One example will suffice. In the final chapter, where he is bringing the arguments home and summarizing the final six verses of the chapter (they don't really get discussed in more than a cursory way, another omission), he talks about how love brings "joyous brightness." The example of this transformative love is a story of when the wife of a well-known pastor who tripped while bringing dinner out from the kitchen. The food splattered everywhere, and the pastor was immediately concerned for his wife, instead of mad about the mess she made. While I agree that such loving concern is admirable, the example seems so shallow as to border on mere courtesy that would be afforded to anyone, wife or stranger. Many other examples are better suited to their tasks, but this one certainly could have been improved. As I've said, there is much wisdom here, but the whole was lacking in a compelling thread that binds it all together. The good easily outweights the less good, but it could have been so much better. Thanks to the publisher, Zondervan, and the BookSneeze program for the review copy of this book.
November 4, 2015
"Reclaiming Love" is a Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13 and can be used as a devotional. It's written like a sermon (as in, you don't have to look anything up), and it's easy to read and understand. The author looked at each verse or group of ideas in 1 Corinthians 13, explained any Greek words that don't translate well into English, and brought in related Scripture to round out our understanding.
The real life examples that he used came from his life and work in Sri Lanka, but the focus was on the Bible verses rather than details about Sri Lanka. From the book description, I had thought the book would talk more about Sri Lanka in the context of 1 Corinthians 13 love being lived out.
Though not quite what I expected, I was challenge by this book and felt it helped me to better understood 1 Corinthians 13. I plan to read this book once a year as a devotional. I've taken to reading 1 Corinthians 13 each morning and asking God to live that type of love out through me. I've been surprised at the difference this has made. I'd highly recommend this insightful, important book.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher through Booksneeze.com.
The real life examples that he used came from his life and work in Sri Lanka, but the focus was on the Bible verses rather than details about Sri Lanka. From the book description, I had thought the book would talk more about Sri Lanka in the context of 1 Corinthians 13 love being lived out.
Though not quite what I expected, I was challenge by this book and felt it helped me to better understood 1 Corinthians 13. I plan to read this book once a year as a devotional. I've taken to reading 1 Corinthians 13 each morning and asking God to live that type of love out through me. I've been surprised at the difference this has made. I'd highly recommend this insightful, important book.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher through Booksneeze.com.
June 7, 2013
An excellent book by Ajith Fernando. I have personally known the author for many many years so am able to read, understand and apply what he says to my life - because I know he writes what he practices himself.
The book describes what loving really means - not just a romantic feeling but something very practical and hard to do. It also helps us understand the wonderful truths in 1 Corinthians 13 very well. A must read book for every Christian who wants to live a life of love - the life that Jesus calls us to. Give 5 stars for it! I will read it again. And share with others.
The book describes what loving really means - not just a romantic feeling but something very practical and hard to do. It also helps us understand the wonderful truths in 1 Corinthians 13 very well. A must read book for every Christian who wants to live a life of love - the life that Jesus calls us to. Give 5 stars for it! I will read it again. And share with others.
April 14, 2014
My husband and I read this together and deeply appreciated Mr. Fernando's exposition of 1 Corinthians 13. His insights challenged us and sparked deep discussions. About half way through the book my husband decided to purchase a hard copy because my copy is on my kindle and he wanted one that he could peruse at his leisure. We've given copies of the book as gifts, and highly recommend it as an excellent study of an extremely important and relevant topic for Christians today.
July 27, 2013
This book is nothing short of amazing. For anyone wanting to know how to truly love your neighbor - all of your neighbors - this book is for you. It's appropriate for people in recovery, as well. It won't sit on your shelf. This is a book that can be used over and over in time of need.
Full review here: http://eagleswingsbooks.blogspot.com/...
Full review here: http://eagleswingsbooks.blogspot.com/...
October 22, 2013
This is a great read. Filled with helpful pastoral commentary stemming from 1 Cor 13. Fernando shows all his experience and discernment with some very insightful comments. This joined with a strong Gospel foundation makes it a challenging, refreshing read. Be warned you will be rebuked and forced to reassess how Gospel shaped your life is.
June 22, 2016
Ajith dissects the famous love passage of 1 Cor 13 in such a wonderful way. He clearly shows what Christian love is and what it isn't. He gives wonderful examples of what love in action looks like. This book both challenged me and deeply encouraged me. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
June 3, 2015
I just loved this book. Each chapter broke down a part of 1 Corinthians 13 "Love is patient" etc. I learned a lot of practical skills and would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their relationships and learn about the heart of God.
June 6, 2017
A very practical look at "the love chapter", and what that looks like in real life. Good stuff.
abandoned
May 8, 2014This seems like an interesting book, but it hasn't held my attention long enough to finish it. Since it's part of my e-library, I may pick it up again in the future.
December 8, 2013
Interesting.
June 13, 2014
Such a thrilling book to have read about the radical concept of love in Christianity.
July 26, 2014
I loved this book! It's basically an exegesis on 1 Corinthians 13. Ajith works through each piece of what it does mean to love and what it does not mean
April 4, 2016
Intensely practical. Helped me understand the active role God wants me to take in love.
June 21, 2022
Well written and well received.
I needed to read this book, especially with all of the judgment and lack of grace that's been going on within Western society of late. I have been angry and afraid, but this book has helped me to see the world through love, God's love and grace. It's definitely worth one's time to read and absorb this wisdom.
I needed to read this book, especially with all of the judgment and lack of grace that's been going on within Western society of late. I have been angry and afraid, but this book has helped me to see the world through love, God's love and grace. It's definitely worth one's time to read and absorb this wisdom.
February 6, 2015
Highly recommended by a trusted "reader" friend. The first 3 chapters are slow. Chapter on patience: good reminder that people are not the same and all of us have weaknesses that we need to bear with. When he wrote about the friend who was tidy and his messy wife, I thought of a couple I know.
March 7, 2016
Powerful.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews