When God Writes Your Love Story

When God Writes Your Love Story: The Ultimate Approach to Guy/Girl Relationships

‘When God Writes Your Love Story’ is a 1999 book by Eric and Leslie Ludy, an American married couple who share their journey of love, courtship, and marriage. This book has become a bestseller with over 350,000 copies sold worldwide, offering advice on premarital purity, faith, and waiting for one’s life partner.

Divided into Five Sections

The book is divided into five sections and sixteen chapters, written from the perspective of both Eric and Leslie Ludy. Topics include addressing sexual desire, preparing for a romantic relationship, waiting for a love story, and prioritizing faith in one’s love life.

Addressing Sexual Desire

‘When God Writes Your Love Story’ tackles the complex issue of sexual desire head-on, encouraging readers to resist premarital temptations. Eric retells Homer’s Odyssey and Orpheus’s encounter with the Sirens, using these stories to argue that those who resist premarital sexual and romantic temptations are likely to find the process torturous, while those who listen to God’s plans find waiting for marriage easier.

Preparing for a Romantic Relationship

The Ludys suggest that one should marry rather than choosing a mate independently. They provide advice on how to proceed in a romantic relationship once it has presented itself, emphasizing the importance of faith and commitment.

Waiting for a Love Story

In the fourth section, ‘Sweetening a Love Story,’ the Ludys offer guidance on how to navigate a romantic relationship. The final section, ‘Discovering a God-written Love Story,’ argues that it’s never too late to give God control of one’s love life and that this sacrifice should be made for the benefit of one’s future spouse and to honor God.

Guidance from God

The Ludys suggest that one’s love life should be guided by and subordinate to one’s relationship with God. They argue that true love is not an emotion, but a choice to commit to another person no matter what happens. Leslie argues that non-permanent relationships result in long-term psychological pain and that single people should only become physically or emotionally intimate with their spouse.

Controversy and Criticism

The book has received criticism from scholars and Christian leaders who argue that it perpetuates unrealistic expectations about marriage and relationships. Some critics, such as Christine Gardner, have investigated Evangelical abstinence teachings in the book, highlighting its negative portrayal of secular culture and hookup culture.

Qualifications and Critiques

Others, like Courtney Ann Irby, have questioned the Ludys’ qualifications to speak on dating issues and their emphasis on trusting God over learning from specific stories. Christian leaders like Christine A. Colón and Bonnie E. Field have criticized the book’s advice, arguing that it oversimplifies the concept of waiting for a soulmate and ignores the complexity of individual experiences.

Impact and Reception

‘When God Writes Your Love Story’ has sparked debate among Christians about the nature of love, relationships, and faith. Some readers found the book difficult to hear because it wasn’t reflecting their own experiences but ultimately came to appreciate its message about leaving desires for God.

Positive Reception

The couple’s book was positively received by some Christian authors, including Mark Matlock and Jason Evert, who praised its advice and candid portrayal of romantic relationships. The book was used as part of a course on sexual integrity at Clear Choices Pregnancy Resources Center.

Translations and Editions

The book has been translated into Spanish, German, and Traditional Chinese, reaching a wider audience. Translations include ‘Cundo Dios Escribe Tu Historia de Amor’ (in Spanish), ‘Wenn Gott deine Liebesgeschichte schreibt’ (in German), and ‘上帝也寫羅曼史’ (in Chinese).

Conclusion

‘When God Writes Your Love Story’ is a book that challenges readers to wait for their soulmate, guided by faith. While it has faced criticism, its message of commitment and trust in God remains powerful. Whether you agree or disagree with the Ludys’ approach, this book offers valuable insights into the complexities of love and relationships.