Introduction
In "Everybody, Always," author Bob Goff presents a heartfelt and inspiring guide to living out Jesus's message of love in our everyday lives. Drawing from his personal experiences and encounters with people from all walks of life, Goff shows us how to embrace a life of love, even in the face of challenges and difficult individuals. This book is not just about understanding love intellectually, but about putting it into practice in tangible, often unconventional ways.
Goff's writing style is conversational and engaging, making complex spiritual concepts accessible to readers. He uses humor, personal anecdotes, and practical examples to illustrate how we can become "love" in a world that often seems devoid of it. The book challenges readers to step out of their comfort zones, take leaps of faith, and extend love to everyone they encounter – including those who may seem unlovable.
Key Ideas
1. Love Everybody, Always
The central theme of the book is encapsulated in its title: we should strive to love everybody, always. Goff argues that this is the essence of Jesus's teachings and the key to living a fulfilling life. He emphasizes that loving others isn't just about feeling warm emotions towards them, but about taking action to show that love in practical ways.
Goff shares a powerful example of this principle through his friend Walter, who welcomes refugees at the airport with open arms and a beaming smile. This simple act of kindness demonstrates how we can show love to strangers and make them feel welcomed and valued.
The author challenges readers to build "kingdoms" rather than "castles." He explains that castles are built with high walls to keep others out, while kingdoms are inclusive and welcoming to all. This metaphor encourages us to create communities and relationships that are open and loving, rather than exclusive and defensive.
One practical example Goff provides is the concept of a "crop drop," where different churches in an area come together to bag leftover potatoes and distribute them to those in need. This activity breaks down barriers between different congregations and creates a larger, more inclusive community united in service.
2. Faith and Courage in the Face of Adversity
Goff emphasizes the importance of faith in God and how it can provide strength and courage when facing life's challenges. He illustrates this point with several inspiring stories.
One such story is about his friend Lex, a blind long jumper on the US Paralympic team. Lex relies on a trusted friend to shout his name from the edge of the sandpit, guiding him to make his jumps. This act of faith in his friend's guidance has led Lex to win medals at world championships. Goff draws a parallel between this and our relationship with God, suggesting that sometimes we need to take leaps of faith even when we can't see the full picture.
The author also shares a personal experience of a harrowing plane landing where his dashboard lights malfunctioned. Unable to confirm if his landing gear was deployed, Goff had to trust in God and make the descent. This incident taught him that sometimes we have to make decisions without having all the information we want, trusting that God has given us what we need.
Another powerful example is Karl, Goff's friend who was paralyzed from the neck down in a swimming accident. Karl found strength in his faith, resolving to emulate Jesus and navigate life using only love. He drew inspiration from the fact that Jesus used only words to spread his message, just as Karl relied on his mouth to control his wheelchair. Today, Karl works in the attorney general's office, fighting injustice and making a difference in the world.
3. Lessons from Skydiving
In an unexpected twist, Goff draws parallels between skydiving and living a life of love. When he and his son learned to skydive together, Goff discovered that the safety instructions contained valuable insights about how we should treat others.
The first lesson is about obeying the instructor for just 30 seconds during the crucial moments of the jump. Goff applies this to our spiritual lives, suggesting that while we may not be able to perfectly follow Jesus's teachings all the time, we can commit to doing so for short periods, especially in challenging situations. This approach makes the task less daunting and more achievable.
The second lesson comes from the importance of having a perfectly functioning parachute. If even one string is out of place, skydivers are taught to cut the main chute and use the backup. Goff likens this to our faith, suggesting that if one aspect of our love for others is lacking, we should be willing to "cut the old cords" and rebuild our approach.
Lastly, Goff emphasizes the importance of "catching others on the bounce." In skydiving, it's often the second impact after bouncing that causes fatal injuries. Similarly, in life, when people experience setbacks or traumas, it's crucial to be there for them not just initially, but also during the aftermath when they might be at their most vulnerable.
4. Parental Love and God's Love
Goff draws a beautiful parallel between God's love for his children and the love parents have for their children. He suggests that we can become better parents by following God's example of love.
The author cautions against simply telling our children what to do, as this often leads to resistance. Instead, he advocates for telling children who they are becoming. He gives biblical examples of how God told Moses he was a leader and Noah that he was a sailor, allowing them to grow into these roles naturally.
Goff shares how nothing makes him happier than someone doing something nice for his kids, and he believes God feels the same way when we show love to others. This perspective encourages readers to see acts of kindness towards others as a way of pleasing God.
5. Love as Its Own Reward
One of the key messages in the book is that loving others shouldn't be about earning brownie points or competing for God's approval. Goff warns against treating good works as a competition, where people try to outdo each other in their acts of kindness.
He illustrates this point with a personal anecdote about saving up game tickets at a pizza parlor for years, only to find that they were worth very little when redeemed. Similarly, he argues that rushing around doing good deeds in hopes of earning God's approval is pointless because we already have His love.
Goff encourages readers to stop making acts of love about themselves. He shares a story about helping a man in jail pay for an ankle bracelet, never hearing from him again. The author emphasizes that this doesn't bother him because helping others isn't about gaining recognition but about being a supporting actor in others' stories.
6. Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Goff stresses the importance of putting our love into action rather than just talking about it. He uses several examples to illustrate this point.
One story involves a couple in the Bible who lied about donating all the proceeds from selling their land, only to be struck dead by God. While this is an extreme example, it underscores the importance of honesty and following through on our commitments.
Goff shares a personal story of lying to his wife about hiking a hill five times, realizing that he was only cheating himself by not actually doing the exercise. This anecdote highlights how our words should match our actions, especially when it comes to self-improvement.
The author praises his friend Adrien, an airport ID checker, who consistently treats every customer with courtesy and respect, even in stressful situations. Adrien's actions demonstrate love without needing to make a big deal about it.
To help readers put love into action, Goff shares a concept from a children's book about filling our "buckets" with positive traits. He took this idea literally, carrying a bucket around to remind himself to be more patient. While extreme, this example emphasizes the need to actively work on becoming better people, not just talking about it.
7. The Power of Forgiveness
One of the most powerful sections of the book deals with forgiveness, even in the face of unimaginable evil. Goff shares his experience working to bring a witch doctor to trial in Uganda for child sacrifice.
The author helped a young survivor named Charlie find the courage to testify against his attacker, Kabi. This led to a historic conviction that set a precedent for future cases. However, Goff's involvement didn't end there.
Convinced that forgiving one's enemies is crucial to spreading love, Goff visited Kabi in prison. Despite Kabi being the "evilest man he'd ever met," Goff found the strength to forgive him. Over several visits, he taught Kabi about love and Jesus's message, leading to a transformation in the former witch doctor.
This experience inspired Goff to found a school for former witch doctors in Uganda, teaching them to read, write, and understand the importance of loving others. The impact of this work was demonstrated when two graduates of the school went on to save another child from sacrifice.
This powerful example shows how forgiveness can lead to transformation and break cycles of violence and hatred.
Practical Applications
Throughout the book, Goff provides numerous practical ways to apply the principle of loving everybody, always:
Practice 30-second obedience: When faced with difficult situations or people, commit to following Jesus's teachings for just 30 seconds at a time. This makes the task less overwhelming and helps build the habit of love.
Build kingdoms, not castles: Look for ways to make your communities and relationships more inclusive rather than exclusive. This could involve collaborating with other groups or reaching out to those who are different from you.
Catch people on the bounce: Be aware of those around you who may be going through difficult times. Offer support not just initially, but also in the aftermath of their struggles.
Tell people who they are becoming: Instead of just giving instructions or criticism, encourage others by speaking positively about their potential and who they are growing to be.
Do good without seeking recognition: Practice acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. Focus on being a supporting actor in others' stories rather than the star of your own.
Put love into action: Look for tangible ways to demonstrate love in your daily life. This could be as simple as treating others with consistent respect and kindness, like Goff's friend Adrien at the airport.
Practice forgiveness: Challenge yourself to forgive those who have wronged you, even when it seems impossible. Remember that forgiveness can lead to transformation and break cycles of negativity.
Take leaps of faith: Trust in God's guidance, even when you can't see the full picture. This might involve stepping out of your comfort zone to help others or pursue a calling.
Fill your bucket: Actively work on developing positive traits by consciously practicing them in your daily life.
Welcome strangers: Look for opportunities to make others feel welcomed and valued, especially those who might feel like outsiders in your community.
Challenges and Obstacles
Goff acknowledges that living a life of love is not always easy. He addresses several challenges readers might face:
Fear: Many people are held back by fear of the unknown or fear of failure. Goff encourages readers to face these fears head-on, trusting in God's support.
Difficult people: The author recognizes that some people are harder to love than others. He provides examples of how to approach these situations with patience and understanding.
Setbacks: Life is full of disappointments and setbacks. Goff emphasizes the importance of resilience and maintaining faith even in tough times.
Self-centeredness: It's easy to become focused on our own needs and desires. The book challenges readers to shift their focus outward, considering the needs of others.
Cynicism: In a world full of negativity, it can be tempting to become cynical. Goff encourages maintaining a positive, loving outlook despite life's challenges.
Lack of immediate results: Sometimes our acts of love don't seem to make a difference. The author reminds us that we may not always see the impact of our actions, but that doesn't make them any less valuable.
Final Thoughts
"Everybody, Always" is a powerful call to action for anyone seeking to live a more loving and purposeful life. Bob Goff's engaging storytelling and practical advice make the sometimes daunting task of loving others seem not only possible but also deeply rewarding.
The book's central message – that we should strive to love everybody, always – is both simple and profound. Goff doesn't shy away from the difficulties this approach can present, but he consistently points readers back to the example of Jesus and the transformative power of love.
Through his personal experiences and the stories of others, Goff demonstrates that living a life of love is not about perfection, but about consistent effort and a willingness to step out in faith. He shows that even small acts of kindness and forgiveness can have far-reaching impacts, potentially changing lives and communities.
One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on action. Goff doesn't just tell readers to love others; he provides concrete examples and practical steps for putting love into practice. From welcoming strangers to forgiving enemies, the book offers a roadmap for becoming "love" in a world that often seems devoid of it.
The author's vulnerability in sharing his own struggles and mistakes adds authenticity to his message. He doesn't present himself as someone who has it all figured out, but as a fellow traveler on the journey of learning to love more fully.
Goff's unique ability to find spiritual lessons in everyday experiences – from skydiving to airport encounters – makes the book both entertaining and insightful. These unexpected connections help readers see opportunities for growth and love in their own daily lives.
While the book is grounded in Christian teachings, its message of love and acceptance is universal. Readers from various backgrounds can find value in Goff's encouragement to live more compassionate, outward-focused lives.
In conclusion, "Everybody, Always" is a heartfelt and inspiring guide to living out love in practical ways. It challenges readers to expand their capacity for love, to embrace forgiveness, and to see the potential for good in every person they encounter. By following Goff's advice and examples, readers can work towards creating a more loving and inclusive world, one small act at a time.
The book's lasting message is that love is not just a feeling, but a choice we make every day. By choosing to love everybody, always – even when it's difficult – we can transform our own lives and the lives of those around us. Goff's work serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we commit to living with open hearts and open hands, ready to embrace whatever opportunities for love come our way.