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Real Love in an Angry World: How to Stick to Your Convictions without Alienating People
The world doesn't dislike Christians because we are godly, honest, and stand for justice. It dislikes us because we can be downright mean! Somewhere in our engagement of culture we have drifted to one of two extremes--compromising on truth or condemning all those who disagree. But Jesus, despite enemies on all sides, somehow managed to speak the truth in love--and calls us to do the same.
Whichever ditch you tend to fall into, Rick Bezet wants to help. In Real Love in an Angry World, he calls on believers not to abandon the truth just because they don't want to hurt someone's feelings, but also not to present that truth in angry diatribes on social media. He invites readers to sit in on his real conversations with real people who need to hear the gospel, showing them how it can be done in loving and courageous ways. For anyone unsure if they are doing more harm than good when they talk (or don't talk) about matters of faith, this book offers a compassionate and inspirational corrective.
Whichever ditch you tend to fall into, Rick Bezet wants to help. In Real Love in an Angry World, he calls on believers not to abandon the truth just because they don't want to hurt someone's feelings, but also not to present that truth in angry diatribes on social media. He invites readers to sit in on his real conversations with real people who need to hear the gospel, showing them how it can be done in loving and courageous ways. For anyone unsure if they are doing more harm than good when they talk (or don't talk) about matters of faith, this book offers a compassionate and inspirational corrective.
- GenresNonfiction
192 pages, Paperback
Published July 4, 2017
11 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 19 reviews
July 7, 2017
Excellent! Rick Bezet does a great job in this book of reminding us, as Christians, what we are called to do - be 'salt and light'. It's easy to fall to one side or the other. This day in age, we see so many Christians who air on the side of truth but so often we miss the grace!! It's a balance and Jesus truly did it best. Rick gives so much practical advice and great examples for us all to learn from!
July 4, 2017
This book is exactly what this world needs to hear. It made me think about how I am loving people, and how I am expressing that love. I love the way Ps. Rick Bezet communicated these lessons in a clear, funny, and meaningful way while still holding true to the Bible. Definitely worth picking up for yourself!
July 4, 2017
My thoughts of the book -Real Love In An Angry World by Rick Bezet
After one and a half highlighters later, I finally finished this amazing book. Although the entire book speaks volumes, it's always a good idea to highlight some of your favorite excerpts from what you are reading that really stood out to you or that you have gained wisdom from. Well,it just so happens, that was about the entire book for me. :)
Most of you don't know me, but if you did you would know that I'm not much of a reader. To be quite honest, this is probably the first book (other than a children's short book) that I have read since high school. So I know that it was God's doing that lead me here. After beginning the book I was surprised when it was hard for me to put the book down, but between my daily routine and four children I had to take breaks here and there. The realness of the author (Rick Bezet), the verses from the Bile that were included, the explanations of how things relate in our every day lives and how we can apply them, and the understanding of how we can love in an angry world, has made me re-evaluate my life and how I live. I won't sit here and go through the entire book, but I will however point out some of the teachings that I have received from reading it myself in hopes that you will want to read it as well.
***Read the Bible - We read the Bible to know Him personally and intamatly. When we do this we will begin to love Him with all our hearts, souls and minds. We will then be able to love people the way He loves us.
***Praying - Prayer is where you build your relationship with Jesus through conversation with Him and spending time daily in his word.
***Appreciate the value of a soul. God loves and values each of us and has created us all equally and uniquely. No sin is greater than another. "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters".
There are so many more teachings from this book, but I simply cannot tell you everything that's in it. I will be honest, I have failed in all of these categories and more for most of my life. I'm sure we all have. Now's the time to change that. If you want to understand how to truly love in an angry world, I pray that you will read this book just like I did and apply it to your life.
May God bless all of you and thank you to Rick Bezet for writing this book.
After one and a half highlighters later, I finally finished this amazing book. Although the entire book speaks volumes, it's always a good idea to highlight some of your favorite excerpts from what you are reading that really stood out to you or that you have gained wisdom from. Well,it just so happens, that was about the entire book for me. :)
Most of you don't know me, but if you did you would know that I'm not much of a reader. To be quite honest, this is probably the first book (other than a children's short book) that I have read since high school. So I know that it was God's doing that lead me here. After beginning the book I was surprised when it was hard for me to put the book down, but between my daily routine and four children I had to take breaks here and there. The realness of the author (Rick Bezet), the verses from the Bile that were included, the explanations of how things relate in our every day lives and how we can apply them, and the understanding of how we can love in an angry world, has made me re-evaluate my life and how I live. I won't sit here and go through the entire book, but I will however point out some of the teachings that I have received from reading it myself in hopes that you will want to read it as well.
***Read the Bible - We read the Bible to know Him personally and intamatly. When we do this we will begin to love Him with all our hearts, souls and minds. We will then be able to love people the way He loves us.
***Praying - Prayer is where you build your relationship with Jesus through conversation with Him and spending time daily in his word.
***Appreciate the value of a soul. God loves and values each of us and has created us all equally and uniquely. No sin is greater than another. "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters".
There are so many more teachings from this book, but I simply cannot tell you everything that's in it. I will be honest, I have failed in all of these categories and more for most of my life. I'm sure we all have. Now's the time to change that. If you want to understand how to truly love in an angry world, I pray that you will read this book just like I did and apply it to your life.
May God bless all of you and thank you to Rick Bezet for writing this book.
July 4, 2017
Pastor Rick reminds us of the two greatest commandments from God that are presented in Matthew 22:37-40 – “…thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
As Christians, we need to remember that just like the manna that was sent down daily from heaven, we need God’s word every day. If we’re not in the word every day, then we become led by our feelings when we encounter others in this angry world that we live in. We must get our relationship with God right first, before we try to develop deep connections with others. Once we do this, we will realize that Jesus died for everyone and this should influence how we treat others. If he can pursue us in the midst of our own mess, then the humility of that should challenge us to pursue others in the same way – in the midst of their mess.
As Christians, we need to remember that just like the manna that was sent down daily from heaven, we need God’s word every day. If we’re not in the word every day, then we become led by our feelings when we encounter others in this angry world that we live in. We must get our relationship with God right first, before we try to develop deep connections with others. Once we do this, we will realize that Jesus died for everyone and this should influence how we treat others. If he can pursue us in the midst of our own mess, then the humility of that should challenge us to pursue others in the same way – in the midst of their mess.
July 3, 2017
After reading this book, I can truly say I understand how to have real love for someone. Pastor Rick Bezet humbles himself in his book, telling stories of where he has struggled and failed throughout his life. By doing this it makes it easier for the reader to relate to the book, instead of feeling beat down because they too have struggle and failed in their life as well. Also Pastor Rick Bezet uses quotations from the Bible to support and help the reader understand how to have Real Love for another person. The book is not a dull book, instead Pastor Rick Bezet uses a mixture of seriousness as well as comedy which sucks the reader in and makes the reader want to keep reading. This book has helped me overcome obstacles that I have struggled with since childhood, and I strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I can guarantee that if you read this book, and open your heart to what is written in it, you will be able to strength all of your relationships.
April 27, 2019
I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. I am paying it forward by passing this book along to a family member who I think will enjoy it too.
July 10, 2017
This book is so relevant to the world today. It's great to hear an honest but loving Christian perspective on how we should be Christlike during all this turmoil and conflict.
April 27, 2019
I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. I am paying it forward by passing this book along to a family member who I think will enjoy it too.
July 11, 2018
My Rating - Put it on your list
Level - Quick, easy read; short book
Summary
A good, quick summary of this book is somewhat hard to do. Bezet's main idea is that there are unhappy people out there who are mad and/or judgmental towards Christianity. Additionally, these people come from both ends - those opposed to Christianity, and Christians (or at least those who would call themselves as such, like Westboro Baptist) themselves who think your Christianity isn't good enough. He spends a little time on Christian who have drifted away from historic Christianity, i.e. denying the validity of the Scriptures, miracles, etc. However, most of the time is spent on the two more angry sides, the non-believers and judgmental believers (for instance, he relates a story of taking his wife to see a Celine Dion in Vegas, and losing a few church members once they found out he was in Vegas).
The book is broken into nine chapters that kind of bounce around on different topics. Everything from picking our battles to loving your neighbor (and just who is your neighbor) to then loving you enemy, to a little bit of history on the Bible. He touches on politics a number of times, but not necessarily specific topics or policy points, mainly just that Christians can disagree with each other while still be Christians, and Christians can disagree with non-Christians while still showing love and understanding. I don't know how long he has been working on the book, but as it was published near the end of 2017, I assume it is at least partially motivated by the rise and election of Trump.
My Thoughts
Overall, it is a good book. Bezet is a good writer, very personal, and I thought, very humorous. I struggle with exactly who should read this book. For most Christians, it is probably worth your time to read, especially because it is so short. It reads quickly and is funny, his points on how to listen to people and how important it is to really listen, and his continual emphasis on the need to truly love others, are great reminders and points weakness for most of us. I especially like his point about loving others being the second great commandment. He points out that on the liberal Christian and non-Christian side, there is often the comment that we just need to love each other because that is what Jesus said and that is all we need. Bezet rightly points out, this is the second great command, this first is to love God. Part of that love means being faithful to God and His Word.
While all is helpful, I think the best use could be for those Christians on the extreme end of the non-loving judgmental side. Those who are the most angry and often express hate. The problem is, of course, I don't think the people who need it the most would actually read it, and if they did they'd likely just disagree. I guess you never know how the Spirit will move some people, but I remain skeptical. Either way, it might be helpful for you to recognize some issues in your life, and if you see some of these issues in others, it might help you in reaching out to them and helping them to show the love of Christ, while retaining the love for God.
*I received a free copy of this book for an honest review
Level - Quick, easy read; short book
Summary
A good, quick summary of this book is somewhat hard to do. Bezet's main idea is that there are unhappy people out there who are mad and/or judgmental towards Christianity. Additionally, these people come from both ends - those opposed to Christianity, and Christians (or at least those who would call themselves as such, like Westboro Baptist) themselves who think your Christianity isn't good enough. He spends a little time on Christian who have drifted away from historic Christianity, i.e. denying the validity of the Scriptures, miracles, etc. However, most of the time is spent on the two more angry sides, the non-believers and judgmental believers (for instance, he relates a story of taking his wife to see a Celine Dion in Vegas, and losing a few church members once they found out he was in Vegas).
The book is broken into nine chapters that kind of bounce around on different topics. Everything from picking our battles to loving your neighbor (and just who is your neighbor) to then loving you enemy, to a little bit of history on the Bible. He touches on politics a number of times, but not necessarily specific topics or policy points, mainly just that Christians can disagree with each other while still be Christians, and Christians can disagree with non-Christians while still showing love and understanding. I don't know how long he has been working on the book, but as it was published near the end of 2017, I assume it is at least partially motivated by the rise and election of Trump.
My Thoughts
Overall, it is a good book. Bezet is a good writer, very personal, and I thought, very humorous. I struggle with exactly who should read this book. For most Christians, it is probably worth your time to read, especially because it is so short. It reads quickly and is funny, his points on how to listen to people and how important it is to really listen, and his continual emphasis on the need to truly love others, are great reminders and points weakness for most of us. I especially like his point about loving others being the second great commandment. He points out that on the liberal Christian and non-Christian side, there is often the comment that we just need to love each other because that is what Jesus said and that is all we need. Bezet rightly points out, this is the second great command, this first is to love God. Part of that love means being faithful to God and His Word.
While all is helpful, I think the best use could be for those Christians on the extreme end of the non-loving judgmental side. Those who are the most angry and often express hate. The problem is, of course, I don't think the people who need it the most would actually read it, and if they did they'd likely just disagree. I guess you never know how the Spirit will move some people, but I remain skeptical. Either way, it might be helpful for you to recognize some issues in your life, and if you see some of these issues in others, it might help you in reaching out to them and helping them to show the love of Christ, while retaining the love for God.
*I received a free copy of this book for an honest review
August 21, 2017
The world, and in particular, the United States is becoming more divisive.
Few people I know would disagree with that statement right now.
Yet, few people I know – including, or perhaps, especially – Christians, know what to do about that divisiveness.
In his book, Real Love In An Angry World, pastor and author Rick Bezet attempts to give Christians a roadmap for how to stick to their convictions without alienating people.
What I loved about Real Love In An Angry World is how relationally centered it is. Rick's roadmap for how to stick to your convictions without alienating people begins with defining truth relationally. According to him, “When we recognize that trust is a Who (not just a what), our focus moves from what we know to Who we know. And that means we experience truth totally within the context of relationships... If we view truth as territory to defend, instead of a relationship to share, our instinct will be to get defensive with others whom we consider a threat to our faith.”
Given Rick's focus on relationships, it's not surprising that he also emphasizes the role community has in discipleship. According to him, “We can misunderstand things when we're on our own, but we're more likely to sort out our misunderstandings if we read [the Bible] with others... God never intended for us to be off on our own trying to figure everything out.”
Rick's roadmap for how to stick to your convictions without alienating people also includes love. He reminds people, “God is not mad at you. He loves you and wants to be with you... It's not that God can't stand to be in our presence because we're messed up people. It's that we can't live in His presence with sin.” In fact, Rick suggests “the world doesn't know what real love looks like because the church has viewed the world as the enemy... We talk about love, but what we demonstrate is hate.”
In order to stick to your convictions without alienating people, Rick also suggests that “your convictions should never be broadcast. They have to be requested.” How I wish I would have learned that years ago! Doing so would have saved me all kinds of alienation and grief.
To be clear, this is NOT a book that addresses specific issues (political or otherwise). Those expecting it to do so will be sorely disappointed. As Rick explains, “When we throw ourselves into an issue – even when it's a good thing – we can completely lose sight of people... Fixating on issues makes it hard to make disciples. When we focus on issues, we form teams that compete – it's us against them.”
That said, Real Love In An Angry World is a much-needed and timely work that many Christians will find helpful. It would also make for a good book to discuss in small groups, where people could, together in community, wrestle with how best to apply Rick's roadmap to their lives.
********************************************************
Disclosure: I received a free copy of Real Love In An Angry World in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Few people I know would disagree with that statement right now.
Yet, few people I know – including, or perhaps, especially – Christians, know what to do about that divisiveness.
In his book, Real Love In An Angry World, pastor and author Rick Bezet attempts to give Christians a roadmap for how to stick to their convictions without alienating people.
What I loved about Real Love In An Angry World is how relationally centered it is. Rick's roadmap for how to stick to your convictions without alienating people begins with defining truth relationally. According to him, “When we recognize that trust is a Who (not just a what), our focus moves from what we know to Who we know. And that means we experience truth totally within the context of relationships... If we view truth as territory to defend, instead of a relationship to share, our instinct will be to get defensive with others whom we consider a threat to our faith.”
Given Rick's focus on relationships, it's not surprising that he also emphasizes the role community has in discipleship. According to him, “We can misunderstand things when we're on our own, but we're more likely to sort out our misunderstandings if we read [the Bible] with others... God never intended for us to be off on our own trying to figure everything out.”
Rick's roadmap for how to stick to your convictions without alienating people also includes love. He reminds people, “God is not mad at you. He loves you and wants to be with you... It's not that God can't stand to be in our presence because we're messed up people. It's that we can't live in His presence with sin.” In fact, Rick suggests “the world doesn't know what real love looks like because the church has viewed the world as the enemy... We talk about love, but what we demonstrate is hate.”
In order to stick to your convictions without alienating people, Rick also suggests that “your convictions should never be broadcast. They have to be requested.” How I wish I would have learned that years ago! Doing so would have saved me all kinds of alienation and grief.
To be clear, this is NOT a book that addresses specific issues (political or otherwise). Those expecting it to do so will be sorely disappointed. As Rick explains, “When we throw ourselves into an issue – even when it's a good thing – we can completely lose sight of people... Fixating on issues makes it hard to make disciples. When we focus on issues, we form teams that compete – it's us against them.”
That said, Real Love In An Angry World is a much-needed and timely work that many Christians will find helpful. It would also make for a good book to discuss in small groups, where people could, together in community, wrestle with how best to apply Rick's roadmap to their lives.
********************************************************
Disclosure: I received a free copy of Real Love In An Angry World in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 15, 2017
I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.
Pastor Bezet addresses how a Christian should react in a world that seems so polarized and angry about issues. With Facebook people don't hesitate to lay out their views on controversial issues and then attack those who don't confirm them. Bezet sets out how we should not compromise the truth but also share our views with love and kindness. You aren't going to argue anyone to Christ. I know. I have a friend who I have tried to convince that Jesus is the messiah and the more fervent my argument becomes the more strident is his opposition.
I wish the book would have given more examples of how to address specific things which arise. Bezet gives some of the ones he has faced and what has worked and what hasn't. However, set out more examples of how to react by the variety of responses and actions we face.
Good advice about being in the word and prayer.
Pastor Bezet addresses how a Christian should react in a world that seems so polarized and angry about issues. With Facebook people don't hesitate to lay out their views on controversial issues and then attack those who don't confirm them. Bezet sets out how we should not compromise the truth but also share our views with love and kindness. You aren't going to argue anyone to Christ. I know. I have a friend who I have tried to convince that Jesus is the messiah and the more fervent my argument becomes the more strident is his opposition.
I wish the book would have given more examples of how to address specific things which arise. Bezet gives some of the ones he has faced and what has worked and what hasn't. However, set out more examples of how to react by the variety of responses and actions we face.
Good advice about being in the word and prayer.
August 17, 2017
Rick Bezet in his new book, Real Love in an Angry World, urges Christians to develop God’s compassion for people in the world, and not be consumed with issues which separate them from the culture. Throughout the book, he stresses the primacy of relationships based in “real love.”
“Real love is a choice… We choose to honor, respect, trust, maintain integrity, commit to fight for one another, and be there for one another… Real relationships means you are in it for the long haul, so invite your friend to do life with you, and don’t force your conversations. Instead, be sensitive to your friend’s needs and follow their lead… When you’ve committed to a covenant relationship with someone, you’ve committed to love, protect, and serve one another, even when you don’t agree… The issue is not what matters most – people matter.” – pp. 92, 94, 97, 104, 105
A helpful corrective that reflects God’s heart.
“Real love is a choice… We choose to honor, respect, trust, maintain integrity, commit to fight for one another, and be there for one another… Real relationships means you are in it for the long haul, so invite your friend to do life with you, and don’t force your conversations. Instead, be sensitive to your friend’s needs and follow their lead… When you’ve committed to a covenant relationship with someone, you’ve committed to love, protect, and serve one another, even when you don’t agree… The issue is not what matters most – people matter.” – pp. 92, 94, 97, 104, 105
A helpful corrective that reflects God’s heart.
August 5, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of this book, but about midway through it started to get very repetitive. So let me start with what I loved about this book. In a lot of my reading I’ve found that a lot of books that try to tackle this topic skirt the truth or only tell half the truth for the sake of being non-offensive. Bezet does a great job telling the whole truth, while being loving and not compromising his values.
Toward the end I felt that he began talking too much about “love” in a more generic sense. However, that is the title of the book so it may just be that I was reading too fast and getting caught up on similar themes. I wish that I could give this book a 3.5 out of 5 because it is definitely worthy of more than a three, I’m just not sure it is quite a four either.
Toward the end I felt that he began talking too much about “love” in a more generic sense. However, that is the title of the book so it may just be that I was reading too fast and getting caught up on similar themes. I wish that I could give this book a 3.5 out of 5 because it is definitely worthy of more than a three, I’m just not sure it is quite a four either.
October 10, 2017
This book is a strong one. Right off the bat, Rick will grab your attention with his funny Cajun stories and matter-of-fact language. He tells of our world today and how being offended is so easy, but how love is what we all want, and need.
He is real and honest about his personal struggles, while also encouraging the reader through many stories and scriptures. Every Christian should read this book. It will open your eyes to really loving those around you, while still holding to your values. Everyone's weird, love them anyway.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher.
He is real and honest about his personal struggles, while also encouraging the reader through many stories and scriptures. Every Christian should read this book. It will open your eyes to really loving those around you, while still holding to your values. Everyone's weird, love them anyway.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher.
January 19, 2022
An excellent book with excellent perspective on how to show live to people you disagree with! It seem in this polarized culture you are either 100% on one side or the other on any given issue and to be on one side means to have hostility towards the other side. But what if Jesus is calling us to a radical love of those we disagree with? Whether they be lost, or divisive people, or whether we just don't have that much in common, we are still called to love EVERYONE because everyone is our neighbor. In short, we need to be a love-driven people and not an issues-driven people.
January 14, 2021
I blew through this book and even took a highlighter to it (which is insane to me! A highlighter to a book?!)
Bezet writes in such a conversational and comfortable way that it felt like talking to a wise friend. He infused most of his points with personal stories which I really appreciate. I can’t believe this was written in 2017 because it feels like it was written in the last 6 months. I’m passing the book on to a friend and I look forward to reading more by him.
Bezet writes in such a conversational and comfortable way that it felt like talking to a wise friend. He infused most of his points with personal stories which I really appreciate. I can’t believe this was written in 2017 because it feels like it was written in the last 6 months. I’m passing the book on to a friend and I look forward to reading more by him.
August 10, 2021
This book sat for four years before I decided to pick it up and actually read it. I bought it because the title sounded interesting. I WISH I WOULD'VE READ THIS BOOK SOONER!!! It's such a good Christian book. Even reading four years later...the information inside applies like it was just written for right now.
October 28, 2021
Very timely book for today’s experiences and the social media age.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 19 reviews