In a world teeming with materialism and a never-ending pursuit of more, Cory Long presents a transformative book, “To Love Is To Give,” beckoning readers to rediscover the profound connection between love and generosity. This work is not merely a book; it’s a call to action, a spiritual journey, and a profound exploration by Long of what it means to live generously in alignment with divine principles. Navigating the complex landscape of faith, money, and the human heart with wisdom, clarity, and an invitation to transformation, Long offers a compelling narrative that resonates deeply in today’s context.
A Guide for the Modern Seeker
At its core, “To Love Is To Give” seeks to answer a question that has puzzled many: What does the Bible say about money? With countless interpretations and often contradictory views, Cory embarks on a mission to cut through the confusion, offering readers a clear path toward understanding and living out biblical principles related to wealth and generosity.
A Deep Dive into Heart Matters
Meticulously structured, Cory’s book comprises twelve chapters that delve deep into the heart’s relationship with money. From addressing why the world needs another discourse on God and money to tackle the root problems of pride, selfish ambition, and workaholism, he doesn’t shy away from the hard truths. Each chapter serves as a stepping stone, guiding readers through the pitfalls of monetary idolatry toward a life marked by genuine generosity and spiritual fulfillment.
I have seen people’s needs met, lives change, and communities be impacted by generous believers and I can’t wait to see what God is going to do in your life and in the lives of those around you as you learn to see money a bit more like God sees it!
The Journey Within
What sets “To Love Is To Give” apart is its interactive approach. This is not a passive read; it’s an active engagement. Cory encourages readers to be vulnerable, to introspect, and to participate in activities, journaling, and prayers designed to facilitate deep, personal transformation. It’s a book that understands change doesn’t come from knowledge alone but through a heartfelt response and a willingness to let God’s word challenge and change us from the inside out.
More Than a Book: A Movement of Generosity
“To Love Is To Give” is envisioned by Cory as a catalyst for change, not just for individuals but for communities. Long shares a vision of what can happen when believers live out extreme generosity—needs met, lives changed, and communities transformed. It’s a testament to the power of generosity to not only enrich the lives of others but to also bring about profound joy and fulfillment in the giver’s life.
This book is more than just a guide to understanding money from a biblical perspective; it’s an invitation to embark on a journey of spiritual growth and to embrace a life of generosity. Whether you’ve struggled with the concept of money and faith or you’re looking for a deeper understanding of what it means to live generously, “To Love Is To Give” offers a fresh, impactful perspective.
“To Love Is To Give” by Cory Long is not just a book you read; it’s a book you live. Long challenges, inspires, and equips you to embark on the greatest adventure of all—a life lived generously in service to God and others. As you turn each page, may you be moved to see money, and more importantly, love, through God’s eyes. And may this journey transform not just your relationship with your finances but your heart, your life, and your world.
Reading Chapter 10, titled “Money & Marriage,” made me reflect deeply on how finances intersect with relationships. Long emphasizes that money can either strengthen or strain a marriage, depending on its management and communication. This resonated with me, having seen firsthand how financial stress impacted my parents’ relationship, often leading to arguments and tension.
He advises couples to treat their finances as a partnership rather than a power struggle, stressing the importance of transparency, joint decision-making, and mutual respect. Open communication about financial goals, budgets, and concerns is crucial to avoiding misunderstandings and conflicts. This approach aligns with my belief that honesty and openness are essential in any relationship, especially when it comes to money.
A standout quote from the chapter is, “Money can be a tool that builds a stronger foundation for your marriage, or it can be a wedge that drives you apart.” This highlights that money itself is neutral, and its impact depends on how it’s used. Long also advocates for generosity within a marriage, not just financially but also with time, attention, and love, fostering a deeper connection and resilience in the partnership.
Reflecting on my future, I realize the importance of developing healthy financial habits now to benefit my relationships later. Being mindful of spending, saving responsibly, and prioritizing open communication about money are key. Chapter 10 offers valuable insights for couples to navigate finances together, reminding us that love and generosity should always guide our financial decisions.
Piggybacking on your statement, it’s clear that developing good financial habits and communication skills early on is crucial for a strong relationship. It’s not just about avoiding money problems but about creating a shared understanding and vision. When both partners are aligned, money becomes a tool to achieve common goals, not a source of conflict.
Embracing generosity in all forms can significantly improve a relationship. Being generous with our time, attention, and resources creates a supportive and nurturing environment that strengthens the bond between partners.
I quite enjoyed this book by Cory Long! Overall, it’s is a call to re-evaluate one’s relationship with money through the lens of faith and generosity, aiming to inspire a lifestyle that reflects God’s loving and giving nature.
Here’s a few of my favorite quotes:
“To love is to give.” – This foundational statement sets the tone for the book, emphasizing that true love manifests in generosity.
“Money, like the long fork, is a tool. Each of us gets to decide what to do with what we have. It can be used to bless or to curse…to be generous or selfish.” – This quote from Chapter 1 encapsulates the central message of the book.
“Generosity is near to the heart of God because God is a giving God. To be generous is to exhibit a godly quality.” – Cory highlights the divine nature of generosity, encouraging readers to emulate God’s giving nature.
“Pride fools us into thinking we are fully in charge and that we can make the outcome we want happen.” – In Chapter 4, he warns against the dangers of pride and self-reliance.
“There is no amount of money on this earth that can replace God or what God can do. If you are going to chase anything, chase God and see what He does! You will never go wrong doing that.” – This quote from Chapter 5 emphasizes prioritizing a relationship with God over material wealth.
I would also include this from chapter 13:
“If you want to be more loving, be more giving. If you want to be the kind of person who has people show up to your funeral and it is a joyful celebration, be generous.” – This quote encourages me to live a life marked by generosity, impacting others positively
That last chapter was sooo good too! We’re encouraged to reflect on our relationships and the impact of our generosity. Cory emphasizes the importance of choosing generosity over greed and pride, and he reassures us that God will help those who are willing to turn toward a life of selfless giving. Personally I feel like the chapter serves as a call to action, urging me to embrace small acts of generosity that can lead to significant heart changes over time.