A few words about compassion from a modern-day prophet

"If Jesus sat at your dining room table tonight with full knowledge of everything you are and are not; if he laid out your whole life story; with the hidden agenda and the dark desires unknown even to yourself, it would be impossible to be saddened in his presence." p406

A Glimpse of Jesus by Brennan Manning: A Friendly Invitation to Meet the Radical Jesus as the Compassionate One

Have you ever had one of those moments where you pick up a book, and it feels like the author is speaking directly to you? That’s what A Glimpse of Jesus by Brennan Manning feels like—a heart-to-heart chat with a wise, compassionate friend who’s been through the ups and downs of life and still manages to find hope and grace at every turn.

Manning is known for his raw, unfiltered honesty about faith, and this book is no exception. A Glimpse of Jesus isn’t your typical “feel-good” Christian book. It’s challenging, thought-provoking, and sometimes even a little uncomfortable—but in the best way possible. Manning invites us to encounter Jesus not as a distant, untouchable figure, but as someone who deeply understands our struggles, doubts, and failures. Jesus first impusle is compassion.

What I love most about this book is its accessibility. Manning writes in a way that’s approachable and real, without any pretense. He doesn’t sugarcoat the hard stuff or gloss over the complexities of faith. Instead, he dives right in, exploring questions that many of us wrestle with but are often too afraid to voice. Questions like: Can God really love me as I am? What does it mean to live a life of radical grace? How do I move past the guilt and shame that so often weigh me down?

Manning’s answer to these questions is refreshingly simple, yet profound: It’s all about Jesus. Not the Sunday-school version of Jesus that we might be familiar with, but the real, gritty, and incredibly loving Jesus who walked among the outcasts, the sinners, and the broken. Manning paints a picture of a Jesus who is far more compassionate and forgiving than we often allow ourselves to believe.

Throughout the book, Manning shares personal stories and insights that make his message all the more relatable. His vulnerability is both comforting and inspiring, reminding us that it’s okay to not have it all together. In fact, it’s in our brokenness that Jesus meets us most profoundly.

If you’re looking for a book that will shake up your understanding of faith and draw you closer to the heart of Jesus, A Glimpse of Jesus is a must-read. It’s not a long book, but it’s packed with depth and wisdom that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Whether you’re new to faith or have been on this journey for a while, this book offers something for everyone—a reminder of the radical, relentless love that Jesus has for each of us.

So, if you’re ready for a fresh perspective on who Jesus is and what it means to follow him, give A Glimpse of Jesus a read. It’s like sitting down with a friend who knows your heart, understands your struggles, and points you back to the one who loves you more than you can imagine.

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We loose ourselves in a book,

we find ourselves there too - anonymous

~ Sylvia