Rick Warren has written an entire book centered on Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

To each character trait, he awards one chapter, sharing his tips on how to implement this trait into your own life. I specifically appreciated the chapters on patience and self-control, which spoke to me more about overcoming my own short-comings, and accepting my limitations on my spiritual journey.

Warren’s writing is littered with truisms and aphorisms that are often misquoted, and spoken, or rather written into the book to support his arguments. At times, he comes off didactic, aiming to proselytize, but if you can withstand that, there are some good passages to strengthen your faith.

I believe that the manual for faith is everywhere, in the Buddha, in Allah, in God and the Bible. So I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking spiritual advice, or to be kinder, more patient, more peaceful.

What could make this book better? A story to tell, rather than feel-good bumper stickers. God’s power to change your life doesn’t need to be proved, but it sure helps to see how people have navigated difficult times not just in saying that they did, but showing how they did.

What did I appreciate most? That diving into a single verse in a book of verses can generate powerful insights, and that we must meditate on what it means to us to be faithful, to be good, to exhibit self-control. For this reason alone, I would pick the book up again.

For those who read, let me know what your take is on this book? Did anything move you? How has God changed your life?