Thursday, January 24, 2008

Love Thy Neighbour As Thyself


…And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. In a world where `Me First' has become the norm, it is refreshing to read a text as heart-felt and instructive as Touch: The Power of Touch in Transforming Lives.

Through the eyes of this hands-on pastor the reader receives life-lessons rooted in biblical foundation. It also shows us that ministry is not confined to the official positions of church leadership. Clearly this writing shows that ministry is setting your hand to doing the work of Christ, be it on your job or while at play.

With consistency, Pastor Rasmus not only stresses the necessity to know your neighbor, but also to love them. This love he speaks of has the power to effect change for not only the current recipient and the giver, but for generations to come. It is a love that has to do with a personal rather than a distant touch.

As gentle as it is direct, Touch is a read that makes us mindful of the compassion, grace and mercy of Christ. It shares the joy as well as the challenges and heartache of serving. Above all, its content has the potential to provoke self-examination. After consuming these words of passion and wisdom from one on the front line, one might ask: Is it enough to speak about change or is it my duty, my reasonable service, to become a part of the change we seek?


Reviewer/Dr. Linda Beed
On Assignment Reviews