Nice: Why We Love to Be Liked and How God Calls Us to More

We often confuse pleasantness with goodness, sweetness with kindness, and likability with true character, leading to a false virtue in ourselves and others. Sharon Hodde Miller calls us to uproot the idols of acceptance, reputation, security, effectiveness, and idealism and prepare the soil of our hearts to bear good fruit so that we can be true followers of Jesus and witnesses to his power, love, and forgiveness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 20 August 2019
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

We frequently mistake being a Christian for being pleasant, presenting a charming exterior while our inner selves struggle. We confuse pleasantness with goodness, sweetness with kindness, and likability with true character. We accept this false virtue in ourselves and others, prioritizing being liked over being obedient. As a result, we miss out on the rewards of genuine discipleship in our own lives. Even our witness in the world suffers as we choose to share only positive messages that will keep others happy with us, avoiding sharing hard truths that could potentially help others.

In her life-changing book, Sharon Hodde Miller challenges us to dismantle the idols of acceptance, reputation, security, effectiveness, and idealism that drive us to seek accolades from the world and bear the bitter fruits of falseness, self-righteousness, cowardice, corruption, and cynicism. She then guides us in preparing the soil of our hearts to bear good fruit, enabling us to become true followers of Jesus and witnesses to his power, love, and forgiveness in a hurting world.

By rejecting these idols and embracing the truth of God's Word, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus and experience the transformation that comes from living a life of authenticity and obedience. We can become vessels of his grace and light, sharing the hope and love of Christ with those around us, even in the face of adversity and opposition.

So let us embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth, seeking to know and follow Jesus more fully. Let us be willing to confront our idols and surrender our lives to his will. As we do, we will discover the true joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life that is pleasing to God and witnesses to his power and love to a world that needs it so desperately.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780801075247