Book Review: B.L.E.S.S.: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World


Have you ever wanted to make a difference in the world but didn’t know where to start? B.L.E.S.S. by Dave and Jon Ferguson is a powerful and practical guide that shows how small, everyday actions can have a big impact. This book is full of encouragement, real-life examples, and simple steps that anyone can follow to love their neighbors and build stronger communities.

The authors introduce a method called B.L.E.S.S., which stands for five key ways to show love and kindness to others:

  • Begin with prayer – Start by praying for the people around you and asking God to help you be a blessing.
  • Listen – Instead of rushing to give advice, take the time to really hear what others have to say.
  • Eat – Share meals with people to build relationships in a natural and comfortable way.
  • Serve – Find ways to help and support others in their daily lives.
  • Story – When the time is right, share your own story of faith and hope.

One of the best things about this book is how simple and doable these steps are. The Fergusons make it clear that you don’t need to be a pastor or a missionary to make a difference. Anyone, anywhere can practice B.L.E.S.S.—at work, in school, at home, or in the community. The authors remind us that small actions, like listening to a friend or inviting someone to lunch, can create deep and lasting relationships.

The book is filled with real-life stories of people who have used this method to bring love and kindness to others. These examples make the ideas in B.L.E.S.S. feel personal and inspiring. Whether it’s a neighbor who needs encouragement or a coworker going through a tough time, the book helps readers see how simple acts of care can lead to life-changing moments.

Another great aspect of this book is that it focuses on relationships, not just telling people what to believe. The authors encourage readers to show love and kindness first, building trust before sharing personal faith stories. This makes B.L.E.S.S. a book that anyone, no matter their background, can learn from and apply to their own life.

The writing style is easy to understand, engaging, and full of encouragement. The Fergusons keep the tone friendly and conversational, making the book enjoyable to read. They also provide helpful discussion questions and challenges at the end of each chapter, which can be useful for personal reflection or group discussions.

Overall, B.L.E.S.S. is an inspiring and practical book that teaches readers how to build meaningful relationships and make a difference in the world. It reminds us that loving our neighbors doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes intentionality and a willingness to care. If you want to learn simple ways to be a blessing to the people around you, this book is a must-read!


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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