The Way of Love: A Practical Guide to Following Jesus

by Scott Gunn

Foreword by Bishop Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and author of Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times

As followers of Christ, we are called to live in ways that draw us ever closer to our Savior. To follow Jesus is to make extraordinary commitments: To love God with our whole being and to love others as Jesus has loved us.

One path to the Way of Love is through seven key actions: Turn. Learn. Pray. Worship. Bless. Go. Rest. This practical guide explores these words in the context of our life of faith and offers encouragement to begin or deepen spiritual practices to strengthen our journey with Jesus.

Includes reflection questions, journal prompts, and a guide for developing a personal rule of life.

Contributors include Scott Gunn, Brendan O'Sullivan-Hale, Linda Ryan, Hill Liles, Sandra Montes, Richelle Thompson, Lelanda Lee, and Miriam McKenney.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion

158 pages, Paperback

Published August 14, 2020

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a wonderful idea, and a wonderful book. However, it is designed to be read and studied by Episcopalians and Anglicans, so there is some insider language and all of the resources listed are Episcopalian. I like the idea of this book enough to want to adapt it and use resources from my own tradition (Lutheran) or ecumenical resources. Each short chapter features a word which is one of the core features of following Jesus. Most of these I have found in other books of spiritual disciplines: Pray, Learn, Worship -- but I love the focus on verbs (so simple!) and that the first one is simply "Turn." Also that there are seven words, and the last one is "Rest." It is a reminder that, at the heart of things, our identity lies not in what we do, but in what God has done.

I also love that one of the words is "Bless" -and that inside of this word are the emphases on Stewardship (a word that causes some people to go running away). That our financial giving to our congregation is a way we bless -- not only each other -- but the world -- might help us to have a healthier attitude.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound and practical, this straightforward book comes from the depth of wisdom in the tradition of Christianity that followers of Jesus do well to be intentional about their lives of faith. Using the seven actions in the Episcopal Church’s The Way of Love - Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest - Scott Gunn helps open up ways each of us can make a life giving pattern for our lives that is unique to each of. Seven writers offer their own brief reflections for each action to round out this easy to read guide to the spiritual life.

Great for a group to use in Lent or at anytime, this book also works perfectly for an individual or couple.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way of Love: A Practical Guide to Following Jesus is the perfect combination of meditation, workbook, and how-to manual for parishioners wherever they are on their spiritual journey. As a parish priest, I can think of innumerable ways to integrate this book and its wisdom into spiritual formation. It works great for small groups, for weekly forums, or even an accompaniment to a special sermon series. Scott Gunn has written yet another fantastic resource to help any-sized congregation put together a study series with depth and intentionality.

[William A. Keslar · Rating 5 out of 5]

One to keep and reread

Wonderful book that gives spiritual guidance in a light and readable how-to fashion, without trivializing. Profound and practical, one that puts us back on the path when we are feeling lost.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly written and with many good suggestions ... no high faultin' theology, but a decent method of following Jesus' Way.

[Meg Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gift this book is/was to our church's zoom group as we read and discussed each chapter and shared our answers to thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter.
If you are wishing to live a life more closely following Jesus, this book gives insights and suggestions and has focused members of our groups on practices in which we can and want to participate. The Joy is also in recognizing the practices in which we already engage. Definitely a book to grow your faith walk with Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. A deeply bonding experience for our zoom group members.