This work investigates how religious affections and the imitation of Jesus inform the practical application of Christian virtues in contemporary life. James E. Gilman, a scholar of Christian ethics, utilizes a framework that bridges the gap between abstract moral principles and the lived experience of faith. He argues that virtues such as love, peace, and justice are not merely intellectual concepts but are deeply rooted in the emotional and spiritual orientation of the believer. By examining the life of Jesus as a model, the author proposes a method for integrating these values into both private devotion and public engagement.

Scholars and theologians often cite this text for its innovative approach to connecting emotional interiority with external ethical action. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is best suited for those with a background in theological or philosophical study.