Love Outside the Lines: Beyond the Boundaries of Race, Difference, and Preference

by Jimmy Rollins

Discover Jesus' goals of togetherness, oneness, and unity in an increasingly divided world. When you learn to confront the areas in your heart that might not love as Jesus loved, you can help build a flourishing, Christ-like culture.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus specifically bridged the gap with the ostracized, outcast, and overlooked. He told his followers to do the same. The gospel message is for everyone—and our mission as believers is to make disciples of Jesus, not duplicates of ourselves. This requires us to live and love beyond our preferences, to build relationships with those who are different from us, and to go beyond the boundaries of unspoken rules and invisible lines. It's time to break the strongholds of division that have been passed down from generation to generation.

In Love Outside the Lines, Jimmy Rollins will

expand the gospel message of Christ beyond the lines of cultural norms,show us how to follow in Jesus' footsteps by moving away from racial stereotypes and moving toward things that unite us,empower a culture of people willing to be part of the conversation on racial reconciliation,help us embrace the kingdom truth that we are better together than we are divided, andexemplify a life of dynamic diversity at church, work, and home.Join Jimmy on a powerful journey to rediscover the discipleship of diversity that leads to unity. Together, we will confront our comfort-zone barriers—both known and unknown—and take a detour to pursue the kind of diverse relationships and honest dialog that build a flourishing Christ culture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2023

About the author

Jimmy Rollins is a nationally recognized speaker, marriage coach, and author who inspires diverse audiences to live beyond themselves on the journey to discovering their greater purpose. As a key strategic partner for several influential churches and para-church organizations Jimmy’s 25+ year ministry experience has been critical to architecting strategies to increase influence and realize greater impact. No matter the audience Jimmy’s trademark humor and transparency is sure to inspire and impact to all those who comes into contact with his message. Jimmy and his wife Irene have been married for over 23 years and reside in West Palm Beach Florida, where in 2021 they co-founded and lead their marriage ministry Two Equals One. They are on a mission to build the local church abroad by equipping pastors and leaders in their journey to a healthier happier marriage.

Reviews

[Beverly Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to receive this book through a giveaway as I'd been curious about it but a little hesitant to buy it as, in the past, I've read other titles on the same topic that paint particular groups as being "the problem." "Love Outside the Lines" was a pleasant departure from that mindset. From the first chapter, the author shows through his own experience and through biblical examples that everyone needs to reach out beyond their comfort zones to truly love others as God created us to do. And his relatable tone made it easy to keep reading.

The biggest surprise for me was that this book spoke to me about my need to reach across not only racial and cultural differences but across ideological ones as well. Though this isn't the main point of the book, I was challenged to truly listen to people with different political stances--something that's more pressing in my life right now. In addition, Jimmy's perspective helped to prepare me to face a hurtful situation when I was the "other" who stood out as different. Thanks to what he said, I was better able to set aside anger and consider viewpoints outside of my own.

I found myself seeking more suggestions for practical applications, but the questions at the end of each chapter provided me with the jumping-off points that could eventually lead to application. And perhaps that's the author's intent: that loving outside the lines isn't just applying someone else's list of steps but examining your heart and doing the hard work of following as God leads.

[Christine Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't realize the book was Christian haha. Just picked it up based off of the title. I'm not religious but was raised Christian.

The book was good. It had nuggets of wisdom in each chapter, and it was well-structured. The message always came through clearly, and it was very honest about how difficult it is to love across boundaries.

I didn't like when it got preachy, but it was high-spirited, well-meaning preachy so it was okay. As a nonreligious reader, even I got to take away lessons and things to mull over.

5/5 for what it is and the fact nonreligious people can learn from it too without being alienated.

[Latesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking book that makes you think about how you relate to others based on your experiences and race. In a world that is so divisive, it's good to see that there are those willing to reach out a hand to help others no matter what they look like. We are all one people, and we need to remember that and work together to develop a better tomorrow for all.

[Aaron Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy Rollins is able to articulate his experience in the Church and broader American community with an air of humility that is rare. His hurts, triumphs and everything in-between is laid out in this great little book that provides practical insights and direction for pushing the Church to unify. I really hope he continues to write and share his voice.

[Mary Anne Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Us

Jimmy Rollins has done a wonderful job in how we can live outside the lines if we just put our heart and faith into how we interact with people.

[Patricia W. Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book..I wish his message would spread across the world..

White greatgranmother

[Kevin Sweat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jimmy tells it like it is. I highly recommend this book.