The author candidly shares the temptations, difficulties, victories and sacrifices of 2 young people whose commitment to Christ took priority over their love for each other.

The author candidly shares the temptations, difficulties, victories and sacrifices of 2 young people whose commitment to Christ took priority over their love for each other

I’ve read books about dating and purity before, but never one quite like this. Mrs. Elliot shares her and Jim’s love story, and interspersed with their story are thoughts and a lot of advice about what they did right, what they did wrong, and what the Bible has to say about the many different aspects of dating and relationships in general. This is a very practical book. She doesn’t push a particular relationship style (dating vs. courtship, etc.), but what she does do is encourage every single—young or old alike—to dedicate their lives to the Lord, and let Him have the ultimate say. The main encouragement I got from this book was to put the Lord first in everything—and that kind of advice is applicable in every area of life, not just in romance! I’d recommend this book to every young person who is serious about following the Lord, and just about everyone else, too. This book is full of practical encouragement, and I believe it is just as relevant today as it was when it was first published thirty years ago. ( )

This is not another "dating and relationships" book. It is a powerful devotional book that hits on many aspects of dating and relationships. . . . The challenge issued in this book is not legalistic; the appeal is not made to the body or the mind, but to the heart, that your affection for Christ might overshadow all others as it should. This sounds harsh at first, but the lives of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot bear witness that they were among the "wise servants" who would rather have oil in their lamps than to displease their Master, or to go after any other lover.

I highly recommend this book to any young believers who want to follow Christ into (or during) a relationship. ( )

I'd say that it has been an amazing read, and went in a direction, not unlike the author's experience, that I wasn't expecting.

For those unfamiliar with the book, "Passion and Purity" recounts Elizabeth's (Bett's) relationship with her first husband, Jim Elliot, both whom fallen head-over-heels for each other. In contrast to a various rom coms, novels, sitcoms, culture, etc., while feelings were felt very quickly (within months), they did not get married much later - about six years later.

They met in college, and for all intents and purposes, they were the "ideal couple". Both God-fearing and training for ministry. Both were putting God first. However, this account, much like Elliot's "The Path of Loneliness" is raw. Their waiting was far from easy, and between reading Bett and Jim's letters, as well as other folks' questions to Elizabeth, their emotion was palpable and extraordinarily relatable. As a man, it gave me some valuable insight of a lady's mind even when things are being done "right". Difficulties in, but commitment to, trusting God are laid out, which provided much encouragement for me, and I'm sure others, as I faithfully walk along God's will. There were also many moments of conviction in how I was going about things, and some points for me to think about.
It's a long journey, and the book ends in marriage. But I also knew that Jim is eventually killed on the mission field about a year after their marriage (described in "The Path of Loneliness). In light of that the book really challenged me to see the hand of God in Bett and Jim's relationship, while at the same time empathizing with their emotional and spiritual turmoil in the midst of being faithful.

Everyone should give this book a read if you looking for an example how a man and woman can come together clothed in the love of God, and how God sanctifies that natural love to become much more like Biblical love. Moreover, it helps you see how natural love is not inherently sinful, but rather beautiful when brought under the subjugation of Christ. Finally, I'm certain that the book will address a number of questions that consistently come up in 21st century relationships, such as intention, patience, and navigating distance.

Go read "Passion and Purity". ( )