Beloved by Francis Chan and Mercy Gordon Book Review

About the Book:

Despite pastoring for decades and reaching thousands of people through his books and preaching, Francis wrestled with deep-seated insecurity.  He understood God’s love conceptually, but struggled to actually experience it. This resulted in a life that was far from the thrilling and peaceful life God saved us for. 

Francis prayed fervently for God to intervene, and asked his friends and family to do the same. The result was a fresh revelation of the depth of God’s love and affection. This brought about newfound freedom and enjoyment of God that only continues to grow. 

As Francis shared this journey with others, he realized that many in the Church are burdened by the same insecurity, and God is zealous to change this. 

In Beloved, Francis Chan gives biblical insight into:

• How our restlessness and striving is a symptom of our disbelief of God’s love
• Satan’s schemes to keep us trapped in doubt and insecurity 
• Discovering and abiding in our identity as God’s beloved children
• How God’s love overflows to a life of radical obedience and joy

God longs for His children to rest securely in His holy love. It’s what we were made for, and it is this inward confidence that causes us to be light unto the world.

My Review:

Chan understands we may be very productive in our Christian life but miss the enjoyment of being loved by God. At the end of life, it is not the accomplishments that are important but rather being in love with Jesus, being secure in our deepest identity of being beloved.

Chan wants us to experience that mysterious spiritual aspect of God's love inside, not just know it intellectually. But this takes sacrifice, working for it. He tells of one person who prayed for five years, for example, before the love of God became an internal reality. He helps us cultivate a hunger for God's presence, reminding us of the importance of meditating on Scripture and the role of prayer. We see how loving others is an overflow of God's love for us.

One insight Chan relates that really struck me was that “our minds belong to Jesus. He wants our minds dwelling on Him...” (103) We aren't free to dwell on lies or junk. We are rather to believe, receive and meditate on the love of God.

I highly recommend this insightful and encouraging book. It releases October 7.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

You can watch the book trailer here.

About the Authors:

Francis Chan has served as a pastor for over thirty years and is a New York Times bestselling author of several books, including Crazy Love, Letters to the Church, and Until Unity. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for three decades and coauthored You and Me Forever. Currently, Francis is based in Northern California, where he focuses on teaching and discipling the next generation of pastors and leaders.

Mercy Gordon is the third of Francis’ seven children. She and her husband, Peter, are raising their two young daughters in the Bay Area where they serve alongside Francis and Lisa in We Are Church. 

David C Cook, 160 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)