Copyright Page
2017 by Rick Bezet
Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2017
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-0850-4
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
Scripture quotations labeled AMP are from the Amplified Bible, copyright 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)
Scripture quotations labeled ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2011
Scripture quotations labeled KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.
Scripture quotations labeled Message are from THE MESSAGE. Copyright by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Scripture quotations labeled NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)
Scripture quotations labeled NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled NLT are from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled TLB are from The Living Bible, copyright 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The names and insignificant details of the stories in this book have been changed to protect the identities of the people mentioned. Any resemblance of any person or situation, real or fictional, is entirely coincidental.
Rick Bezet is represented by Thomas J. Winters of Winters, King & Associates, Inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Endorsements
As Jesus-followers, we always want to show Gods love, but communicating truth with grace can be challenging at times. Thankfully, Real Love in an Angry World offers wise instruction on how to practically guide people toward Jesus without pushing them away.
Craig Groeschel, pastor, Life.Church; author of Divine Direction : 7 Decisions That Will Change Your Life
How do we speak the truth in love? Its one of the trickiest and sorest subjects for Christians. Pastor Rick has gifted us a life-giving tool in Real Love in an Angry World , a guidebook to navigating those tough conversations. I would recommend this book to anyone who has beliefs and wants to voice them with charity and truth.
Tommy Barnett, co-pastor, Dream City Church; founder and co-pastor, Los Angeles Dream Center
Pastor Rick Bezet doesnt shrink from relating the gospel truth concerning critical issues. He also uses amazing humor and true compassion to relate to each individual who hears that message. When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, he began by relating to her need as a person before exposing the depths of her lifestyle. The book you are holding will help you do the same. The Jesus way. The compassion/truth way. The only way that will reach our confused nation and chaotic world.
Larry Stockstill, pastor emeritus, Bethany Church
One of many things I appreciate about Real Love in an Angry World is that my son knows the truthnot just facts, but truth that God loves us and is a lot more patient with us than well probably ever realize. Rick understands the importance of treating people with respect and honor, treating others the way he would want to be treated, even if he doesnt agree with them. He also knows how to live a fun life with joy and gusto. I love you, son, and Im very proud of how you have become a real influencer of people.
Richard Bezet Sr.
I remember back when flip-flops became popular. Rick wore them all the time, but with white crew socks! As he proudly left the house every day, I would shout, Dont wear socks with flip-flops. You look like a geek! But he ignored me and kept on. Before I knew it, he had all his friends wearing their flip-flops with white crew socks! That was the day I said to myself, This guy is a leader . Even when he looks like a geek, others follow him. This was one of many examples from Ricks growing-up years that was evidence that he was destined to lead.
JoAnn Bezet, also known as Mom and Ms. B.
In an honest and hysterical way that only Rick Bezet can pull off, Real Love in an Angry World challenges its readers to live more like Christ and a little less like a Christian. Its a must-read for everyone wanting to cultivate richer relationships in their lives and learn just what it means to speak truth in love.
Randy Bezet, lead pastor, Bayside Community Church
Dedication
Dedicated to
New Life Church,
for always looking for the next person to welcome home.
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsements
Dedication
Foreword: Chris Hodges
1. Truth and Love
2. Its Getting Dark Out There!
3. Big, Ugly Bible
4. The Heart of God
5. Learning How to Agree Again
6. Welcome Home
7. Vegas, Baby!
8. Sometimes You Just Cant Win
9. Love Never Fails (though It Feels Like It Might)
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Back Ads
Back Cover
Foreword
They are out there, but they are few and far between. People who bring joy to any and every situation; the ones who refuse to take life as it comes and instead redefine it based on their faith in God and daily choice to be a life-giving person. These individuals are so much more than the life of the party or fun to be around or a peacemaker. Their words always seem to encourage you somehow, and their actions always speak louder than their words. These God-given friends make you reconsider your own life and how youre living it; they inspire you with their contagious attitude to be more grateful and more hopeful in every area of your life.
They are people like my friend Rick Bezet.
Rick is one of those guys with an irrepressible passion for lifesomeone I simply love being around. He is so genuinely positive that I always feel lighter after talking with him or hearing him speak. In fact, he brings light wherever he goesboth illuminating everything and everyone around him while also lessening the weight they often feel from lifes burdens.
Rick also challenges me to see the truth of Gods Word in dynamic new ways. He is truly a breath of fresh air. Thats why Im so thankful youre holding this book. Rick has taught me something we all need to learn and to live by: life isnt what happens to you; its how you respond to what happens to you . This is especially true when it comes to your relationships and responding to peoplenot just your loved ones and other important people in your life, but everyone with whom you come in contact. As followers of Jesus, were all called to be life-giving light-bearers, but unfortunately, we sometimes allow the cultural darkness around us to diminish our impact. We want to be positive, hopeful, and encouraging, but the negativism and critical spirit of our age feel overwhelming.