JESUS, FRIEND OF SINNERS, by Rich Wilkerson, Jr.

JESUS, FRIEND OF SINNERS, is a spiritual motivational book. Rich Wilkerson, Jr, the author, formats his content in three parts and ten chapters. He begins with an Introduction. Then he follows with the content. Wilkerson ends with an Author Bio and a page of a few notes. This book is in a simple format. Rich Wilkerson, Jr., is pastor of a church, along with his wife. Together, they pastor a congregation in Florida. Rich founded a Conference called VOUS, which serves to encourage faith, creativity, and diversity in Miami. He is author of several books, including SANDCASTLE KINGS: MEETING JESUS IN A SPIRITUALLY BANKRUPT WORLD.

I found this book pretty much what I expected in a book of this title. The Jesus I saw portrayed in it is compassionate, tenderhearted, forgiving, gracious, and merciful. I saw how the book's aim is not only to "comfort the afflicted but to afflict the comfortable." Rich Wilkerson spends ample time portraying the undeserved, unconditional love of Jesus for each one of us, no matter who we are or what we have done. But he spends roughly equal time on our need to reflect this love in how we treat other, for He loves others with the same kind of love as HE loves us. Indeed, the Bible strikes this balance. Absent from this book, unlike in Scripture, are any mentions of Divine wrath or justice because of human sin and evil. AS I can attest, it is far easier to know about than to know this Divine love. It is aptly said that the hardest 18 inches are the distance between head and heart. The aim of this author is to bridge that gap.

I recommend this book for everyone. I especially recommend it for pastors who find it easier to preach the law, justice, Divine wrath, rather than God's grace in Christ. I recommend this book for any non-believer who is curious about Jesus and Who He is. I recommend this book especially for all believers who lean more toward legalism (especialy those of us who have been raised in the Church).

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review of this book.