LDS NONFICTION: Love is a Choice by Lynn G. Robbins

LOVE IS A CHOICE

Making Your Marriage and Family Stronger

by Lynn G. Robbins

Deseret Book, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-62972-086-9

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

We all know that actions speak louder than words. We may say "I love you," but do our actions back up that claim? Elder Lynn G. Robbins teaches us that love is more than a feeling—it is a commitment, a promise to be responsible, respectful, and responsive to the needs and experiences of other. And like any other action we undertake, perfecting the act of love requires a lifetime of practice and good choices.

As Elder Robbins teaches, the daily choices we make in our marriages and families are what shape lasting love. He helps us to recognize the role that our agency plays in developing forgiveness, patience, kindness, responsibility, and other virtuous traits. We come to see that as we actively try to do things differently, Christ helps us to be the people He wants us to be—people like Him.

Whether you're engaged to be married, a newlywed, or someone with decades of marriage under your belt, this counsel from an inspired leader will help you develop more Christlike love for those around you. As you draw closer to the Savior through your daily choices and actions, His love will fill your home.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynn G. Robbins was sustained to the Presidency of the Seventy on April 5, 2014. He became a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy on april 1, 2000. Prior to that, he was a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy for three years. Elder Robbins served a full-time mission in Argentina and later served as president of the Uruguay Montevideo Mission.

Elder Robbins received his bachelor's degree from Utah State University and an MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management. He was one of the founders of Franklin Quest (later Franklin Covey). Elder Robbins and his wife, Jan, are the parents of seven children and eighteen grandchildren.

REVIEW

Love makes the world go round, love of God, love of neighbors, love of family, and love of ourselves.  Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of real love and Robbins spends most of one entire chapter discussing charity, what it is and why we should seek to be charitable.  I especially liked the chart he included documenting each of the characteristics that Paul mentions related to charity in 1 Corinthians 13.  He included both examples and nonexamples in the chart of charitable and noncharitable behavior.  The point is made that love IS a choice, that falling in or out of love implies that we as humans are being acted on rather than acting of our own choice.  Sharing scriptures and quotes from LDS Church leaders, the author clearly makes the point that we can CHOOSE to love others, especially our spouses and families.

With love being a choice, it then behooves us to take 100% responsibility for making that choice.  The second chapter discusses the importance of being willing to be responsible for the choices we make in every respect of our lives.  Robbins presents what he calls "The Anti-Responsibility List".  Basically, the list is a whole bunch of ways human beings don't take responsibility for their lives whether it's making excuses, blaming others, letting fear hold sway, or anything else that prevents us from being proactive.  Several examples are given both professional and personal that demonstrate the points being made.

Other topics covered in the book include self-reliance, love and agency in family life, as well as counsel on finances and family home evenings. All in all, I found this an amazing book with lots of useful counsel given that I for one need to implement in my life.  I highly recommend this one.