Podcasts about love others

KC and his neighborhood friends help kids learn God's Word and understand how to apply it to their every day lives through Bible stories about Jesus, Bible memory verses, object lessons and so much more! Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan who showed his love for others by helping someone who didn't love him first. Kids learn that God wants us to love others the way that He loves us. John 15:12, "I love others... like Jesus loves me." L22 #christiankids, #storiesforkids, #kids, #storiesofjesus, #christiancharacterforkids, #biblestoriesforkids, #biblelessonsforkids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #storiesforchristiankids, #lovingothers Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1400054 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! Laodicia: The Church of Comfort - Revelation 3:14-22 Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! Philadelphia: The Great Commission Church - Revelation 3:7-13 Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

KC and his neighborhood friends help kids learn God's Word and understand how to apply it to their every day lives through Bible stories about Jesus, Bible memory verses, object lessons and so much more! Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan who showed his love for others by helping someone who didn't love him first. Kids learn that God wants us to love others the way that He loves us. John 15:12, "I love others... like Jesus loves me." L22 #christiankids, #storiesforkids, #kids, #storiesofjesus, #christiancharacterforkids, #biblestoriesforkids, #biblelessonsforkids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #storiesforchristiankids, #lovingothersLife of Riley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1400054Artist: http://incompetech.com/

We all want our minute of fame, especially if it celebrates a significant accomplishment. for Jesus though, publicity did not always foster the healthiest response.Village Green CommunityChurch is located in London, Canada. Our mission is to “Love God, Love Others,and Change the World”.Get to know us better! Come visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://villagegreenchurch.com/follow-us/⁠

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! Wake Up: From Reputation to Relevance - Revelation 3:1-6 Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

According to John, truly knowing God is not just about believing the right things—it’s about living a life marked by obedience and love. This week, we see that Life with Him means loving as Jesus loved—sacrificially, selflessly, and sincerely. In a world full of division and self-interest, we’re called to be people of light, defined by how we love others.

KC and his neighborhood friends help kids learn God's Word and understand how to apply it to their every day lives through Bible stories about Jesus, Bible memory verses, object lessons and so much more! Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan who showed his love for others by helping someone who didn't love him first. Kids learn that God wants us to love others the way that He loves us. John 15:12, "I love others... like Jesus loves me." L22 #christiankids, #storiesforkids, #kids, #storiesofjesus, #christiancharacterforkids, #biblestoriesforkids, #biblelessonsforkids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #storiesforchristiankids, #lovingothersLife of Riley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1400054Artist: http://incompetech.com/

06-01-2025 - John Elkins teaches how we know we are abiding in Him.

A - About: This devotional emphasizes that true Christian love is rooted in God's love for us. It challenges believers to express genuine, sacrificial love for others—not out of fear or obligation, but because we have first been loved by God. B - Best Verse: 1 John 4:10–11 "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." C - Called to: We are called to love one another as God has loved us—practically, sacrificially, and sincerely—even when it is hard. This love is not permissive of sin but committed to others' eternal good.

Life is precious. Regardless of the difficulties, life can become an idol that we desperately cling to. Jesus taught something beyond the norm about life, something with far more meaning and purpose.Village Green Community Church is located in London, Canada. Our mission is to “Love God, Love Others,and Change the World”.Get to know us better! Come visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://villagegreenchurch.com/follow-us/⁠

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! Hold Fast or Fall Away - Revelation 2:18-29 Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

Have you ever hesitated, wondering, Was that really God? You're not alone. This week on The Love Offering podcast, I'm joined by Abby McDonald to talk about her latest book, Surrendering Certainty: Hearing God Today by Letting Go of Tomorrow. In our conversation, we explore a powerful truth—God's voice wasn't meant to predict the future, but to guide us in peace today. If you've ever longed for clarity but found yourself stuck in indecision, doubting if you can really hear from God, this episode is for you. Abby shares how we can: Trade the need for control with the confidence of walking by faith Release the burden of needing to know what comes next Grow in our ability to discern God's voice through His Word Make decisions without second-guessing when God has already equipped us to move forward Let's surrender our craving for certainty and discover the freedom that comes with trusting the One who already holds tomorrow. Connect with Abby: https://abbymcdonald.org/ Read the Show Notes: https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/ Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Society elevates important and prominent people above the crowd. In fact, it's a socially acceptable fact, unless of course, you ask Jesus what he thinks.Village Green CommunityChurch is located in London, Canada. Our mission is to “Love God, Love Others,and Change the World”.Get to know us better! Come visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://villagegreenchurch.com/follow-us/⁠

Love God, Love Others, Serve the World

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! Culture of Compromise Revelation 2:12-17 Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

Loving others is a worshipful response to God's covenant love in covenant community.---We desire to see the Gospel saturate a people, awakening them by the glory of God to treasure Jesus as better.For more Gospel-centered teaching and resources, including audio and video downloads of our sermons, please visit our website: http://www.thewellchurchok.com/resourcesInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/thewellchurchokFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/thewellchurchok

This summer, we will begin our summer sermon series called “Summer of Love: How God's Love Compels Us to Love Others.” Waterbrooke's mission statement reads: “Waterbrooke seeks to be a gospel-centered, multi-ethnic community that is captivated by Christ, compelled to love others, and called to make disciples to the glory of God.” How do we as Waterbrooke Church grow in God's love and grace such that it is our Holy Spirit-given impulse to reach out to love others not because of anything in them, but because of Christ in us? Jesus clearly said in John 13:34-35 that the driving force of love in the lives of Christians should be the mark that clearly distinguishes us from the world around us. He declared, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this will all people know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Join us in praying that the Spirit of God would grow us in our knowledge of Jesus' love for us so that we might be genuinely compelled to love others and so glorify our good and gracious King! Looking forward to growing together with you this summer! Connect with us today!

KC and his neighborhood friends help kids learn God's Word and understand how to apply it to their every day lives through Bible stories about Jesus, Bible memory verses, object lessons and so much more!  Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan who showed his love for others by helping someone who didn't love him first.  Kids learn that God wants us to love others the way that He loves us.  John 15:12, "I love others... like Jesus loves me."  L22 #christiankids, #storiesforkids, #kids, #storiesofjesus, #christiancharacterforkids,  #biblestoriesforkids, #biblelessonsforkids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #storiesforchristiankids, #lovingothers, #puppets, #jesuslovesme, #jesusnmeclubhouse, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #fishbitesforkids, #fishbites4kids, #roncarriewebb, #ronandcarriewebb

KC and his neighborhood friends help kids learn God's Word and understand how to apply it to their every day lives through Bible stories about Jesus, Bible memory verses, object lessons and so much more!  Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan who showed his love for others by helping someone who didn't love him first.  Kids learn that God wants us to love others the way that He loves us.  John 15:12, "I love others... like Jesus loves me."  L22 #christiankids, #storiesforkids, #kids, #storiesofjesus, #christiancharacterforkids,  #biblestoriesforkids, #biblelessonsforkids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #storiesforchristiankids, #lovingothers, #puppets, #jesuslovesme, #jesusnmeclubhouse, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #fishbitesforkids, #fishbites4kids, #roncarriewebb, #ronandcarriewebb

Evangelist and theologian Greg Downes teaches on what it means to let our love for others and Christ's love for the world drive our mission. How to reach others with truth through love!

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! Staying Strong Under Fire Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

As we continue in our Love Others series Magdy teaches from 1 John and the instruction we have to love each other in the same way Christ loved us- with graciously and selflessly

Speaker: Tim Wilson

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! Back to the Fire: Return to your first love Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

Speaker: Greg VanderMeer

Speaker: Scott Pontier

Speaker: Wally Harrison

Speaker: Brent Kladder

Today Jon takes a unique look at the Great Commandment, found in Matthew 22, and challenges our listeners to get curious about their neighbor.  After all, how can we love people if we do not seek to know them better? Want to discuss this concept more or have Jon speak at your next event?  Shoot him an email at Jon@christianoutdoors.org.     God Bless!

Starting the Love Others part of ourLove like Jesus series David uses the story of the Good Samaritan to challenge and encourage us to love our neighbours- not just for a moment, but every day.

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! When Jesus Shows Up Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

Dr. Jon Okinaga

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! The Seven Churches of Revelation Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! Easter Sunday Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

In episode 200, we celebrate 200 episodes with Alex Sanfilippo, whose "unexpected mission field" helped make it possible. Alex co-founded PodMatch, which has led to over half of the conversations we've heard; this wasn't a path he chose, but one to which he was invited. Alex and his team took a step of obedience ready to keep "Love God, Love Others" central, and when those values led to "foolish" choices, the saw God is no fool.What "unexpected mission field" does God have ready for you?Here are links Alex referenced, and ways you can connect with him:Coach Jon's episode"How to be unsuccessful"Podcasting Made SimplePodMatchAlex's socials, bio, and more!Whether you are a podcast guest or host or aspiring guest or host, PodMach.com/free will give you some quick ideas to help you grow and improve in your podcasting efforts.~Paul creates this as part of his full-time volunteer ministry. If you appreciate what God is doing through this podcast, you can help keep it going through financial support. Gifts can be processed at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://worldoutreach.org/707 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠~Have a story to share? Hard questions to process? A desire for authentic, accessible space? You can leave a brief message at (804) 372-3836, or schedule a conversation (with a twist!) at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.wheredidyouseegod.com/conversation-with-a-twist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠~Check out our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.WhereDidYouSeeGod.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠~One of these books will be relevant to your life right now:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amazon.com/author/paulgranger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠~Wear an amazing conversation-starter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bonfire.com/store/where-did-you-see-god/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠~The music in this episode is "You'll walk, you'll run" by Urban Doxology, from their amazing album "Bread for the Journey."~Learn more about how God's calling us:Pray: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tinyurl.com/GrangerPray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tinyurl.com/GrangerList⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠worldoutreach.org/707⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠~#authenticspace #dialogue #Godstillspeaks #WDYSG #conversation #invitation #Riversidefm #PodMatch #faith #stories #smallbusiness #calling #invitation #softwarecompany #values #lovepeople #eternallife #missionfield

We hope this message encourages and inspires you!Want more like this from CoastLife Church?YouTube: CoastLife Church - YouTubeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mycoastlifechurchInstagram: https://instagram.com/coastlifechurch...GIVE: https://www.mycoastlifechurch.com/giveLooking to get connected? We'd love to meet you! We offer several different ways to connect and be in community: Join a Together Group, Register for CoastLife+, or become a part of our Serve Team today by visiting: CoastLife Connect Card - CoastLife Church (churchcenter.com)Give: To support and be a part of or growth and global impact click here: https://www.mycoastlifechurch.com/give

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! I Peter 1 Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

Yes!  You are in.  Confession, procrastination is an area of struggle for me.  It is.  My biggest holes dug have been via procrastination and pride.  Here you go...If you dig that opening hook that is Marcus Rogers, Best Life.  Please buy his music.Word!  Pastor Ricky Jenkins is that Play of the Day.  Southwest Church, Indian Wells, Ca.  That came from YouTube and you can find it at the link below (in the episode description) or simply search "What Would Jesus Say to the Procrastinator", March 24, 2025.https://youtu.be/MI2gNwBp_qk?si=ojDCx6ZvSyhq51x8If that resonates, I highly recommend you listen to the rest of it.  Well, one thing I learned is that I'm not alone.  You all procrastinate somewhere.  Yes, some do better than others.  Yet take a look in the mirror  (health, marriage, a strained family relationship, Faith, obeying God?).  Think about it.  You have a weak spot somewhere.  Otherwise, you would be perfect and don't need Jesus Christ.  Yet, I know you do via Rom 3:23 and your flawed nature.Now, I bet you are really good and proactive at some things.  For example, health comes super easy to me.  I exercise just about every day.  I eat healthy almost every day.  I fast often.  I can control my food and liquid intake.  How about you?  So you are procrastinating somewhere.Where do I stumble?  Finances.  I've been clear on that over this podcact.  Accounting for me is like eating spinach for some of you.  So I'm taking Pastor Ricky's advice.  I'm starting with a little bit or step each day.  So far, this week, I've done it.  I've already done more about my procrastination then I have in a long time.  By taking little, baby steps.Where do you need to improve?  What have you been delaying?  Who do you need to talk to?  Write it down.  Challenge yourself a little bit 6 out of 7 days per week.James 4:17 - Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.  New Living TranslationMan that verse cuts.  I don't share it as a guilt check as much as a reality check.  We all have room for improvement.  Also, be free in knowing we all have room for improvement.  And then honor your Abba and say ok, here is where I'm going to start at better.  Please God, here is my area, guide me.Lastly, whatever you are trying to do, do it with love.  Love God, Love Others.  Matt 22: 36-40.  Everything else you are trying to do...even overcoming procrastination hangs on doing those two commandments first, loving God.  Loving Others.  Doing what you know you should be doing is loving God.  

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! The Repeating Story - Pastor George Bedlion Jr. Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

Sunday School Recap - Lesson 2 - Love One Another I John 3:11-24. Do you find it hard to love the people in the church? Well, John addresses that issue in today's Sunday School Recap Lesson. "To know God is to Love Others." Sunday School is now in Session. Be Blessed. #sundayschool #COGICC #Godislove #HSM

Love God, Love OthersDeuteronomy 6:4-5, Matthew 22:34-40, John 13:34-35Kristin Prasad

Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! A Vision of God - Pastor George Bedlion Jr. Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.

Have you wondered why you may be having a hard time loving and connecting with others? Discover what it takes to create a deep level of love, safety, and connection in your relationships. 

AMENPODCAST.COMMatthew 22:34-40 Bible StudyFrom the Amen Podcast with Alex and LokalaniScripture ReadingBut when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets."— Matthew 22:34-40 (ESV)ContextIn this passage, Jesus faces the third and final question from religious leaders trying to trap him during Holy Week. The Pharisees had already tried to entrap him with a question about taxes. The Sadducees had attempted to trick him with a theological puzzle about resurrection. Now, a lawyer from the Pharisees tests Jesus about which of the 613 commandments in the law is greatest.Christ's answer is brilliant and silences his critics. He doesn't simply pick one law over the others—he summarizes the entire law by combining two passages:* Deuteronomy 6:5 — "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."* Leviticus 19:18 — "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."Key Points1. The Command Is Also an InvitationWhen Jesus answers with "love God and love your neighbor," he's not just giving a command; he's offering an invitation to freedom. God's commandments were never meant to be oppressive rules but a pathway to life, joy, and communion with Him and others.2. Love God, Love PeopleThis "greatest commandment" is comprehensive and binary:* Vertical relationship: Love God with your whole being* Horizontal relationship: Love your neighbors as yourselfEvery other commandment flows from these two principles. If we love God truly, we will keep His commandments. If we love our neighbors, we will not harm them but seek their good.3. The Example of Onan: Breaking the Greatest CommandmentIn Genesis 38:8-10, we see Onan refusing to fulfill his duty to his deceased brother's wife, Tamar. By selfishly seeking his own gratification without responsibility, Onan:* Failed to love God by disrespecting His plan for the family lineage* Failed to love his neighbor (Tamar) by denying her security and protectionThis story illustrates how we become selfish when we break the greatest commandment. We choose gratification over responsibility, personal desires over the needs of others.4. Christ Perfectly Fulfilled the CommandmentJesus is the only one who perfectly loved God and others:* He loved God so much that he was obedient to death on a cross* He loved his neighbors (us) so much that he laid down his life for us while we were still sinnersJesus didn't just teach the greatest commandment—he demonstrated it through his sacrifice.Application Questions* How can you love God more fully this week? Consider practical ways to express your love through obedience, worship, and time with Him.* Who is your "neighbor" that needs your love right now? Think about family members, coworkers, church members, and actual neighbors who might need encouragement, forgiveness, or practical help.* In what areas of your life are you being selfish like Onan? Where are you choosing gratification over responsibility?* How has your perspective on God's commands changed? Do you see them as restrictive rules or as invitations to freedom and love?* What gifts has God given you that you can use to love others in your church community?Closing ThoughtsWhen we shift our mindset from "I have to love God and others" to "I get to love God and others," everything changes. This isn't just a duty—it's a privilege and the pathway to true joy.The more we walk in obedience, the more natural loving God and loving others becomes. As we grow in Christ, we find that loving others flows more easily from us because God's own love fills our hearts.Remember: To love God is to obey Him. To love others is to serve them. And in doing both, we experience the life Jesus intended for us."How can you love God and love others?" Share your answers in the comments below!PrayerFather, thank you for your leadership and for teaching us in ways we never expected. Help us to remember that loving you and loving others is not merely a command but an invitation to experience life as you designed it. Guide us to love you through our obedience and to love others through service and sacrifice. In Jesus' name, amen.amen podcast website This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com

AMENPODCAST.COMMatthew 22:34-40 Bible StudyFrom the Amen Podcast with Alex and LokalaniScripture ReadingBut when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets."— Matthew 22:34-40 (ESV)ContextIn this passage, Jesus faces the third and final question from religious leaders trying to trap him during Holy Week. The Pharisees had already tried to entrap him with a question about taxes. The Sadducees had attempted to trick him with a theological puzzle about resurrection. Now, a lawyer from the Pharisees tests Jesus about which of the 613 commandments in the law is greatest.Christ's answer is brilliant and silences his critics. He doesn't simply pick one law over the others—he summarizes the entire law by combining two passages:* Deuteronomy 6:5 — "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."* Leviticus 19:18 — "You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."Key Points1. The Command Is Also an InvitationWhen Jesus answers with "love God and love your neighbor," he's not just giving a command; he's offering an invitation to freedom. God's commandments were never meant to be oppressive rules but a pathway to life, joy, and communion with Him and others.2. Love God, Love PeopleThis "greatest commandment" is comprehensive and binary:* Vertical relationship: Love God with your whole being* Horizontal relationship: Love your neighbors as yourselfEvery other commandment flows from these two principles. If we love God truly, we will keep His commandments. If we love our neighbors, we will not harm them but seek their good.3. The Example of Onan: Breaking the Greatest CommandmentIn Genesis 38:8-10, we see Onan refusing to fulfill his duty to his deceased brother's wife, Tamar. By selfishly seeking his own gratification without responsibility, Onan:* Failed to love God by disrespecting His plan for the family lineage* Failed to love his neighbor (Tamar) by denying her security and protectionThis story illustrates how we become selfish when we break the greatest commandment. We choose gratification over responsibility, personal desires over the needs of others.4. Christ Perfectly Fulfilled the CommandmentJesus is the only one who perfectly loved God and others:* He loved God so much that he was obedient to death on a cross* He loved his neighbors (us) so much that he laid down his life for us while we were still sinnersJesus didn't just teach the greatest commandment—he demonstrated it through his sacrifice.Application Questions* How can you love God more fully this week? Consider practical ways to express your love through obedience, worship, and time with Him.* Who is your "neighbor" that needs your love right now? Think about family members, coworkers, church members, and actual neighbors who might need encouragement, forgiveness, or practical help.* In what areas of your life are you being selfish like Onan? Where are you choosing gratification over responsibility?* How has your perspective on God's commands changed? Do you see them as restrictive rules or as invitations to freedom and love?* What gifts has God given you that you can use to love others in your church community?Closing ThoughtsWhen we shift our mindset from "I have to love God and others" to "I get to love God and others," everything changes. This isn't just a duty—it's a privilege and the pathway to true joy.The more we walk in obedience, the more natural loving God and loving others becomes. As we grow in Christ, we find that loving others flows more easily from us because God's own love fills our hearts.Remember: To love God is to obey Him. To love others is to serve them. And in doing both, we experience the life Jesus intended for us."How can you love God and love others?" Share your answers in the comments below!PrayerFather, thank you for your leadership and for teaching us in ways we never expected. Help us to remember that loving you and loving others is not merely a command but an invitation to experience life as you designed it. Guide us to love you through our obedience and to love others through service and sacrifice. In Jesus' name, amen.amen podcast website This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amenpodcast.substack.com