Book Review: Everybody, Always is a refreshing and invigorating call to love without reservation

 

Bob Goff's Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People is a delightful whirlwind of stories and insights that challenge readers to embrace love in its most extravagant and unrestrained form. Goff, with his signature blend of humor and heartfelt sincerity, invites us on a journey to love "everybody, always," even when it's messy or inconvenient.

Three Lessons from the Book

  1. Love Without Inhibition

    Goff emphasizes that love isn't merely a feeling but an action—a deliberate choice to see the best in others and act on their behalf. He writes, "Love isn't something we fall into; love is someone we become." This perspective encourages readers to embody love in every interaction, transforming it from a passive emotion to an active commitment.

  2. Embrace the Uncomfortable

    Throughout his tales, Goff illustrates that true love often requires stepping out of our comfort zones. Whether it's befriending a difficult neighbor or reaching out to someone vastly different from ourselves, he shows that growth happens when we embrace discomfort. As he puts it, "When we draw a circle around the whole world like grace did and say everybody is in, God's love gives us bigger identities than we used to have." 

  3. Live with Whimsy and Purpose

    Goff's anecdotes are filled with spontaneous adventures and grand gestures, all aimed at loving others extravagantly. He encourages readers to infuse their lives with whimsy, stating, "I've always thought that people who didn't want to be with people here are going to hate heaven. Truly, it will be everybody, always there." This lesson reminds us to approach life with joy and intentionality, seeking opportunities to make others feel valued.

Positive Observations

Goff's storytelling is both engaging and inspiring. His ability to weave profound truths into everyday experiences makes the book relatable and motivating. Readers are left with a sense of empowerment, believing that they, too, can make a significant impact through simple acts of love.

Moreover, the book's lighthearted tone, peppered with humor and unexpected twists, keeps readers entertained while delivering deep spiritual insights. Goff's zest for life and his genuine love for people shine through every page, making it a joyous read.

Negative Observation

While Goff's anecdotes are captivating, some readers might find the lack of a structured framework or deeper theological exploration a bit lacking. The book leans heavily on personal stories, which, while illustrative, may leave those seeking more doctrinal depth wanting.

Conclusion

Everybody, Always is a refreshing and invigorating call to love without reservation. Bob Goff's infectious enthusiasm and boundless compassion challenge readers to reconsider their approach to relationships and to embrace a lifestyle of extravagant love. As he aptly concludes, "Don't just love the people who are easy to love; go love the difficult ones." This book is a must-read for anyone yearning to make the world a more loving and inclusive place.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.

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