Customer Reviews

Love Is a Decision (Spcn 201-0536-002)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was the first marriage book I was able to read without becoming angry about all the things my husband WASN'T doing. Instead, for the first time ever, I suddenly saw the things I WAS doing to push my husband away from me, to crush his spirit. God truly used this book to show me His amazing and perfect plan and order for marriage, and my life hasn't been the same since. And when I changed, made the decision to honor my husband, he became everything I had hoped for without even trying or realizing. We are best friends now, not antagonists to one another. I never dreamed marriage could be as wonderful as mine is right now.

In David Bess's review, he says there are better books. This might be true. But I liked this book because, when I read it, I was not involved in any church or religion and the book did not overly "push" any certain religion upon me. It did, however, open my eyes to concepts and things I had been blind to in my marriage. It also convinced me to start going to church and other things. I read the book in one night because I couldn't stop reading. I think this book is very good for people who haven't been living like christians and who don't necessarily want a lot of biblical quotes and chrisitian teachings at first, which might, due to the fact the person isnt currently practicing faith, deter them from finishing the book. The book has certainly changed my outlook on life, love, marriage and has even convinced me that finally the time has come to re-affirm my faith and start living like I know I should. READ THIS BOOK.

I had read several books, including a couple of Smalley's other works. Didn't expect to learn anything "new," but figured I would get a rehash of everything else that I've picked up over the years.
When he defined Honor and Genuine Love, it hit me in a way that it never had before - and makes complete sense. It heightened my curiosity, and made me want to explore a little further.
It was the piece of the missing puzzle. I've learned new things and you will too.
This book is a must for anyone serious about making the commitment to either get married, or to strengthen their marriage.
The books mentioned previously are good, but if you come out of this with a clear definition of Honor and Genuine Love, you will come out a winner and it will be worth the price!

This is the best book I have ever read on helping couples to build their relationship to a stronger bond. My wife and I were separated when we read this book 4 years ago. We have renewed our vows, had a second child, and our love grows stronger every day thanks to many of the principles given and used in this book.

I must admit I was disappointed after reading this book. Perhaps it was a case of the title having to fulfill so much of the hype it has received. While the author gives helpful tips on Christian marriage, there are definitely better books available on this topic.

Smalley opens his book with an example from his own personal experience of counseling a troubled couple. While he is certainly sincere and full of compassion, the repeated references to his own ministry distract from the points he is trying to convey.

He continues by giving specific guidance on how the husband and the wife can be more understanding and supportive of their spouses. He then moves to the relational aspects of marriage, identifying practices and concepts that can breathe life back into a stagnant union. He closes his book with advice on making the most of severe trials, saying we must celebrate God's purpose in them rather than questioning God's plan.

There are three other books on Christian marriage I would recommend above this one: "His Needs, Her Needs" by Willard Harley; "Boundaries in Marriage" by Cloud and Townsend; and "Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts" by Les and Leslie Parrott.

Unless you are a Gary Smalley fan or have an extremely strong curiosity about this book, I would recommend one of the three titles listed above for solid, Biblical tips on marriage enhancement.

I learned a lot from "Love is a Decision" and would highly reccommend it to anyone who wants to learn what makes a great relationship. The insight and the sensitivity given in this book helps you to understand better what it takes to make a relationship work and how NOT to take your family for granted.It also gives you insight on how to give unselfishly to your family and to find what makes them tick. If you pick up this book or any other Gary Smalley books you won't be disappointed. Gary Smalley has a way of bringing it down on your level with a sense of humor and compassion for others. Once you start reading this book you won't want to stop.

As my fiance and I are preparing for marriage, I decided to read this book in order to best prepare myself. The book discusses many things that have been helpful, but in particular focuses on us men and the responsibility we are given in marriage. It shows how we need to step up to the plate and be there for our wives and families, and even tells us HOW to be there for them. My fiance read a few chapters and can't wait to read it after I finish up the last 2 chapters. We are both blown away by the content. Highly reccommend it.

A great book!! I'm not married, but this book is helpful with any relationship (family/friends). Teaches good "principles" and demonstrates them through Gary Smalley's own experiences. Very easy to see the practical and real life application of the principles. I borrowed it from a friend, read it in two days. Then my mom read in about a day when I told her about it. MUST READ for anyone, especially christians who want to better themselves and their relationship.

I've been to a couple of Gary Smalley's seminars and have read most of his books. Some can be redundant but this was has a lot of love and wisdom that just gushes forth. Definitely worth reading and re-reading. I'd recommend just about any relationship book from Gary Smalley, Michael Webb and John Trent -- my three favorite Christian authors.

I think that if you can get this book in time to save your family, you absolutly should. I read this book in less than a day and it showed me the areas that I needed serious improvment in. This guy was a genious!