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Love Is: A Yearlong Experiment in Living Out 1 Corinthians 13 Love
Engage with a love that transcends social experiments and leads to a radically transformed life
"Love is patient, love is kind, love is . . ." The words are so familiar they almost lack meaning, a Christianese version of "live, laugh, love." Even non-Christians are familiar with the Love Chapter of 1 Corinthians, read at weddings, painted on decorative signs, and preached regularly from the pulpit. But what happens when these verses are taken seriously? What would it take for someone to live out the Love Chapter as literally as possible?
That was the question Kim Sorrelle set out to answer during her yearlong experiment. Using 1 Corinthians 13 as a road map, she focused on one phrase at a time, seeking to understand its true meaning and how it could motivate every daily action. And she didn't just look at the best-known parts of the passage but also the ones we don't think too deeply love does not boast, does not dishonor others, doesn't keep a record of wrongs, and more.
In her attempts to live the Love Chapter to the letter, Kim journeyed all the way to Haiti, where she met people who both tested and displayed love to its limits. From irritating employees to sexist short-term missionaries to curse-wielding women to the profoundly kind nuns, her encounters are filled with rueful self-reflection and comical commentary, as well as a new understanding of the nuances and power of true love in action.
Kim's transformation into someone who truly loves like Jesus will challenge readers to think more deeply about how they can manifest love in their own lives and will reveal the power of Christlike devotion that is unwearied and humble, contented and forgiving. Above all, her exploration is an incredible encounter with the filling, strengthening love of God--a love that truly never fails.
"Love is patient, love is kind, love is . . ." The words are so familiar they almost lack meaning, a Christianese version of "live, laugh, love." Even non-Christians are familiar with the Love Chapter of 1 Corinthians, read at weddings, painted on decorative signs, and preached regularly from the pulpit. But what happens when these verses are taken seriously? What would it take for someone to live out the Love Chapter as literally as possible?
That was the question Kim Sorrelle set out to answer during her yearlong experiment. Using 1 Corinthians 13 as a road map, she focused on one phrase at a time, seeking to understand its true meaning and how it could motivate every daily action. And she didn't just look at the best-known parts of the passage but also the ones we don't think too deeply love does not boast, does not dishonor others, doesn't keep a record of wrongs, and more.
In her attempts to live the Love Chapter to the letter, Kim journeyed all the way to Haiti, where she met people who both tested and displayed love to its limits. From irritating employees to sexist short-term missionaries to curse-wielding women to the profoundly kind nuns, her encounters are filled with rueful self-reflection and comical commentary, as well as a new understanding of the nuances and power of true love in action.
Kim's transformation into someone who truly loves like Jesus will challenge readers to think more deeply about how they can manifest love in their own lives and will reveal the power of Christlike devotion that is unwearied and humble, contented and forgiving. Above all, her exploration is an incredible encounter with the filling, strengthening love of God--a love that truly never fails.
208 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2021
7 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Kim Sorrelle
3 books3 followersKim Sorrelle is the executive director of Rays of Hope International. Her work takes her from her home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to isolated villages in Africa, small mountain communities in Haiti, and squatter neighborhoods in the Dominican Republic. A regular blogger, Kim is also the author of Cry Until You Laugh. Learn more about Kim at kimsorrelle.com.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 14, 2023
I really tried liking this book, but it's just not for me.
April 19, 2023
Love is by Kim Sorrelle is a non-fiction book, although it could also be considered autobiographical because it involves the author's own experiences.
The book is inspired by the author's life, so she talks about her volunteering trip to Haiti while she is helping others, those less fortunate ones. All of that journey whilst trying to follow God's example of love. Each chapter defines a type of love that the author tries to embrace, following the Bible's paragraph, more specifically from Corinthians 13:4-8 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (...)"
What I love about this book is how the author is trying to live and implement a certain type of love while explaining an anecdote, for example, when she is trying to implement "love is patient" in her life. Another thing that I certainly loved the most was the conclusion she made at the end of the book, summarizing each type of love.
Again, it has been a book full of highlights from my part. This is one example: "Love runs into obstacles but tenaciously pushes through. It is not always easy, but it is always right. This kind of love, this What Would Love Do love, never fails.".
It is hard to give one negative aspect when I love most of the book but if I have to mention one, it would be that sometimes I found hard to follow the story in some parts. I think that some of the paragraphs were not or did not give much importance to follow the story. But all in all, I really like this book and the message it tries to give.
I love the book so much and I am pretty sure that I will be re-reading it again, especially when I am in need of answers or inspiration. It will remind me of God's messages, so, for this reason my rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend this book to young adults or adults who love books full of inspiring quotes and are Christians, or at least religious, since it involves religious words (God, Jesus, stories from the Bible and also some paragraphs from the disciples). Although, even if this book talks from a Christian point of view, I believe everyone could apply some quotes or parts to their own lives and give them their own meaning.
The book is inspired by the author's life, so she talks about her volunteering trip to Haiti while she is helping others, those less fortunate ones. All of that journey whilst trying to follow God's example of love. Each chapter defines a type of love that the author tries to embrace, following the Bible's paragraph, more specifically from Corinthians 13:4-8 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (...)"
What I love about this book is how the author is trying to live and implement a certain type of love while explaining an anecdote, for example, when she is trying to implement "love is patient" in her life. Another thing that I certainly loved the most was the conclusion she made at the end of the book, summarizing each type of love.
Again, it has been a book full of highlights from my part. This is one example: "Love runs into obstacles but tenaciously pushes through. It is not always easy, but it is always right. This kind of love, this What Would Love Do love, never fails.".
It is hard to give one negative aspect when I love most of the book but if I have to mention one, it would be that sometimes I found hard to follow the story in some parts. I think that some of the paragraphs were not or did not give much importance to follow the story. But all in all, I really like this book and the message it tries to give.
I love the book so much and I am pretty sure that I will be re-reading it again, especially when I am in need of answers or inspiration. It will remind me of God's messages, so, for this reason my rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend this book to young adults or adults who love books full of inspiring quotes and are Christians, or at least religious, since it involves religious words (God, Jesus, stories from the Bible and also some paragraphs from the disciples). Although, even if this book talks from a Christian point of view, I believe everyone could apply some quotes or parts to their own lives and give them their own meaning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2022
14 Dimensions of Love
“Love Is” explores the author’s journey into the attributes of love highlighted by her experiences of living in Haiti. Each attribute is examined in two contexts: Michigan and Haiti. In the US, life’s complexities often make it harder to experience love in an unfiltered manner. In Haiti, she is able to experience and receive love in a fresh, organic way.
I, too, have lived in a different, less Westernized culture (Melanesia) and found that life was simpler and less encumbered. The Malo Islanders accepted me and taught me their values. It took time to “unlearn” my Western ways and embrace their values which are those the author describes. This transition is a key aspect of becoming self-aware and bring dimensionality into love so that it is much more than a word.
The book contains many biblical references which, as an agnostic, do not detract from the book’s main messages. It is an interesting perspective on: Corinthians 13, lessons of living in a foreign culture, and focusing on the values that are most important.
“Love Is” explores the author’s journey into the attributes of love highlighted by her experiences of living in Haiti. Each attribute is examined in two contexts: Michigan and Haiti. In the US, life’s complexities often make it harder to experience love in an unfiltered manner. In Haiti, she is able to experience and receive love in a fresh, organic way.
I, too, have lived in a different, less Westernized culture (Melanesia) and found that life was simpler and less encumbered. The Malo Islanders accepted me and taught me their values. It took time to “unlearn” my Western ways and embrace their values which are those the author describes. This transition is a key aspect of becoming self-aware and bring dimensionality into love so that it is much more than a word.
The book contains many biblical references which, as an agnostic, do not detract from the book’s main messages. It is an interesting perspective on: Corinthians 13, lessons of living in a foreign culture, and focusing on the values that are most important.
April 18, 2023
Honestly I wanted to love this one, but it was just a miss. The author had a great story to tell but I found the stories confusing and hard to follow. In addition, I hated the way she told some of them like she was putting down other people. Despite that, I loved the prayers at the end of each chapter and there were definitely moments of greatness but it was just a miss for me :(
May 18, 2025
What a testimony of love in action! The author truly lived the Biblical concept of 1 Corinthians 13 love and what it truly means to put others first. I cried through much of this book, humbled at the lessons and insight.
October 30, 2024
This was a very catching book and she had some good illustrations, but sometimes it was hard to follow the stories and how they related to the topic.
March 14, 2023
Deeply moving personal missionary experience through Haiti
I found this exploration of the bible's definition of love through Kim Sorrelle's experience as a missionary in poverty stricken Haiti fascinating and inspiring. This is a transformational reading experience that combines spiritual reflection and cultural immersion.
Love Is... is a book that captures the essence of true love, taking the reader on a journey through biblical principles and real life experiences in Haiti.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of love and how to apply it to their daily lives. It is a heart warming, humorous, and inspiring read that will leave you feeling uplifted and motivated to be a better person.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to be inspired and have your heart lifted.
I found this exploration of the bible's definition of love through Kim Sorrelle's experience as a missionary in poverty stricken Haiti fascinating and inspiring. This is a transformational reading experience that combines spiritual reflection and cultural immersion.
Love Is... is a book that captures the essence of true love, taking the reader on a journey through biblical principles and real life experiences in Haiti.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of love and how to apply it to their daily lives. It is a heart warming, humorous, and inspiring read that will leave you feeling uplifted and motivated to be a better person.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to be inspired and have your heart lifted.
January 9, 2022
This book is inspiring and thoughtful! Makes you want to be a better person!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews