Bethel Book Club discussion

Chapter 9 starts a transition of thought by Lewis to the Christian virtues – Faith, Hope, and Love (Charity). He starts with Charity. I loved (no pun intended) how he contrasted natural love and Christian love with Christian love being extended to folks even if our natural feelings are to not like them.

I also liked how he talked about love increasing for someone as you do good toward them. That is so true – especially to those that you didn’t like or thought you would like in the past. It is hard to hold on to grudges or biases while expressing love toward that person – love will win out in the end. The best way to combat hatred, envy, and jealousy is to genuinely treat the person that you have those feelings toward with an authentic dose of love. They may not be moved or changed by your love, but it is for sure that you will. As Lewis stated “Good and evil both increase at compound interest.”

He then moves into a discussion on hope. I liked his statement on page 134 “Aim at Heaven and you will get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you will get neither.” Our hope and aim toward heaven will definitely impact our time here on earth and will enrich our experiences here as we look forward to what is to come. His handling of why our longings lose energy over time was insightful and spot on! But I wonder what your thoughts were on his view of Scriptural imagery being taken literally on page 137? Love to hear your reactions…
Finally, Chapter 11 starts a two chapter discussion on Faith that we will finish next week. He nailed it when he shares that our struggle with maintaining faith is because of the battle we have with our emotions and moods. I agree that most folks don’t leave their faith over theological issues or larger topics such as that – most folks leave their faith over trivial issues driven by emotion. I also enjoyed the discussion on those that realize the power of temptation are those that endure it and do not quit. To give in easily does not show the strength of the enemy but rather the weakness of our faith.

Those are my thoughts this week – I look forward to reading yours…

I like how you can show someone that you think that is having a bad day, by giving them a smile or a hello is showing them that you care and also being humble is another way of caring, I've learned a lot about pride, love and humility in this chapter