Title: The Lover’s Creed
Author: Chinwendu Emmanuella Chidi
Reviewer: Ozolua Uhakheme
Publisher: Malicha
Pagination: 32
Never judge a book by its cover’ is a popular idiom that remains very instructive, centuries after it was created. It simply emphasizes that the true value or quality may not be immediately visible and can only be discovered by looking beyond the surface. The idiom, which has root in George Elliot’s novel The Mill on the Floss (1860), is often used to caution against making hasty judgments based on superficial characteristics.
This, to me, was what played out in Chinwendu Emmanuella Chidi’s The Lover’s Creed on my first encounter. Expectedly, I was swayed by the title to unknowingly believe the book was all about romance and love. I was wrong.
The 32-page devotional is a strong reminder of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Open Heaven, a guide to a close fellowship with God, which the General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God
(RCCG), shares among church members every year. Though Open Heaven and The Lover’s Creed are far apart in terms of size, but the latter seems brief but mightily loaded with words of God that serve as practical guide to establishing close fellowship with God. Still, both draw their teachings and lessons from the Holy Bible copiously.
Like Adeboye who enjoins readers to immerse themselves in the words of God and spend quality time praying and fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit daily with the help of this devotional, Chidi through her book published by Malicha, invites readers into an experience of hope, healing and spiritual awakening.
Her choices of topic addressed in the book touch on important aspects of man’s fellowship with God. From Creed One to Seven, she shares her experiences illustrated with references in the Bible. They include I believe He hears me; I love beyond the human nature; I depend on Him; He is closer than I thought; His love is sufficient; Loving the father’s way; and I surrender to love.
But, one of the characteristics of the book, is that the author cites no fewer than ten Bible references in explaining her topic in each Creed. Thus making words of God the fulcrum of the publication though laced with personal experiences.
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The Lover’s Creed is unlike a normal book divided into seven creeds (chapters) each starting with relevant quotation from the Holy Bible on the thrust of the Creed. Each Creed is a narrative of her experiences alongside biblical teachings, lessons and conclusions for the reader. This wholesome presentation makes each Creed a sure healing balm for readers.
For instance, each Creed shares similar sub themes such as Whispers from my lover, Heart to Heart with God, Treasured lessons, and Conclusion. These headings did not only allow the author to put her teachings in context but also provide abundant windows for readers to comprehend the teachings contained in each of the Creed.
The Lover’s Creed is a heartfelt exploration of God’s unwavering love and the transformative power of a deep relationship with Him. Chidi takes readers on an intimate journey through personal experiences of heartbreak, loss, and redemption, uncovering profound lessons about love, faith, and the nature of God’s guidance.
The author weaves together personal stories, experiences of brokenness and renewal reminding readers of the transforming power of divine love..Through her journey she invites readers into an experience of hope,healing and spiritual awakening.
In fact, the book is more than written words on pages, it is a clarion call to embrace the unshakable truth that Jesus’ love is not only eternal but ever present and capable of leading man to true freedom.
Recalling her journey, Chidi says that after losing someone to depression and enduring the pain of a broken relationship,she found herself questioning God’s presence and love. In her search for answers, she encountered God’s tender response, revealing that His love had always been constant—even when she felt abandoned. Through intimate conversations with God, she began to understand the true meaning of love, not as the world defines it, but as God expresses it: selfless, unconditional, and deeply personal.
The book delves into the characteristics of God’s love, the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers, and the importance of obedience and trust in God’s plan. It emphasizes that God’s love is not dependent on human perfection but is rooted in His nature as a loving Father.
Interestingly the author also explores the dangers of worldly distractions and the enemy’s schemes to separate believers from God’s truth, encouraging readers to lean into God’s Word and the Spirit of love for Strength and direction.
The Lover’s Creed serves as a powerful reminder that God’s love is not seasonal or conditional—it is eternal, transformative, and always available. Through raw honesty and spiritual insights, the author invites readers to embrace the Lover’s Creed: a life fully surrendered to the love and leadership of God.
Chidi, a Human Resource young lady who had her Master’s degree from Northumbria University UK, is dedicated to studying God’s word and continues to deepen her faith.
“Whether I am reading, traveling preserving in my community, I aim to live a life that reflects my faith and values,” she adds.
Essentially the book, is a compendium of creeds-sets of beliefs and principles that strongly influence the way people live. It is a practical guide to spiritual growth.