Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World

Authenticity refers to the genuine expression of one's self and faith. Goff argues against living a life that is merely performative or superficially religious. Instead, he advocates for a life that is lived “out loud,” marked by genuine interactions and truth to one's convictions. Authenticity is a recurring theme as Goff shares personal stories where sincerity wins over pretense.

Dreams in Love Does are aspirations or ambitions that inspire action. Goff presents dreams as God-given prompts that invite individuals to pursue a larger purpose. He emphasizes that dreams should lead to action and that by pursuing one’s dreams, individuals can partake in the greater narrative that God has for humanity.

Engagement is defined as an active and deliberate participation in life's ventures, especially those prompted by love and faith. Goff challenges individuals to engage with the world, not as passive observers but as active participants who make a tangible difference. Engagement is portrayed as a key aspect of a life that truly embodies the principles of love that Goff espouses.

Participation is a recurring concept in Love Does, representing the active involvement in one's faith and the world around them. Goff challenges individuals to move from passive observation to active participation, which he views as a more authentic expression of love. Participation is essential to Goff's message, as it transforms belief into action and makes faith a living, dynamic part of everyday life.

The “reverse economy” is a concept Goff draws from the biblical teachings of Jesus, where the values of the kingdom of God are opposite to the world’s standards, encapsulated by the verse “the last shall be first and the first last” (Matthew 20:16). In Love Does, the reverse economy is exemplified through acts of generosity, service, and leadership that defy conventional expectations, emphasizing that in God's economy, giving enriches the giver and true leadership is expressed through serving others. For instance, when Goff discusses his childhood experiences at the corner store, the storekeeper's decision to value a shiny penny at two pennies becomes a tangible example of this economy. Here, the typical value system is adapted to teach a lesson about grace and generosity. Similarly, the idea that leadership is measured by service to others, not by power or control, demonstrates how the reverse economy elevates actions that the world might deem unimportant or even foolish. Goff's use of the term reflects a broader theological argument that God's kingdom operates on principles that often appear upside down in secular culture, but which, he believes, establish a deeper sense of justice and community.

The term “secretly incredible” refers to individuals who perform acts of kindness and love without seeking recognition or fame. These people embody the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized humility and service. Goff emphasizes that the most profound expressions of love and faith often occur away from the spotlight, in the quiet corners of everyday life. This concept is not just about humility, but also about the belief that the pursuit of virtue for its own sake, rather than for applause, is what aligns a person with Jesus. The term challenges the modern obsession with visibility and recognition, proposing instead that there is joy and fulfillment in acts of service that remain unnamed.