Review of "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan

As I sat down to read "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. At 34, navigating a particularly challenging season of life, I found myself yearning for clarity, hope, and a deeper connection with Jesus. I had heard whispers about Chan's ability to shake the complacency out of comfortable Christianity, and honestly, I was ready for a good dose of reality.

From the very first pages, it was like Chan was having a candid conversation with me, right where I was. He opens with a bold, almost jarring assertion about the kind of love that God has for us—crazy love. This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill love that we often throw around in casual conversations or romantic comedies. No, Chan's depiction of God’s love is radical and, frankly, daunting. It’s a love that calls us out of mediocrity and into a life of purpose and passion.

What struck me immediately was how Chan isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. In a world that often promotes a comfortable, self-centered faith, he encourages us to step outside of our comfort zones. He paints vivid pictures of what it means to truly live for Christ—what it looks like to embrace a love that is not just about feelings, but about actions, sacrifices, and a relentless pursuit of God. This was particularly poignant for me as I grappled with feelings of discontent and frustration in my current circumstances. Chan’s words felt like a gentle yet firm nudge, reminding me that there’s so much more beyond my struggles.

Chan’s writing is refreshingly raw, and he doesn’t shy away from the hard truths. He talks about the reality of life, the inevitable struggles we all face, and how easily we can fall into the trap of complacency. I found myself reflecting on my own life—how I’ve sometimes allowed the noise of my challenges to drown out the voice of God. His discussions about the fleeting nature of life and the eternal significance of our choices made me reconsider how I was spending my time and energy. Am I living in a way that reflects this crazy love?

One chapter that resonated deeply was when Chan discusses the concept of being lukewarm. He paints a vivid picture of what it means to be “lukewarm” in our faith—playing it safe, making choices that align more with societal norms than with God’s calling. As I navigated my own struggles, I found myself wrestling with this idea. Was I truly living out my faith, or was I just going through the motions? It was a tough pill to swallow, but it felt necessary. Chan’s candidness about his own journey—a life of ups and downs—made it feel like I wasn’t alone in this introspection.

But it wasn’t all heavy. Chan also infuses a sense of hope and encouragement throughout the book. He reminds us of the joy that comes from embracing God’s love and how that love can transform our lives. He challenges us to look at the world through the lens of God’s love, urging us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It reignited a passion in me that I had almost forgotten during my struggles. It was a reminder that even in the darkest seasons, God is still at work, still calling us to be His hands and feet.

One of the beautiful aspects of "Crazy Love" is its ability to push you toward action. Chan doesn’t just want us to understand God’s love; he wants us to live it out. He shares stories of people who have radically changed their lives in response to God’s call. This inspired me to think about what steps I could take in my own life. Whether it’s serving those in need, reaching out to a friend, or simply being more intentional with my time, Chan’s encouragement to live out this crazy love felt invigorating.

As I finished the book, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. In a season of uncertainty, it was a reminder that God’s love is steadfast and overwhelming. Chan’s call to embrace that love and share it with others felt like a lifeline, pulling me closer to Jesus in a way I hadn’t anticipated.

"Crazy Love" isn’t just a book; it’s an invitation to rethink how we perceive love, faith, and our relationship with God. For anyone, especially those like me, navigating a difficult season, it’s a breath of fresh air—a push to dive deeper into a love that is anything but ordinary. I walked away not just inspired, but eager to take the next steps in my faith, embracing the crazy love that God has for me and the world around me.

-Tanika Asiedu