Rev. Gunn’s book is a “practical guide to following Jesus.” This book is intended to be a means for each of us to intentionally develop better everyday habits which will help us live into our life in Christ. The Way of Love is not an academic study, but more of a how-to book. How do we follow Jesus on a daily basis?
The purpose of the Twelve was not to simply follow Jesus around as his entourage, but to be sent out and to proclaim that the “Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Deliver us, when we draw near to you, for coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections, we may worship you in spirit and truth.
In worship, we move God into the center of our world, and us out of it, thereby fulfilling the greatest of the commandments.
In any discussions about prayer, the question arises about how do we learn to pray. How can we make prayer part of daily life? Rev. Gunn gives us several areas in which we can learn to pray daily.
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances.” 1 Thess. 5:16-18.
Rev. Gunn gives us four areas in which we can learn: Bible Reading, Daily Devotionals, Joining a Class, and Reading Books.
“Scripture is like a river again, broad and deep, shallow enough here for the lamb to go wading, but deep enough there for the elephant to swim.” We can never quit learning.
We do not turn to earn God’s love but we turn in order to give thanks and enjoy God’s vast love for us. As John writes, we love others because God first loved us. 1 John 4:19.
The first step in developing a Christian life is simply turning. We need to turn toward God and away from self-centeredness.
