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Transforming Love: How Friendship with Jesus Changes Us
Sometimes God feels distant. What creates that feeling of disconnect and what can we do when God feels far away?
Studying Jesus’s friendships is a good place to start. When Jesus walked the Earth, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were some of His closest friends. He accepted them just as they were. In the context of a safe, vulnerable, and loving relationship with Him, each sibling was emboldened to move past cultural and social expectations, let go of unhealthy sin patterns, and be freed of bad habits—all so they could embrace intimacy, rest, and wholeness in Him.
Today, Jesus offers the same invitation to you. With a fresh, uplifting perspective on an often-told story, Amy Boucher Pye unpacks the dynamics of Jesus’s remarkable friendships with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, inviting you to be transformed by the same love that upended their lives. With prayer exercises and reflection questions, Transforming Love is the perfect resource for your personal time with God as well as group discussion.
Wherever you are on life’s journey, let yourself be liberated to experience grounded faith, boundless joy, and profound peace through an ever-deepening friendship with Jesus.
Studying Jesus’s friendships is a good place to start. When Jesus walked the Earth, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were some of His closest friends. He accepted them just as they were. In the context of a safe, vulnerable, and loving relationship with Him, each sibling was emboldened to move past cultural and social expectations, let go of unhealthy sin patterns, and be freed of bad habits—all so they could embrace intimacy, rest, and wholeness in Him.
Today, Jesus offers the same invitation to you. With a fresh, uplifting perspective on an often-told story, Amy Boucher Pye unpacks the dynamics of Jesus’s remarkable friendships with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, inviting you to be transformed by the same love that upended their lives. With prayer exercises and reflection questions, Transforming Love is the perfect resource for your personal time with God as well as group discussion.
Wherever you are on life’s journey, let yourself be liberated to experience grounded faith, boundless joy, and profound peace through an ever-deepening friendship with Jesus.
136 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2023
6 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Amy Boucher Pye
62 books43 followersAmy is a writer, speaker, retreat leader, and spiritual director. She's the author of six books, including Transforming Love and 7 Ways to Pray. She writes devotional thoughts for several publications, including the globally recognized Our Daily Bread. She received her MA in Christian spirituality from the University of London.
She's an American who has lived in the UK for over two decades, married to a vicar, as featured in her first book, Finding Myself in Britain. She and her family live in North London. Find her at amyboucherpye.com and on socials.
She's an American who has lived in the UK for over two decades, married to a vicar, as featured in her first book, Finding Myself in Britain. She and her family live in North London. Find her at amyboucherpye.com and on socials.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 17, 2023
In “Transforming Love”, Amy Boucher Pye offers a collection of thoughts about the friendship of Mary, Martha and Lazarus with Jesus.
In this small book you are sure to find some good reflections about the passages that mention the three brothers, questions to work on alone or in group, prayer exercises, guidelines for group studies of the book and lots of references.
Unfortunately it is also full of repetition and sometimes there is way too much mixing between the meditations on bible passage and the personal anecdotes.
So to conclude a book that is not for people that are new to the Faith but it can still have some interesting insights for more “mature” christians.
In this small book you are sure to find some good reflections about the passages that mention the three brothers, questions to work on alone or in group, prayer exercises, guidelines for group studies of the book and lots of references.
Unfortunately it is also full of repetition and sometimes there is way too much mixing between the meditations on bible passage and the personal anecdotes.
So to conclude a book that is not for people that are new to the Faith but it can still have some interesting insights for more “mature” christians.
March 20, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC. I loved this creative and contemplative look at Mary, Martha and Lazarus. It's woven together beautifully with real insight, honesty and wisdom. It would be perfect to read as a small group - but is great read alone, too.
April 3, 2023
Amy Boucher Pye looks at each sibling anew as she explores Jesus’ close friendship with Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus. She shows how God uses our relationships with others and with Jesus to shape us as individuals. In this book, Amy hopes that the reader will want to meet with Jesus as a dear friend, just as the siblings did. She would like us to learn how to receive His love and let it transform us within and without.
Amy presents this story of “transforming love” in three parts: Part 1 Being and Doing: The Luke 10 Story, Part 2 Grieving and Rejoicing: The John 11 Story, and Part 3 Loving and Serving: The John 12 Story.
Part 1 focuses on how we often define ourselves by our work — by what we do or produce — instead of resting in how God defines us. Are we trying to prove we’re worth God’s attention? As Christians, we need to rest in our identity as His children. No “people-pleasing” is needed. This first part delves in the Luke 10 story – the famous, or infamous, “Martha vs. Mary” passage I mentioned earlier.
Amy points to the writing choices Luke made when he wrote this account. She said commentators believe Lazarus had a physical disability, which could explain why Jesus and the disciples come to them. Amy notes some countercultural details as well. Martha is the head of the family. Luke mentions first. Her name means “owner” and “master.” She takes on the brunt of hosting and preparing for guests, even going so far as to do the work their manservant would do. She has little time to prepare. Amy said it’s not like Jesus sent a text to Martha that He and the disciple are on their way. (I loved that observation!)
When Amy turns to Mary at Jesus’ feet, she notices the countercultural features. Women did not learn at the feet of a teacher; in fact, women weren’t even to touch the Torah, she said. And yet, the Bible shows many women disciples throughout scripture. Here, Amy says we need to reconsider Mary’s choice. She probably knew she should help her sister, but she wanted to listen to Jesus more. She may have thought she “shouldn’t” learn with the men, but she chose to learn alongside them despite that.
Jesus defends Mary while teaching Martha “a better way,” Amy says. When scripture repeats a word, she says it means we need to pay attention. Jesus says Martha’s name twice. He tells her that she worries about many things and only one is important. The one thing Mary chose is to be with Jesus. That’s not to say Martha should not use that gift of hospitality she has, but here she took on more than was needed. She needs some balance in her life, something Amy shows Martha learned in Part 3.
Amy covers the topic of “waiting for Jesus” in part 2, as she picks up the second account of Martha and Mary. Their brother Lazarus became deathly ill. Martha wrote Jesus, but she didn’t demand anything of Him. Just Him knowing was enough. Amy said she had to know the risk of drawing Jesus to return to a place where He avoided stoning before. Jesus waits instead of rushing, and this waiting is important. Lazarus dies before Jesus and disciples return. Amy said that Jews believed when someone died, the soul hovered for three days. Lazarus had been dead and buried four. (I appreciated Amy’s note here that Lazarus wasn’t “mostly dead,” like Westley from “Princess Bride.”)
Both sisters would say the same thing to Jesus upon His arrival. Lazarus wouldn’t have died had He been there. When Martha meets Jesus, she shows a deep faith that abides in hope. She trusts God will give Jesus what He asks, but again she doesn’t make demands, Amy says. They talk about who Jesus really is — the Messiah. She knows about the resurrection of the dead in the future. Now, Jesus expands her faith when he tells her “I am the resurrection and the life."
Mary runs to meet Jesus when Martha tells her that He has asked for her. The Jews who have gathered in mourning for Lazarus follow her. She falls at His feet in tears, and Jesus weeps as well, moved by her grief as well as that of the mourners. The people see how much He loved Lazarus, and they soon become witnesses to the last miracle before Jesus’ own death on the cross. He calls for the stone to be rolled away in front of Lazarus’ tomb. First, Jesus prays so everyone can hear Him speaking to His Father and thanking Him in advance for bringing this dead man back to life. He cried out, “Come out, Lazarus.” And Lazarus, still wrapped in grave clothes, arose from the grave, and walked out of the tomb.
Amy here shares an awe-inspiring insight about how specific Jesus needed to be with His request: “Come out, Lazarus.” Jesus is the resurrection and the life, so if He had not been specific, more than one dead man would have risen that day. Can you picture that? Amy said the death of Lazarus represents those who are dead in their sins before conversion, while the risen Lazarus is how we are after accepting salvation through Jesus Christ. We are a new creation.
In Part 3, we are invited to a celebration with this family after Lazarus’ return from the grave. Lazarus leans on Jesus and Martha serves. Mary brings out a pint of pure nard that she opens and pours on Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair in a beautiful display of love and devotion. Judas Iscariot would chastise this extravagance, saying that the perfume could have brought in a year’s wages. John makes sure to point out the greed of Judas, Amy says, and how that disciple would take for himself some of the money collected. Besides showing great love for Jesus, Mary also shows an understanding of who He is, His mission, and what is to come.
I enjoyed this closer look at the story of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus’ friendship with Jesus. Amy provides personal stories alongside each theme she develops as she features these three accounts in scripture. I liked the variety of commentaries Amy researched. She seamlessly weaves them into her discussion with whether these folks live today and as far back as the 4th century. She also provides prayer starters and ways for the reader to personally connect with the material and scriptures during their alone time with God.
The only area I thought Amy could have cut was the exercise using Psalm 23. She shows how to rework the passage and pulls from the themes covered in each chapter’s lesson. I saw the notation in the back that she learned this technique elsewhere. You might enjoy this exercise. Her results did grow on me, but at the same time, I didn’t understand the relevance of going back over Psalm 23 and rewriting it. She also had these other exercises that I felt related more with the material.
You can choose to use her book for an individual study, or you can use this book to lead a Bible study group. Amy provides questions to guide you at the end of each chapter, and a guide for class leaders at the end to help you conduct each of the 8 sessions. Plenty of endnotes also are in back for further reading and study alongside this work.
Amy presents this story of “transforming love” in three parts: Part 1 Being and Doing: The Luke 10 Story, Part 2 Grieving and Rejoicing: The John 11 Story, and Part 3 Loving and Serving: The John 12 Story.
Part 1 focuses on how we often define ourselves by our work — by what we do or produce — instead of resting in how God defines us. Are we trying to prove we’re worth God’s attention? As Christians, we need to rest in our identity as His children. No “people-pleasing” is needed. This first part delves in the Luke 10 story – the famous, or infamous, “Martha vs. Mary” passage I mentioned earlier.
Amy points to the writing choices Luke made when he wrote this account. She said commentators believe Lazarus had a physical disability, which could explain why Jesus and the disciples come to them. Amy notes some countercultural details as well. Martha is the head of the family. Luke mentions first. Her name means “owner” and “master.” She takes on the brunt of hosting and preparing for guests, even going so far as to do the work their manservant would do. She has little time to prepare. Amy said it’s not like Jesus sent a text to Martha that He and the disciple are on their way. (I loved that observation!)
When Amy turns to Mary at Jesus’ feet, she notices the countercultural features. Women did not learn at the feet of a teacher; in fact, women weren’t even to touch the Torah, she said. And yet, the Bible shows many women disciples throughout scripture. Here, Amy says we need to reconsider Mary’s choice. She probably knew she should help her sister, but she wanted to listen to Jesus more. She may have thought she “shouldn’t” learn with the men, but she chose to learn alongside them despite that.
Jesus defends Mary while teaching Martha “a better way,” Amy says. When scripture repeats a word, she says it means we need to pay attention. Jesus says Martha’s name twice. He tells her that she worries about many things and only one is important. The one thing Mary chose is to be with Jesus. That’s not to say Martha should not use that gift of hospitality she has, but here she took on more than was needed. She needs some balance in her life, something Amy shows Martha learned in Part 3.
Amy covers the topic of “waiting for Jesus” in part 2, as she picks up the second account of Martha and Mary. Their brother Lazarus became deathly ill. Martha wrote Jesus, but she didn’t demand anything of Him. Just Him knowing was enough. Amy said she had to know the risk of drawing Jesus to return to a place where He avoided stoning before. Jesus waits instead of rushing, and this waiting is important. Lazarus dies before Jesus and disciples return. Amy said that Jews believed when someone died, the soul hovered for three days. Lazarus had been dead and buried four. (I appreciated Amy’s note here that Lazarus wasn’t “mostly dead,” like Westley from “Princess Bride.”)
Both sisters would say the same thing to Jesus upon His arrival. Lazarus wouldn’t have died had He been there. When Martha meets Jesus, she shows a deep faith that abides in hope. She trusts God will give Jesus what He asks, but again she doesn’t make demands, Amy says. They talk about who Jesus really is — the Messiah. She knows about the resurrection of the dead in the future. Now, Jesus expands her faith when he tells her “I am the resurrection and the life."
Mary runs to meet Jesus when Martha tells her that He has asked for her. The Jews who have gathered in mourning for Lazarus follow her. She falls at His feet in tears, and Jesus weeps as well, moved by her grief as well as that of the mourners. The people see how much He loved Lazarus, and they soon become witnesses to the last miracle before Jesus’ own death on the cross. He calls for the stone to be rolled away in front of Lazarus’ tomb. First, Jesus prays so everyone can hear Him speaking to His Father and thanking Him in advance for bringing this dead man back to life. He cried out, “Come out, Lazarus.” And Lazarus, still wrapped in grave clothes, arose from the grave, and walked out of the tomb.
Amy here shares an awe-inspiring insight about how specific Jesus needed to be with His request: “Come out, Lazarus.” Jesus is the resurrection and the life, so if He had not been specific, more than one dead man would have risen that day. Can you picture that? Amy said the death of Lazarus represents those who are dead in their sins before conversion, while the risen Lazarus is how we are after accepting salvation through Jesus Christ. We are a new creation.
In Part 3, we are invited to a celebration with this family after Lazarus’ return from the grave. Lazarus leans on Jesus and Martha serves. Mary brings out a pint of pure nard that she opens and pours on Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair in a beautiful display of love and devotion. Judas Iscariot would chastise this extravagance, saying that the perfume could have brought in a year’s wages. John makes sure to point out the greed of Judas, Amy says, and how that disciple would take for himself some of the money collected. Besides showing great love for Jesus, Mary also shows an understanding of who He is, His mission, and what is to come.
I enjoyed this closer look at the story of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus’ friendship with Jesus. Amy provides personal stories alongside each theme she develops as she features these three accounts in scripture. I liked the variety of commentaries Amy researched. She seamlessly weaves them into her discussion with whether these folks live today and as far back as the 4th century. She also provides prayer starters and ways for the reader to personally connect with the material and scriptures during their alone time with God.
The only area I thought Amy could have cut was the exercise using Psalm 23. She shows how to rework the passage and pulls from the themes covered in each chapter’s lesson. I saw the notation in the back that she learned this technique elsewhere. You might enjoy this exercise. Her results did grow on me, but at the same time, I didn’t understand the relevance of going back over Psalm 23 and rewriting it. She also had these other exercises that I felt related more with the material.
You can choose to use her book for an individual study, or you can use this book to lead a Bible study group. Amy provides questions to guide you at the end of each chapter, and a guide for class leaders at the end to help you conduct each of the 8 sessions. Plenty of endnotes also are in back for further reading and study alongside this work.
August 17, 2023
Transforming Love
How Friendship with Jesus Changes Us
by Amy Boucher Pye
Pub Date 02 May 2023
Our Daily Bread Publishing
Christian| Religion & Spirituality
My Daily Bread Publishing and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of Transforming Love for review:
Amy Boucher Pye explores the dynamics of Jesus' remarkable friendship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, inviting you to be transformed by the same Love that transformed their lives.
The prayer exercises and reflection questions in Transforming Love are perfect for your personal time with God and group discussions.
I give Transforming Love five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
How Friendship with Jesus Changes Us
by Amy Boucher Pye
Pub Date 02 May 2023
Our Daily Bread Publishing
Christian| Religion & Spirituality
My Daily Bread Publishing and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of Transforming Love for review:
Amy Boucher Pye explores the dynamics of Jesus' remarkable friendship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, inviting you to be transformed by the same Love that transformed their lives.
The prayer exercises and reflection questions in Transforming Love are perfect for your personal time with God and group discussions.
I give Transforming Love five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
April 13, 2023
There is so much to like about this book. It's short for starters and packs a punch in a very gentle way. Boucher Pye presents a study on Jesus' Bethany siblings: Martha, Mary and Lazarus, to demonstrate his love for these three friends to encourage us how we too can develop friendship with him and others.
I particularly enjoyed the research Boucher Pye did on the siblings and the key passages covered in this book: Lazarus's raising from the dead, Jesus paying an unexpected visit to their home, and Mary's anointing Jesus with her bottle of nard. She presents details and commentary that I hadn't previously read and helped add further context and insight.
I especially enjoyed the prayer prompts at the end of each chapter. They were unique for each chapter and helped better engage with the content just read and personalise it with God. In addition, the 5 questions at the end of each chapter were good too.
The book ends with details enabling a group study which I thought was very clever as it would be good to study within a group. However, there's plenty there for individual consumption, reflection and meditation.
I particularly enjoyed the research Boucher Pye did on the siblings and the key passages covered in this book: Lazarus's raising from the dead, Jesus paying an unexpected visit to their home, and Mary's anointing Jesus with her bottle of nard. She presents details and commentary that I hadn't previously read and helped add further context and insight.
I especially enjoyed the prayer prompts at the end of each chapter. They were unique for each chapter and helped better engage with the content just read and personalise it with God. In addition, the 5 questions at the end of each chapter were good too.
The book ends with details enabling a group study which I thought was very clever as it would be good to study within a group. However, there's plenty there for individual consumption, reflection and meditation.
April 24, 2023
Transforming Love explores the friendship Jesus had with Mary, Martha and Lazarus and through detailed research gives us a fresh perspective on each of their lives and their relationship with Him. Using her own personal stories, combined with deep scriptural insight and practical application, Amy steers us into forging a deeper relationship with Jesus and building more meaningful friendships with others. The story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus is a well worn one but I now look at each of them in a completely different way, there is so much more to this story than the ‘being’ character of Mary and the ‘doing’ character of Martha and His friendship with Lazarus is a symbol of His love for us all. One of the best books I’ve read on these dear friends of Jesus and I’ve read quite a few!
May 13, 2023
This is a superb example of a book written by an author whose style of writing is easy to read and absorb, even when the subject matter is difficult or challenging. The book is not simply one to read from cover to cover, but also contains sections for personal reflection, and prayer exercises. Amy’s practice of personalising Psalm 23, illustrated at the end of each chapter, is a refreshing and interesting exercise. It offers fantastic freedom of expression for anyone who wishes to write as well as read as part of the enjoyment of the book.
In telling the story of the friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus with Jesus, Amy invites the reader to use their imagination. We can picture being Martha working away in the kitchen, or Mary seated at Jesus’s feet, and Amy inspires through her words, an activity that is thought provoking and useful in exploring more layers of this friendship story than are immediately obvious.
One of the great strengths of the book is Amy’s sharing of events that are personal to her in a way that is empathetic and insightful. In particular she writes extremely well about grief, comparing Martha and Mary’s sorrow with present day culture and using some striking words that will resonate completely with anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one: Many people feel awkward in talking to friends or acquaintances whose loved ones have died, thinking that speaking of the person will be difficult for the one grieving. A friend whose husband recently died said to me, ‘I’m thinking of him about him all the time anyway, so yes, please say his name’. As a bereaved parent, having lost my son nearly 18 years ago it was easy to think that other people had forgotten James because they did not say his name; in reality, they were sparing my feelings … but it didn’t quite work out that way. I longed for others to say his name; and all this time on, I still do.
Throughout the book, Amy writes of speaking to the Lord as though she is having questing, interesting conversation with a friend, rather than someone she has put on a Godly pedestal. Her own responses encourage the reader to adopt a more intimate and friendly style with Jesus. Her style is very inspiring and definitely an example to follow.
In telling the story of the friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus with Jesus, Amy invites the reader to use their imagination. We can picture being Martha working away in the kitchen, or Mary seated at Jesus’s feet, and Amy inspires through her words, an activity that is thought provoking and useful in exploring more layers of this friendship story than are immediately obvious.
One of the great strengths of the book is Amy’s sharing of events that are personal to her in a way that is empathetic and insightful. In particular she writes extremely well about grief, comparing Martha and Mary’s sorrow with present day culture and using some striking words that will resonate completely with anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one: Many people feel awkward in talking to friends or acquaintances whose loved ones have died, thinking that speaking of the person will be difficult for the one grieving. A friend whose husband recently died said to me, ‘I’m thinking of him about him all the time anyway, so yes, please say his name’. As a bereaved parent, having lost my son nearly 18 years ago it was easy to think that other people had forgotten James because they did not say his name; in reality, they were sparing my feelings … but it didn’t quite work out that way. I longed for others to say his name; and all this time on, I still do.
Throughout the book, Amy writes of speaking to the Lord as though she is having questing, interesting conversation with a friend, rather than someone she has put on a Godly pedestal. Her own responses encourage the reader to adopt a more intimate and friendly style with Jesus. Her style is very inspiring and definitely an example to follow.
September 5, 2023
"Transforming Love" is separated in three parts, with each part concentrating on a particular scripture: Luke 10, John 11 and John 12.
Each chapter begins with Amy sharing about one of her experiences in life which leads nicely into the topic for that particular chapter. I'm always interested in the lives of others, and enjoyed this aspect of Amy's writing. Amy then goes on to unpack scripture, teach its truth and shows how it is relevant for today.
Rather than reading it as I would a fiction book (i.e. reading several chapters in one sitting) I decided to use it as part of my morning quiet time and read just one chapter at a time. This gave me time to read slowly, to think on the points Amy made and to also learn about and try out the prayer practice included at the end of each chapter. Her questions at the end of each chapter helped me to think further on the information and apply it personally.
This book would make a good resource for churches to use in their small groups. I also like the idea of using it with a small group of friends, either with a group of people I would like to build friendships with, or with a group of friends with whom I would like to further our friendship. Using the book together, we could provide a place for feeling safe to be ourselves, to share together, encourage each other, learn from each other and grow together in our relationship with God and with one another.
Whatever stage you are at in your relationship with God, whether you know him yet as friend, or not, I believe this book, if you will allow it, will help you to draw closer to God and as you draw closer to him, he promises to draw close to you.
Each chapter begins with Amy sharing about one of her experiences in life which leads nicely into the topic for that particular chapter. I'm always interested in the lives of others, and enjoyed this aspect of Amy's writing. Amy then goes on to unpack scripture, teach its truth and shows how it is relevant for today.
Rather than reading it as I would a fiction book (i.e. reading several chapters in one sitting) I decided to use it as part of my morning quiet time and read just one chapter at a time. This gave me time to read slowly, to think on the points Amy made and to also learn about and try out the prayer practice included at the end of each chapter. Her questions at the end of each chapter helped me to think further on the information and apply it personally.
This book would make a good resource for churches to use in their small groups. I also like the idea of using it with a small group of friends, either with a group of people I would like to build friendships with, or with a group of friends with whom I would like to further our friendship. Using the book together, we could provide a place for feeling safe to be ourselves, to share together, encourage each other, learn from each other and grow together in our relationship with God and with one another.
Whatever stage you are at in your relationship with God, whether you know him yet as friend, or not, I believe this book, if you will allow it, will help you to draw closer to God and as you draw closer to him, he promises to draw close to you.
September 9, 2023
Transforming Love is many things: part author story/testimony, part Bible study, part devotional. It does these 3 things well enough and examines three friends of Jesus who are familiar to us: Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. The author's love, intention, and hopes for the reader are clearly expressed on every page. I think the author wants the reader to find security and love in Jesus and have that love propel the reader to action. I think this book would be good for a small group who is getting to know eachother or needs new material for a short time period, for a 4-6 weeks or less. I could also see it being used as a online group/book club devotional or a weekend retreat resource. This isn't the most in-depth or scholarly study of Martha, Mary, or Lazarus and that's ok! My impression is the author does value scholarship, and even sprinkles in references for the claims she makes which I appreciated. I enjoyed her perspectives on these three siblings. She writes that she doesn't want to typecast these individuals and I think she does achieve that.
July 24, 2023
"Transforming Love: How Friendship with Jesus Changes Us" by Amy Boucher Pye is a deeply insightful and spiritually enriching book that explores the profound impact of having a friendship with Jesus. In this compelling work, the author delves into the transformative power of a personal relationship with Christ and how it can profoundly change our lives.
At the core of "Transforming Love" is the idea that knowing Jesus as a friend goes beyond a religious affiliation; it is a deep, personal connection that can bring about significant changes in our hearts and lives. Amy Boucher Pye skillfully weaves personal experiences, biblical teachings, and thought-provoking reflections to demonstrate how this friendship with Jesus can lead to a profound spiritual transformation.
The book beautifully captures the essence of a loving and intimate relationship with Christ, emphasizing that it is not only about seeking blessings or answers to prayers but about experiencing a genuine connection that touches every aspect of our existence. The author portrays Jesus as a loving and compassionate friend who understands our struggles, joys, and sorrows, and through this friendship, we can experience profound growth and change.
Throughout the book, the author's writing style is engaging, eloquent, and filled with heartfelt passion for her subject. Amy Boucher Pye's words resonate with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own relationship with Jesus and to consider how this friendship can bring about a transformative love in their lives.
"Transforming Love" does an excellent job of dismantling the notion that faith is simply a set of rules or rituals to follow, and instead, it highlights the power of a personal connection with Jesus as a source of hope, healing, and purpose. The book serves as an encouraging and inspiring reminder that a friendship with Jesus can lead us to a life of authenticity, grace, and profound change.
In conclusion, "Transforming Love: How Friendship with Jesus Changes Us" is a remarkable and soul-stirring book that delves into the heart of what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Amy Boucher Pye's insights and reflections invite readers to consider the transformative power of this friendship and how it can bring about positive change in their lives. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the power of Christ's love and the potential for spiritual growth, this book is an invaluable resource that will leave a lasting impact on the heart and soul.
At the core of "Transforming Love" is the idea that knowing Jesus as a friend goes beyond a religious affiliation; it is a deep, personal connection that can bring about significant changes in our hearts and lives. Amy Boucher Pye skillfully weaves personal experiences, biblical teachings, and thought-provoking reflections to demonstrate how this friendship with Jesus can lead to a profound spiritual transformation.
The book beautifully captures the essence of a loving and intimate relationship with Christ, emphasizing that it is not only about seeking blessings or answers to prayers but about experiencing a genuine connection that touches every aspect of our existence. The author portrays Jesus as a loving and compassionate friend who understands our struggles, joys, and sorrows, and through this friendship, we can experience profound growth and change.
Throughout the book, the author's writing style is engaging, eloquent, and filled with heartfelt passion for her subject. Amy Boucher Pye's words resonate with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own relationship with Jesus and to consider how this friendship can bring about a transformative love in their lives.
"Transforming Love" does an excellent job of dismantling the notion that faith is simply a set of rules or rituals to follow, and instead, it highlights the power of a personal connection with Jesus as a source of hope, healing, and purpose. The book serves as an encouraging and inspiring reminder that a friendship with Jesus can lead us to a life of authenticity, grace, and profound change.
In conclusion, "Transforming Love: How Friendship with Jesus Changes Us" is a remarkable and soul-stirring book that delves into the heart of what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Amy Boucher Pye's insights and reflections invite readers to consider the transformative power of this friendship and how it can bring about positive change in their lives. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the power of Christ's love and the potential for spiritual growth, this book is an invaluable resource that will leave a lasting impact on the heart and soul.
May 2, 2023
You’re probably familiar with the question: “Are you a ‘Martha’ or a ‘Mary’?” But before you answer, I warmly recommend Amy Boucher Pye’s most recent book, Transforming Love. How Friendship with Jesus Changes Us.
Dispelling longstanding but misunderstood connotations about the two sisters, Amy weaves their story with Lazarus, their brother, and the deep friendship the siblings shared with Jesus (as found in Luke Chapter 10, and John Chapters 11 and 12). Sharing insightful research, personal stories and suggested practical exercises, Amy helps us nurture our own friendship with Jesus, enriching our friendships with others too.
I welcome and appreciate Amy’s fresh perspective on the gospel accounts of these siblings. Her unique contribution to the texts is one I shall read again, to savour this gift of friendship we can receive and give.
Transforming Love, by Amy Boucher Pye, is available from your local or online bookshops.
Dispelling longstanding but misunderstood connotations about the two sisters, Amy weaves their story with Lazarus, their brother, and the deep friendship the siblings shared with Jesus (as found in Luke Chapter 10, and John Chapters 11 and 12). Sharing insightful research, personal stories and suggested practical exercises, Amy helps us nurture our own friendship with Jesus, enriching our friendships with others too.
I welcome and appreciate Amy’s fresh perspective on the gospel accounts of these siblings. Her unique contribution to the texts is one I shall read again, to savour this gift of friendship we can receive and give.
Transforming Love, by Amy Boucher Pye, is available from your local or online bookshops.
June 20, 2023
Transforming Love - How Friendship with Jesus Changes Us by Amy Boucher Pye. This reflective look at Mary, Martha and Lazarus invites the reader to look at each of these unique individuals separately and together as we consider our relationship with Christ and others. There are insights which I had never given any thought too concerning these three. It also provides ways to look at our relationships today.
There is something for those new in the Christian faith as well as those who have been longer in their journey with Christ. Using Scripture, it has powerful insights for all.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a complimentary digital copy. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
There is something for those new in the Christian faith as well as those who have been longer in their journey with Christ. Using Scripture, it has powerful insights for all.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a complimentary digital copy. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
September 30, 2023
I asked for Transforming Love from NetGalley as Amy Boucher Pye is my favorite devotion writer. Transforming love is very different, though, from Our Daily Bread as each "Reading" is more of a multipage chapter then a page. Each day discusses an aspect of Jesus's love as His relationship is explored with His good friends Mary, Marthy and their brother Lazurus.
In a world that truth is being watered down in Christian publishing, I am appreciative of Our Daily Bread for still being trustworthy. Having prayers and refection portion of each section adds more for all stages of Christians.
I received a complimentary copy of Transforming Love thanks to NetGalley and publisher, but all opinions are my own.
In a world that truth is being watered down in Christian publishing, I am appreciative of Our Daily Bread for still being trustworthy. Having prayers and refection portion of each section adds more for all stages of Christians.
I received a complimentary copy of Transforming Love thanks to NetGalley and publisher, but all opinions are my own.
May 7, 2023
A nice look at Jesus’ relationship with Mary, Martha and Lazarus, and how we too can have the relationship that we long for with Him. I loved some of the insights and will write them down in my journaling Bible. I liked the prayer exercises too. A lovely, gently written devotional worth any believer’s time and commitment.
One thing I would have preferrred is shorter anecdotes from the author’s life. While I enjoyed reading them, I feel that they distract from the main purpose of the book as a devotional.
Almost 5 stars from me, rounded up to 5 stars.
One thing I would have preferrred is shorter anecdotes from the author’s life. While I enjoyed reading them, I feel that they distract from the main purpose of the book as a devotional.
Almost 5 stars from me, rounded up to 5 stars.
May 19, 2023
Loving this book. Written in Amy's signature easily accessible style, this small book contains so much of value. The prayer exercises are well explained with examples and the content of each chapter has stayed with me after I've closed the book at each reading time. I'm usually a fairly fast reader but this is one of those books which needs and deserves to be read slowly and savoured - letting the honey drip over the reader, to paraphrase Amy's "7 Ways to Pray." Will be a book I'll return to often.
March 25, 2023
The siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were some of Jesus' good friends. Transforming love focuses on the friendship that Jesus had with each sibling and delves into how their examples can help us create our own relationship with Jesus. Each section has a prayer and reflection questions at the end. Makes for a good individual or small group study.
Thanks to Netgalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2024
Transforming Love offers a fresh and compelling exploration of the relationship between Jesus, Mary, and Martha. Amy combines profound spiritual insights with practical guidance and beautiful writing, drawing upon the wisdom of the church fathers. The book includes rich examples of how Psalm 23 applies to each scene and significant reflection questions for a group setting. It is a thought-provoking and inspiring reflection for anyone yearning for a life transformed by Jesus's love.
April 27, 2023
Solid book about the transforming love of Christ and how it changes us. Great depth into Jesus's relationship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and how that applies to us today with our differing personalities and viewpoints as children of God. A little bit repetitive but a good resource. #transforminglove #amyboucherpye #goodreads #netgalley
August 7, 2023
This book is utterly amazing! It takes an in depth look at some of Jesus's friendships. It has prayer exercises and discussion questions. I have found it so helpful to see different aspects of God's character throughout the book.
November 15, 2023
Amazing. Very well written with wit, grace and wisdom. Thoroughly recommended. I enjoyed the personal stories too, they helped to pull me in.
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