So, there's this book out, Love Wins; it's been out for over a year but just recently has it been brought to my attention. I haven't read the book, so this is not me giving my opinion on it. I feel it wouldn't be fair to the author for me to give my opinion on something I haven't read, and I'm not really one for book debates either. I mean, I'll discuss opinions and will be happy to give you mine, but as far as debating a book….mmmm, not really my thing.
So, this book, better really to say this idea "Love Wins" has been at the forefront of my mind for a couple of weeks, even to the point one night after watching some youtube videos on the author's ideas behind the book along with some differing opinions on what he wrote, I stayed up until 5am wrapping my mind around this idea. Coming to a place of A. needing sleep, but more importantly, B. asking God to help me because it was obvious my spirit had been stirred and I was needing some answers on how I felt about this idea of "Love Wins." And the Lord took me to scripture and I found my peace and got some sleep.
I could get really detailed in telling you about what the book is about and what scripture the Lord brought to me, but I feel that's for you to study if you feel so led. Here's what I do want to share:
After my all-nighter in the Word, I sent my friend a text who brought this book idea to me and here's what I said, "God is a loving God AND a just God. I've had some people suggest to me that maybe nonbelievers get a second chance beyond this life where they get to see Jesus and then make their choice. Hell comes with a warning and love has conquered hell, that's why we've been given the mandate to preach Jesus and share love. I think Bell's issue is how we as Christians can incorrectly portray the just wrath of God on this side of hell; we judge as if we know, and we are not to judge, we are to love. When we non-judgementally love and share the truth of Jesus and "the good news" through that humble, caring, soul-seeking love, love wins."
As I started talking this idea through with some other friends that day, it became clear to me how important it is that this idea, this truth, sinks in to my core. For where I am about to go and what I am about to do….. different nations, different theologies, different ideas, different …. everything.
I attended a prayer school that very evening, and the night ended on this thought, "God, you did not call me to condemn or judge or punish or correct, but to love and to bless." And I thought, "Love wins."
