God Is Not Mad at You: You Can Experience Real Love, Acceptance & Guilt-free Living

by Joyce Meyer

When bestselling author Joyce Meyer posted "God's not mad at you" on Facebook, she didn't anticipate that her words would trigger thousands of responses of gratitude and relief. Apparently many Christians struggle to reconcile their perception of God as both a loving parent and a stern judge.


In GOD IS NOT MAD AT YOU, Joyce will help those who haven't truly received God's love because they are afraid of His anger and disapproval. She explores the source of this confusion, so His genuine character can be better understood and His love can be experienced on an entirely new level.

Chapter titles

* Perfectionism and Approval

* The Pain of Rejection

* Guilt and Shame

* Developing Your Potential

* Run to God, Not from Him

* Getting Comfortable with God

"It is important for us to remember that God's anger is directed toward our sinful behavior rather than toward us. If you feel guilty right now and are afraid that God is mad at you, then you are miserable. But your misery can be immediately changed to peace and joy by simply believing God's Word. Believe that God loves you and that He is ready to show you mercy and forgive you completely. Believe that God has a good plan for your life. Believe that God is not mad at you!"

--Joyce Meyer

Genres: Christian, Faith, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Self Help, Spirituality

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2013

About the author

Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, Joyce’s books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, Joyce teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on how the Word of God applies to our everyday lives. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.

Joyce’s programs, Enjoying Everyday Life and Everyday Answers with Joyce Meyer, can be seen around the world through television, radio, and the Internet. Joyce has authored more than 100 books, which have been translated into more than 100 languages and over 65 million of her books have been distributed worldwide. She teaches in cities across America as well as internationally. Joyce Meyer Ministries has offices in nine countries.

Joyce’s passion to help hurting people is foundational to the vision of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Hand of Hope provides worldwide humanitarian outreaches such as feeding programs, medical care, orphanages, disaster response, human trafficking intervention and rehabilitation, and much more – always sharing the love and Gospel of Christ.

Her latest book, LIVING A LIFE YOU LOVE, releases Spring 2018.

Hachette Book Group has sold over 30 million copies of Joyce Meyer's books.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever felt yourself weighed down by guilt, shame, or fear as a result of feeling like you have disappointed God, perhaps even to the point of arousing His wrath and anger? Do you feel like a failure and unworthy of God's love and the love of others? If so, Joyce Meyers has some good news for you in her latest book, God is Not Mad at You.

Most of us know the Christian mantra, "It's not a religion, it's a relationship." Even if we truly believe this in our hearts, man-made religion still influences our relationship with God. We become unhealthily focused on our flaws and even on individual sins. Knowingly or unknowingly, we create a code of conduct for ourselves that is often impossible to stick to for any length of time. Say, for example, that your personal goal is to go a certain amount of time without being sarcastic, or read 20 Bible verses every day, or spend more time volunteering with a local non-profit. You will inevitably mess up at some point, and chances are, you will feel like you have failed. It is natural for us to want to please God. It is natural for us to want to be more like Him. But the thing is, if we think like this, we are going about it in totally the wrong way!

It is true that God hates sin. It is true that God gets angry about sin. But we need to let go of the idea that we need to somehow earn God's love or approval. God's love for us is perfect and eternal and will never change. There is nothing we can do to either make God love us more or stop loving us altogether. Take a moment to think about that. Do you feel lighter? Freer? You should! That means no amount of screwing up on our part can ever dim the light of God's love.

You may be wondering, "But how can this be? It's too good to be true!" But it is good and it is true. God's mercy is freely given with no strings attached. It is His gift to us, and all we need to do is accept it with open hearts. When we fully internalize that God's love truly is unconditional and perfect, and humbly accept His grace, we will be able to free ourselves of the bondage we have created for ourselves with our incessant self-criticism. We begin to truly know and understand in our heats, not just in our minds, that God is not mad at us and nothing we do can change His unconditional love.

Meyers' work is written for even those new to the faith. Of course, she references Scripture to support her ideas, but she uses colloquial and at times humorous language to get her point across. Her tone is comforting and encouraging and she speaks from her heart to her readers' hearts. She understands the reality of human nature and emotions and first appeals to readers' feelings before gently guiding them in the direction of Scripture. She pulls real-life examples and anecdotes from her own experiences and the experiences of others to give readers comfort and hope. Meyers takes her readers on a journey of self-reflection and self-discovery that includes confronting issues of perfectionism, legalism, "approval addiction," and rejection, and then teachers readers how to "unpack your baggage" and develop their potential. Readers will discover how to become the person God meant for them to be and how to foster spiritual growth. Most importantly, Meyers gives readers Scriptural basis to believe: "God is not mad at you!"

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest book by Joyce is very practical. We Christians sometimes think that, since we are not measuring up to God's standards, He is mad at us. We might try to win his approval by doing good works. And there may be lots of issues keeping us from accepting that God loves us - perhaps from childhood. Joyce does a great job of helping us work through the issues so we understand God loves us - unconditionally. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1cjIXSp.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came out at a time I desperately needed it. Mrs. Meyer's writing style is very easy to read...almost too easy! I didn't have to take time to decipher words or meanings so the message was able to flow easily into my psyche. And although I still don't understand the loss of my brother as my nieces need him so much, I have realized it is part of His plan, timing and design. May God bless all those that choose this book to help them grow and accept His grace.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book at a time when I was really struggling with condemnation. It was more a confirmation of what I already believe versus a soothing balm. I knew better than to feel condemned but was hearing messages that were actually helping the feeling of condemnation to thrive in my spirit.

This book is by no means hyper-grace. It has a lot to say about law and grace and how to balance the two--and it does tackle the topic of sin. Striving to earn God's love is not the same as pressing on out of love for God. It echoes what I have read in "Why Johnny Can't Preach" by T. David Gordon and "Experiencing God's Embrace" by Jack Frost: people can't be holy on their own.

Some say striving is not legalism and that anyone who is opposed to striving is giving people a license to sin. It has become an under-acknowledged dividing line between Christians. But ask Jack Frost, who went from a striving, legalist pastor to one of grace and balance. He came to truly understand God's love after giving up the way he thought a son should obey his father, based on his bad upbringing.

I related to this book so much because like Meyer, I have experienced the pain of an abusive father. I want nothing more than to have God's unconditional love. I've noticed that most people who are trapped in legalism have daddy issues. We just don't understand God as Father. I also found her words on perfectionism very meaningful as well. The first half of the book was eye-opening and challenging, and even tear-jerking. The second half, though, was a bit repetitive.

I have one objection and that is the last chapter. People who are easily condemned or who cringe at correction are not just immature Christians. Some of us are fed condemnation by our pastors, friends, culture, etc. This generalization is in stark contrast to the rest of the book and can be slightly insulting. It's like saying it's all on us because we haven't spent enough time in the Word to understand God's love. It is easiest to fall into legalism when people aren't mature enough, yes, but anyone can feel condemned at any stage of their walk with God. People who have heard nothing but condemnation and pressure to do more, more, more are likely to reject any good instruction in the future, particularly if their childhood revolved around pleasing a harsh parent. It kind of struck a nerve, that's what I'm saying. ;)

All in all a great book. I would recommend "Experiencing Father's Embrace" by Jack Frost if you'd like to read more about daddy issues and how they affect our need to earn God's approval and love, which leads to striving and legalism.

[Christine Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joyce delivers truths from the Bible about God's unconditional love for us. She clearly states that there are false beliefs about God and about how we view ourselves, the latter determining how we relate to Jesus. He does not hold sins, mistakes or bad decisions against us. We are loved even in our darkest times. This was a new teaching for me because I belonged to a legalistic church that taught that every sin one did brought one closer to hell. Jesus already atoned for ALL of our sins! Thanks Joyce, for revealing the lies of Satan.

[Strawberry Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Joyce Meyer and this book did not disappoint. I came away from this book inspired and feeling much better about my relationship with the Lord. I was freed of some burdens I had been carrying for many years. I love the simplistic style Mrs. Meyer preaches and writes in. She can take very complex deep issues and yet convey it in a manner that is so easy to understand, the light in your head just comes on! Everything she says is backed up by scripture.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Affirms what you already know about a loving God, or introduces you to a loving God, in case you didn't know... He is loving and faithful. So let go and move forward from your past, because God already has!

[Bridget's Quiet Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing I can say is: God held this book off for this long because He knew I'd need at this time in my life. I had started it one to two years ago I believe, but just never got back to it until now. Well, there was a reason for that and I am grateful for having it when I needed it. :)

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally I was going to give this 5 stars. I was delighted with the first 70-ish% of it...she made anecdotes I could relate to, she was comforting, inspiring and I was feeling better for the first time in ages, and closer to the Lord. I was positively ranting to my family about how amazing the book was, how I felt good and loved again. And I had also really enjoyed a previous book of hers I read.

Then somewhere around chapter 14, the writing style took a nosedive and left me feeling SCARED and horrible again. It's as if a different writer took over the book, in my opinion, and I'm disappointed and struggled to finish reading the last 60 or so pages.
Chapter 19 sounds more like Meyer again and gave me a bit of hope back, but I'm doubtful. Why give me hope and joy about my religious relationship... only to rip it away from me in the later chapters? Why be laidback and caring-sounding, then switch into a hardcore, almost political mode?
I felt like I was making pretty good progress spiritually; Now I need to return to searching for a mentor who'll help me consistently gently -- not mood swing throughout the guidance.

[Whole And · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the usual genre of books I would recommend here but something intrigued me with Joyce Meyer's "God is Not Mad at You" and it was well worth the read.

Meyer really lives up to delivering practicality of biblical concepts. Meyer's writing is grounded, honest and a wonderful resource for spiritual personal growth.

If you're inclined to understand the often cryptic bible teachings, Meyer is a useful translator to refer to. However, seeking understanding from many sources is ideal as personal interpretation from the author's perspective can tangle the message meant to come through.

Read on to release guilt, negativity, from yourself and others. Moving forward and liberation are all happy side effects of this book. One of the key ingredients to happy parenting is feeling light and Meyer's writing will get you there.

[Fawn Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very refreshing and reassuring that God loves us and doesn't expect us to live under the Law of Moses, but has giving the greatest sacrifice, His son Jesus, so that we can have life and life more abundantly. He already knows that we will fall short and struggle in some areas of our life, but He has made a way for us to come and cast our problems on Him, for Him to help us. Just as we may disappoint our natural parents, we also will disappoint Him at times, but like our physical parents, the love us in spite of, and God loves us in spite of our sinful nature, and just wants us to come unto Him.

[Julie Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good topic and very insightful

I love Joyce Meyer books. she tells the truth no matter how hurtful. I feel she slaps my hand sometimes and sets me back on track. This book she looks at how often we think God's mad at us, maturing spiritually, and how to help ourselves grow closer to God. This is a must-read.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good chapter on religion and rule following vs experiencing God's love.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ame este libro, una joya...
Me encantó la pluma de la autora, era como hablar con una amiga, de tú a tú...
Te da una nueva perspectiva de Dios y una Bíblica.
Simplemente Perfecto ☺️💕...

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is God angry with you?

So many people steer clear of a relationship with God simply because of past experiences in dealing with someone who has hurt you with their anger or their response to something you have done in the past. Most often times, the older we get the more likely we are to avoid those situations in dealing with people who are angry with us, thinking that is a better way to deal with life, rather than moving forward in that relationship. However avoidance does nothing to improve your relationships with people. If we don't work through our conflicts, we will find very little people in our lives we can relate to, and God is the biggest one most people run from.

I believe most people like to think of God as someone that truly would rather not deal with because of the consequences of our actions might lead us to believe that some form of discipline is required for not doing the right thing. Yet God is all powerful, He is also all loving and has demonstrated the need for restoration with the human race. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God was already at work building a plan to restore the relationship He had with the humans He created through the birth and death of His son, Jesus Christ. God developed the plan that when you do something wrong, you need to find a way to seek forgiveness and make it right. When we sin, we need to repent, or turn away from that, seek forgiveness from God, and try and go about not doing that again. God doesn't ask for us to earn our way into His heart through some deed or hard work. He simply seeks our heart and words of repentance to restore the right order in our lives.

He is the perfect example of what unconditional love truly means. He gave His ONLY Son, that we might once and for all have a sacrifice of love and blood that would resolve that relationship between us and our Creator through belief in what Jesus Christ accomplished. The day that Jesus Christ died on the cross was for all the sins of the world and its inhabitants, past, present and future, that simply through believing in what He did, that we could restore that relationship with God once again and be assured that when our lives are done here on Earth, we will live forever in eternity with God.

Joyce Meyer once more takes readers through the different situations in our lives that show us that God is Not Mad At You so you don't have to avoid Him in your life. He isn't trying to control you, He's simply trying to love you, the way any father would their own child. But perhaps you don't have a great example of a loving father in your life to see that kind of relationship. Joyce addresses those as well using her own example of her father's abusive relationship to show readers how you can use these skills in every relationship you have and most importantly, how to restore the relationship with God in your life. Some may think that God will never accept them as they are; that they are not good enough for God, that God couldn't possibly forgive them or that even God is punishing them. All these issues and more are dealt with in Joyce Meyer style and one you can easily relate to in her book, God Is Not Mad At You.

I received God Is Not Mad At You by Joyce Meyer compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. If you find yourself struggling with issues from your past that are hindering your relationships with God and others, I would encourage you to pick up a copy of this book today. It will completely restore the issues that are holding you back and keeping you from building right relationships with people in your life. You too, can experience real love, acceptance and guilt-free living! I rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and LOVE every book I've read of Joyce Meyers mostly because she relates to us right where we are at in our lives!

[Eyeluv2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book one that's read as a book.God Is Not Mad at You: You Can Experience Real Love, Acceptance & Guilt-free Living (I discovered that it's read more like her bestseller with over 3 mil copies sold, "Battlefield of the Mind"). I started reading this book when I was also reading "Panther Baby." I felt that "PB" was the reason I was so long into reading "GINMAY." That wasn't it. It's just that you have to read it 1 - 3 chapters at a time. Stop and meditate on what you've read, then continue on again using whatever format of chapters you feel is appropriately. The books speaks to the innerworkings of how a person's thoughts on GOD relates to how your relationship was developed/created through your own father. Sometimes both parents but really your father. It gave me more clarity on what I've kept surpressed and/or really didn't "see that" until I stopped and thought about what I read and experienced. Plus, she explains how each person's relationship in religion also plays a pivotal part in how GOD is viewed and/or created in our mind. Examples are some pastor's who had a misguided understanding of how He is (all hellfire & damnation), our own unlearned readings of the bible or countless other things without clear guidance from the Holy Spirit because we aren't allowing Him to give us clear understanding of GOD. It's just a really nice study.

I plan on revisiting this book for a refresher. Perhaps I'll read it along with "Battlefield..." as a companion guide. That book was awesome. Book rating for that 5 out of 5

I gave a rating of 4 out of 5 for this only because a few chapters, I felt at this time, didn't relate to me. I had to skip them (about 3 I think) otherwise I would have subcome to the effect of "hurry up" type experience with the book and I didn't want to rush it. So, if you're having an issue with the same feelings I had of GOD never or sometimes being disappointed & mad at me because I'm having a hard time conquering my sin flaws, this is the book for you. Thanks for reading my review. I'll have a full review on my Wordpress blog. www.eyeluv2read.wordpress.com

[Stefanie Sugia · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may think, "There is absolutely no reason for God to love me," and you are absolutely right. But God does love you. He chooses to do so, and because He is God, He has every right to do so.... God loves us because He wants to, not because we deserve it.

God is Not Mad at You is a book written by Joyce Meyer who is a Charismatic Christian author and speaker; and it discusses about our fear of God based on Christian teachings. This book explains why we should fear God, but not be afraid of Him. And the book also discusses the reasons why most of the time we are afraid of God being mad at us. The title itself is very encouraging and it calms my heart, knowing that God is not mad at me. There are 20 chapters in total, and I will briefly describe the contents (with tons of quotes!) for you to have a better idea about this this book ;)

The first chapter is titled Is God Angry? , and it explains the fact that God's anger is different from ours. We get angry when other people hurt us, but when God gets angry, it is not because of what we are doing to him - but because of what we're doing to ourselves by not following His ways. Joyce Meyer stated that "His anger is for us, not against us.". When we sin, that is usually the time we are afraid that God will be angry at us and punish us. But the truth is, God hates sins, but he loves sinners. This chapter corrects our wrong mindset about God, and encourage us to believe that God can forgive our sins if we repent - and our gratitude for His mercy will make us want to please Him rather than be afraid of Him....

Read the full review here:
http://www.thebookielooker.com/2014/0...

[Chelsea Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really strong Christian fundamentals book by the one and only Joyce Meyer. This one has been renamed, originally a book called God is Not Mad at You, a fact I didn't realise when I bought the book, but which actually made this book a perfect subject for me personally (and I'm sure for many other people too). This book is so full of the goodness and love of God but yet measures it out with hefty doses of the word of God and enough 'meat' to counteract the 'milk', so to speak, and finishes with a chapter encouraging us in our spiritual walk. My only small gripe was that a chapter about mid way through talked about not wasting your potential, but it did it in a quite severe and warning sort of way that actually caused me to make some silly decisions out of fear that if I didn't act in a situation in my life, God wouldn't allow me to be blessed, which obviously isn't true in hindsight but that's what the chapter seemed to allude to. There wasn't enough scripture to back up what it was saying in that chapter, which is a shame (and yet also a relief!). Overall it's a wonderful book just make sure you don't fall into the same trap I did of fear and condemnation with that sneaky chapter I mentioned.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a really big fan of Mrs. Joyce Meyers because she is not only an awesome woman of GOD she is very good at telling of his goodness. Through her books and sermons I love to read her books so that I can take some notes of my own. Enjoy learning new things about GOD there is always more to know of the many things he can do that we can not even if we tried. When you serve the most high nothing is impossible to them that believe. Also love how she writes her books into an everyday scenario that we all can relate to and understand, Mrs. Meyers brings forth a different look into the many obstacles and feelings we may come up against throughout our lives on the daily. Often times we will get frustrated in not knowing what to do next, but with reading uplifting spiritual books such as this one will lead you to the most high GOD that can take care all our heavy burdens, confusions and any other things in our way. We just have to surrender all to him and allow for him to do what he says he will do. I know i may have gotten off topic but the whole book is about GOD i just elobrated on his goodness along with my review. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any Joyce Meyer book is great in my opinion. This book is no exception. If you grew up in a legalistic denominational church, this book could help you tremendously. Joyce points out that while we are to follow God's commands, He is not up in Heaven just waiting to strike us down with a lightning bolt if we do something wrong. We are to serve God with reverence, but not with crippling fear. We serve a loving God who wants the best for us, just like we desire for our own children. Sometimes we do have to discipline our children if they are doing something that will hurt them in the long run. It's the same way with our God. Discipline is not something God enjoys, though. He wants to see us prosper even as our souls prosper. If you have been abused by your father, this would also be a good book to read. Many times we tend to equate God with our earthly fathers. Because of that, we can get a skewed view of God's relationship with us. A very necessary book written by Joyce!

[L.C. Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently purchased this book because I am presently going through some lessons in life.
Well, I can definitely say that author Joyce Meyer sheds some light on topics that I am already familiar with and just needed some reminders on.

Chapter 16 titled "Greater Grace," particularly moved me to extend Grace towards others just as God has extended Grace towards me. The selected quote for Chapter 15 is one that I needed to hear. "Grace is everything for nothing to those who don't deserve anything." This book is an easy read and the chapters resonated with my present journey. This book is a keeper on my bookshelf to revisit.

[Zee Space · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick read is about knowing God is not mad at you.... never. But you thinking and meditating that He is mad you...you're not deserving. Not true!!! He was not mad at you when you were in your mother's womb, when not knowing Him, falling from His grace, and when you decide to accept Him. It's about knowing who God truly is and being BOLD to accept yourself (and your faults).

God is Not MAD at YOU its IMPORTANT for you to know because He needs you on this planet and created you for a wonderful and unique purpose. Question...do you want to know what is it????

Psalm 139:13-14

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Love was a gift from a close friend. It took me almost a year to read because, well, life is hectic. However, each time I picked the book up and opened it, there would be a passage that touched my heart. (I highlighted many quotes that I really liked.)

It is so easy for us to get down on ourselves--we're our own harshest critics after all. Perfect Love was an excellent reminder that we aren't and don't have to be perfect and that it is so important for us to love ourselves first.

I would definitely recommend this book to others.

[Brenda at MyShelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read and listened to a lot of Joyce Meyer books. But when I looked at this title "God Is Not Mad at You" I thought: Nope, I'm good. I had spent 2 1/2 years going through a personal ordeal that reminded me about God's mercy, grace and love. I really didn't think this title was for me. But once I started it I couldn't put it down. In this book Joyce hits on so many points in my personal and work life. Like "Battlefield of the Mind" this book will be recommended to friends and family.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. If I could rate it higher I would. It felt as if Rev Meyer knew exactly what was going through my head. She acknowledged the fear without being condescending and stated why we as Christians shouldn't feel that way. I feel so much better after reading this. I recommend this book to everyone. Even if you are not currently in this place, it will help you stay out of it.

[Mariann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quote in this book, "Love is stronger than fear, and if we respond to God's love, it will cast out all of our fears" is so true and sums up this book. It helped me understand that God loves me, and his anger is not directed toward my sinful behavior but rather toward me. God has a plan for me and my life.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the first Joyce Meyer book I have read, so I was looking forward to read it anyway. What surprised me is how it touched me in areas to do with my life in the past that I hadn't expected.

Good spiritual advice offered with nothing being too complicated to deal with. I feel this has helped me to resolve certain problems that I was having difficulty with. A book I would recommend.

[Cheryl Buller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Joyce Meyers books. She's a great

I always enjoy Joyce Meyers books. They always bless me and I learn so much and they encourage me to look deeper within myself. I didn't have a great relationship with my dad here and I now know My heavenly Father loves me continuely even when I mess up he isn't mad and I know real love.

[Mark Shannon]

This is a great refresher for Christians who need some reassurance. There are lots of anecdotes illustrating God's love for His people. The author provides a strong Biblical foundation for her points although her inclusion of scripture interpretations in the texts is distracting. It's a good book to keep close when times are hard.

[Becca Altimier · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/10 times? This is a book I wouldn't even notice, let alone stop to consider reading. But that's not how life works. This book and I were in the right places at the right time. I'm glad I read it when I did - and I share this review in case anyone else needs to read it right now too.