Love Kindness, a book review

Recently, I was given a complimentary copy of the book, Love Kindness, by Barry H. Corey, to review. My copy from Tyndale House Publishers was in paperback format. 

I was excited to read this book! The book was written by Barry H. Corey, a native of Massachusetts, became the eighth president of Biola University in July 2007. 

First of, the title, Love Kindness, captured my attention. One of my life's goals has always been to exhibit kindness in my life. This book takes a closer look at the true meaning of kindness and how we, as Christians, are expected to exhibit it in our lives so that God is represented well. 

In the introduction to the book, the first Scripture presented, gives us a mandate to clothe ourselves in kindness. Colossians 3:12 says this, "As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with kindness." But what does it really mean to clothe ourselves in kindness? That was the question I asked myself before digging into this book and finding out what Barry Corey had to say. My understanding of this verse was just that I should always be kind to others but there was much more to sharing kindness than I ever imagined.

"Kindness has become a forgotten virtue." Mr. Corey made this profound statement as the book begins. "To be Christian, kindness must shape us and define us," Corey says. "We have lost an understanding of the power of kindness, mistakenly dismissing it as fluff or flat. Kindness needs to be rediscovered." Those comments by Barry Corey ring true. In today's world, we find kindness to be almost irrelevant. As people move throughout their days in self-centered awareness, kindness seems not to matter. 

Barry Corey, author of Love Kindness

The author wants us to understand that kindness is a choice and it takes fierceness to display kindness in today's world. His analogy of Christians exhibiting kindness as having a firm center with soft edges really gave me a clear visual of his concept to love kindness. As Christians, it's important to stand firm in our beliefs but still be able to reach out to others with the gift of kindness. Mr. Corey explains that "Kindness is a biblical way of living." Though it is a fruit of the Spirit, it's also the way we should conduct our lives on a daily basis. 

I enjoyed this book immensely and found it filled with great insights and Biblical truths. This book would be a great one to recommend to students of all ages but especially those in high school and college. 

After reading the book, I feel enlightened. I feel I have seen kindness in a whole new light and I think you will, too! The title of the book, Love Kindness, comes from Micah 6:8 in the Bible which says, "To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." Barry Corey states, as does the Bible, that we are to love kindness. We are not just to do it, but to actually love it!

If you're interested in reading this book, you can purchase it here.