The Way of Agape: Understanding God's Love

by nancy-missler-chuck-missler, Chuck Missler

Start a study group using videos of Nancy teaching an actual Way of Agape Seminar. In her warm and down-to-earth style, Nancy shares how understanding God's Agape Love has changed her life, and how it can change the lives of others. Nancy shares, "Wherever there is a relationship, God's Way of Agape is needed. It doesn't matter if you have been a Christian seven months, seven years or 77 years. It doesn't matter how many Bible studies you attend, how many Scriptures you know, or even how many books you write, it's still a moment by moment choice to love God and walk in His Way of Agape." The Way of Agape series covers such vital issues What is God's Love, and how does it differ from human love? Why is it so important that we know God loves us? How can we be sure? What does it really mean to love (agapao) God in practical terms? How do we genuinely love others as ourselves? What if we have "justified" reasons not to want to love them? Study Guide Included! This series has been designed for individual, group, or corporate Bible study. DVDs and a Leader's Guide are also available.

Genres: Christian, Christianity

367 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Way of Agape is an in depth study on true Godly (Agape) love. It focuses on loving God and surrendering ourselves to His will instead of our will so that we can have supernatural, unconditional love towards others. This book seeks to get rid of our natural, human love that is self-seeking. Some would call this book radical. I would say that is not such a bad thing!

I particularly liked the vast amount of Bible verses that were used in this book. Missler made some great points that were all backed up by scripture. The points she made (by using scripture) were very convicting! I had to continually ask myself, "Do I love others unconditionally? Have I given up my prior hurts to God? Or am I justified in my treatment of those who have wronged me?" Again, I am convicted.

The focus of this book is on learning to love your spouse unconditionally. However, many of the principles that are taught apply to every relationship in our lives. As a single man, I would highly recommend that single people read this book too. Why wait until after you are married to learn how to put the needs of your spouse above your own? We need to learn to surrender all of our hurts to God and let Him take care of them so that we can focus on loving others unconditionally.

I only have two minor problems with this book. 1) It repeats itself a lot. However, repetition is not always a bad thing! 2) Nancy Missler discredits Psychology quite a few times. She even makes some claims about studies done in Psychology that were completely untrue.

With that being said, I really enjoyed this book. I will definitely re-read this book in the future to remind myself of how I am to love others. I recommend this book to those who are married AND those who are single!

[Kendra Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I would’ve read this years ago. There are a few things I don’t think I agree with but they are not critical to the main point of this book. Other than that, I needed to read this book and learn how to live God’s love and not my own.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find it difficult to know how to review this book, it has taken several attempts. It was given to me by a dear friend and probably not one I would have read otherwise. At first I thought it excellent. However upon doing the study guide and looking in depth at some of the content (particularly ch 10 and 11) I find I disagree with some of what the author writes on. It pays always to be a good Berean when reading any book expounding the bible and checking what’s written against scripture and not just the scriptures quoted as they may be taken out of context. I think there are some good things in the book, yes we are to live a life that is pleasing to God, yes we are to live in repentance and faith, yes we are to live a life that expresses Gods love to others. I don’t think it my place to write what I disagree with (I myself may be wrong) only to say check what you’re reading against the truth of Gods unfailing word.

[Diane Stultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was a change of direction for me, but I wanted to expand my horizons. This book has been around for awhile, but was new to me. In this book, the author does exactly what the subtitle says...she explains how to give and accept God's love. It is scripture based, so have your Bible handy. Missler explains what God's love is and how God loves us...also, how important His love is. There are many personal stories and real life examples on how this can and does play out in our lives. She talks about making decisions from our "self-life" vs our "spiritual life"... a battle that we often fight as humans.
The main message that I received by reading this was that we must open our hearts, minds, and souls to accept God's love and His will. The content is very thought provoking, but requires reading a little at a time allowing time to think and reflect. If you are exploring your Christianity or just want to strengthen it, you might find this book of interest.

[Dan Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting read. Overall good advice to understanding how God love works and how we should apply it to our Lives. Parallels to our bodies being temples as God works though us. We are NOT Gods nor will we become Gods, but what the difference between letting yourself become a vessel for Gods purposes and understanding how the bible teaches such things. Just because you are saved doesn't mean you will live a perfect life nor does any one event change you instantly. Work in progress and training your Spirit that God gives when you commit to Christ and follow him and recieve the Holy Spirit. Much to take in in this book, but over all a Good message about How to Love and accept Gods agape love and understanding, or grasping His love.

A bit repetitive at times but a good book for both men and women

[Pam Coll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant for the Bible student, clear, and comprehensive exploration of attitudes, and interpersonal relationships. Personal experience of the writer is unstintingly provided. The human condition is laid open for honest analysis and self-application by the reader. A most enlightening and valuable book.

[Erickia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for Christians and none- Christians

This book really helped me look at forgiveness from a 360 angle. I am able to see it from multiple vantage points and implement the principals in my life.

[Beth Peninger]

Originally I gave this title 5 stars. I am revising my stars to zero.

The reason I am doing so is that since reading this title, several things about my faith journey and expression have changed and I no longer subscribe to evangelical ideologies.

[Matthew Manchester · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNFed this book early. It was part of a bible study that didn't work out. But I found the book to be extremely patriarchal in the "if your spouse's anger is threatening your family, pray to God and submit to your husband" vein.

[Bridgit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book three times. I want the biblical truth's to saturate my thinking! I want to love the agape way!

[Melanie Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ 🙌🙏🙌

[Elijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read. I listened to the audiobook as well. Nancy has so many funny stories and is such an authentic gem. Hope to actually read this one day.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, one of the best Christian books I've read in a long time! I recommend reading this book with a friend or in a Bible study group so that you can participate in quality discussions and think through applicable life applications.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over all this was a good book. She mainly talks about laying down our lives for other and gives many examples of that in the book. It's a pretty easy read. She does repeat herself often which can be pretty frustrating.

[Daphne Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently doing a Bible study using this book.

[smalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

On my must read books for any relationship of mine. Very insightful.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be summarized in 2 words: life changing!!

[Moriah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is extremely repetitive, but the message is good and practical. Easy to skim and each chapter has a good review outline at the end.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! God is so GOOD!

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard to get through; not because it is difficult to understand but because "the way of Agape" is continuously italicized.

[Marianne Pita-Esquer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book about God's love for us. Made me feel like I have so far to go to love the way the Lord loves us. In process...

[Jeremyh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find out how to Love like the Lord.
Very good

[Mitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think we should teach this to our teenagers/young adults. It would teach them sooo much. Hmmm...how to incorporate it into my boy's lives (ages 15 & 27).

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book in my Bible/book study. Excellent!

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The truths contained in this book are many and timeless but the way they are communicated is definitely lacking!