Friend of Sinners - by Rich Wilkerson Jr (Paperback)

In Friend of Sinners, Wilkerson offers a very simple and relatable look at the love God has for us and the type of relationship that Jesus longs to have with us. It is a reminder that regardless of the choices that we have made, He loves us just the same. It is also a call to serve and love ALL people rather than focusing on those who keep us in our comfort zones. He encourages us to love as Jesus loved, without fear or condition. While it is a simple read, the author poses ideas that made me pause and really evaluate how I interact with other people. I would recommend this book to anyone, regardless of where they are in their spiritual journey. I received an Advance Reader Copy from Harper Collins Christian Publishers.

I think the thing I enjoyed most about Friend of Sinners is the way it gets in your face--in a good way. Complacency has long been something the church tends to embrace, rather than realizing that Jesus was anything but. Comfort was non essential to Him. We need to reach out to those who we don't look like, don't live like and hardly know. Bridging the distance is what Christ did first for us. We also have to help reach out to others if we truly want to follow Christ and help our fellow man. Going outside our comfort zones is the first step. Funny but convicting, this is a book worth reading and sharing. I can find many ways to use the content in this book-- we are contemplating using it at our church for our next small group book study. To truly understand what it means to follow Christ, we have to go beyond what is safe. We have to travel outside our own borders to reach those searching for the hope only Christ can give. Friend of Sinners will keep your eyes on the prize and encourage you to break through barriers to learn and grow. (*I was given an PDF ARC of this book by Nelson publishers. All opinions above are my own.*)

I wonder how often we actually love like Jesus did. This book opened my mind to these questions - Do we love as he did? Do we serve as he did? Do we pursue others in love as he did? Are we willing to be here to help others "find their way"? If any of these questions register with you then this book is for you. We need to begin to follow his example. We have the answer they need. Are we willing to share him? It is time for a change...... I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher and i will be ordering a copy to share with our church library.