The value of a re-read

Image Source: Chris Lawton

For the past few years, because of the theological studies that I have been doing, I have been required to read many books from a wide variety of authors. Many of these books have been enriching to my personal spiritual life. Others, while interesting and valuable, were much more difficult to get through.

Because of all this required reading, I have neglected reading books that nourish my soul.

"I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once."

- C.S. Lewis

I have recently been uplifted by re-reading one of my all-time favourite books, Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. While certainly not perfect, this book has always held a special place in my heart.

As I read through the familiar words, I was reminded of the first time I experienced God's grace in those pages. I actually found myself tearing up as I was overwhelmed by an incredible sense of God's love for me.

I believe that it is important to read as widely as possible, including authors whose beliefs differ from our own. In fact, I wrote about this in a recent article for SUMag which you can find here: Five books that every pastor should read. 

On the other hand, I have been reminded to return to the authors and the books that have resonated with me throughout my spiritual journey - those books (and even those parts of Scripture) that have revealed God's grace to me in a special way.

"There's nothing wrong with re-reading a book you love over and over. When you do, the words get inside of you, become a part of you, in a way that words in a book you've only read once can't."

- Gail Carson Levine