Review by alyssajanel13 -- Grace Revealed
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Review by alyssajanel13 -- Grace Revealed
[Following is a volunteer review of "Grace Revealed" by Frederick J. Sievert.]
In this Instagram glamorous world, we seem to devise our worth and our worthiness of praise from our accomplishments. Simply being or even being good is not good enough. Action, achievement, advancement. Those are the medals of the day and our friends and follower count is the meter of not just our success, but our viability and value as a human. Dropped among this superficial sheen, Fred Sievert in Grace Revealed shares his radical revelation that the very nature of our creation is the very thing that makes us sacred, special and enough.
Readers experienced in christianity may already be familiar with the concept of grace. Simply put, it’s the idea that we don’t get what we deserve. Unconditional love bought and paid for by the sacrifice of God’s son. Grace isn’t a reward or applause. It’s a gift given, not earned. Most self-help books would balk at that notion. Instead of a list of do’s and don’ts, Sievert reminds us that breath in our body is enough. For that alone, we are cherished. What a lovely sentiment to read.
Sievert is not a scientist, nor a minister. He is just man speaking his faith. However, there was a capable mix of school book theology and Biblical structure. From the styles of grace, (prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying, for those who wobbled during religious studies) to the basic tenants of given grace and John 3:16, the writer dips from classroom to living room. The book displays a series of difficult real life examples. How can there be grace in abuse and addiction? Where is the worthiness in assault and rape? The notion Sievert presents that we are wildly adored by Jesus, be we victim or perpetrator is definitely surprising. At times, that very idea seems unfair. Shouldn’t there be repercussions for evil and hardship? That’s where we must fill those empty and angry spaces with grace. It’s seemingly impossible task, to do what the stories in the book suggest and use our past pain as a stage to see God’s healing. But maybe that’s the only way such healing can proceed.
The author takes the helm with his perspective but ably shares the platform with other writers. This was a very effective way to convey different histories, different perspectives and multiple possible paths to the same forgiveness and calm. He ably connects specific themes with corresponding Biblical passages, which in a lovely move, apply to the one hurt as well as the one raising the fist. The stories are smartly arranged by theme and the collection as a whole is concisely edited and presented.
Sometimes, the book does dip into the slightest condescension. There’s the mildest hint that we should all be able to let go, no matter the horror, because these folks on the pages have lived through hell and accepted their given grace. Why can’t you? The intention is no doubt kindness, but some of us are weaker than other and see God through shaded lenses not wide-opened eyes. Any concerns aside, this is a most inspiring book, a 3 out of 4 star read, and well worth the time.
******
Grace Revealed
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In this Instagram glamorous world, we seem to devise our worth and our worthiness of praise from our accomplishments. Simply being or even being good is not good enough. Action, achievement, advancement. Those are the medals of the day and our friends and follower count is the meter of not just our success, but our viability and value as a human. Dropped among this superficial sheen, Fred Sievert in Grace Revealed shares his radical revelation that the very nature of our creation is the very thing that makes us sacred, special and enough.
Readers experienced in christianity may already be familiar with the concept of grace. Simply put, it’s the idea that we don’t get what we deserve. Unconditional love bought and paid for by the sacrifice of God’s son. Grace isn’t a reward or applause. It’s a gift given, not earned. Most self-help books would balk at that notion. Instead of a list of do’s and don’ts, Sievert reminds us that breath in our body is enough. For that alone, we are cherished. What a lovely sentiment to read.
Sievert is not a scientist, nor a minister. He is just man speaking his faith. However, there was a capable mix of school book theology and Biblical structure. From the styles of grace, (prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying, for those who wobbled during religious studies) to the basic tenants of given grace and John 3:16, the writer dips from classroom to living room. The book displays a series of difficult real life examples. How can there be grace in abuse and addiction? Where is the worthiness in assault and rape? The notion Sievert presents that we are wildly adored by Jesus, be we victim or perpetrator is definitely surprising. At times, that very idea seems unfair. Shouldn’t there be repercussions for evil and hardship? That’s where we must fill those empty and angry spaces with grace. It’s seemingly impossible task, to do what the stories in the book suggest and use our past pain as a stage to see God’s healing. But maybe that’s the only way such healing can proceed.
The author takes the helm with his perspective but ably shares the platform with other writers. This was a very effective way to convey different histories, different perspectives and multiple possible paths to the same forgiveness and calm. He ably connects specific themes with corresponding Biblical passages, which in a lovely move, apply to the one hurt as well as the one raising the fist. The stories are smartly arranged by theme and the collection as a whole is concisely edited and presented.
Sometimes, the book does dip into the slightest condescension. There’s the mildest hint that we should all be able to let go, no matter the horror, because these folks on the pages have lived through hell and accepted their given grace. Why can’t you? The intention is no doubt kindness, but some of us are weaker than other and see God through shaded lenses not wide-opened eyes. Any concerns aside, this is a most inspiring book, a 3 out of 4 star read, and well worth the time.
******
Grace Revealed
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas
