Title: The Purposeful Love of God:
Seeing God’s Love From His Perspective
By: William J. Laurence
A CBM Christian Book Review
10.0 out of 10.0 stars
In the book, Seeing God’s Love From His Perspective, the author begins by the usage of the metaphor of a wheat field. The metaphor of the wheat field relates to the intent of words, namely the usage of “love.” The heads of wheat represent the words and the soil from which all the wheat derives life. Pluck up the wheat from the soil, the wheat dies and as he states, “truth is lost.” In this vein of thought, the author defines through metaphors and certain parables in the Bible, to include historical and Greek, as proclaimed by the New Testament writers, focusing on God’s love and character through God’s own perspective.
Words and language change often from culture and the passage of time. These changes often lead to a transformation of meanings. In Biblical terms, such words as “love” can include distinct types of love.
This book is an interesting and somewhat in-depth study, which reveals God, His character, and His love through His perspective. Biblical insight and the use of metaphors enhance our understanding. Defining the terms of love through the Greek meanings of “philia” and “agape,” each chapter defines God’s character, which gives an insight into Who God is in our humanity and God, Himself as Father, Husband, and Creator. God is the Master Carpenter and Creator, refining each one of us as He sees fit.
With such chapters as Concerning Words, The Husband, The Father, The Artisan (I & II), Steadfast Love, Everlasting Love, The Beginning of God’s Love, The Return of the Bride, and The Moral Imperative ~ each chapter reveals God’s character, love, and involvement in our lives. His steadfast and everlasting love will hold new meaning after reading this book, and the last chapter in particular, The Return of the Bride, brings hope and excitement.
As an Artisan himself, making wooden stringed instruments, this is a fitting book for the author to write. His understanding of the artisan and the creation of an instrument seem to coincide. Similarly, in such a way, God has a purpose for each created human being, nation, and people.
An interesting thought, however, is that understanding God’s love from His perspective gave me a deeper appreciation and insight into the love of God that is not readily taught (perhaps).
This is a highly insightful work, one that often brings deep reflection to the readers, often inspired by the blending of Biblical stories and characters, meanings of words in Greek, and metaphors, alongside parables that relate a relatable and deeper meaning of God and His character.
This book comes highly recommended for those who love to dig deeper into God, and His Word, or love the study of Greek meanings behind words used in Biblical language. God’s place in our lives as Father, Husband, and Creator is more relevant than one might think. ~ A wonderful and uplifting read!
