NO GREATER LOVE:
A Biblical Vision for Friendship
By Rebecca McLaughlin
Moody Press. 208 pages. £15.99
ISBN 978 0 802 428 929
Rebecca McLaughlin is a prolific author. Her books follow a certain formula: a topic of contemporary interest, penetrating cultural analysis, honesty about her own life, brilliant stories – and everything rooted in a careful reading of Scripture.
All these ingredients are reassuringly present in this book. As a Christian who experiences ‘same-sex attraction’ but is married to a man and has children, the author is well qualified to navigate the complex but invaluable world of friendship.
The subject of friendship is helpfully tracked in Scripture, with helpful insights into how Scripture informs our practice. Among the highlights are the following perspectives on friendship: ‘Friendship is a vehicle for the gospel in the sense that it’s cross-shaped: formed for life laid down in love for others, just as Jesus laid down His own life for us.’ ‘Stop asking, “Who will love me?” Instead ask, “Who can I love?” I’ve found this shift to be transformative. When we sit around and think “Who will love me?”, loneliness and discontent creep in. But when we give ourselves to loving other people, we will find that love boomerangs back at us when we least expect it.’
The author does not shy away from dealing with the bugs that get into the system of friendship and provides useful strategies for avoiding these.
This is a book that sees friendship through the eyes of a woman; there were times when I felt like saying ‘men form and maintain friendships differently’! Overall this is a stimulating tool for helping readers learn how to experience life together.
