Missed previous emails in the series? You can read all the emails we sent online by clicking here.

Loving others is loving God

My wife and I lead the young adults ministry at our church.

A group of young people aged about 20-30 who are seeking after God and trying to figure life out.

This past weekend we had the chance to host the first ever, young adults weekend. A weekend away with our group to get to know each other better and seek God together. And it was amazing! The weather was great and the company was even better. 

The theme for the weekend was “Come away with me.” based on the words of Jesus to the disciples in Mark 6:31. 

We focused on creating a space where the group could step away for a few minutes from their busy lives, and focus on God, to recharge with Him.

Spending time with each other

And while indeed part of the time we did spend in restful silence, seeking after Him, a large part of the weekend was also spent hanging out, playing games and getting to know each other better.

As part of that on Saturday evening we has a men’s and women’s moment. 

We had some questions prepared where we could share random stories from our lives. For example “what is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you” or “ what is a personal struggle you have.” A time to go deeper with each other.

And it was an amazing time. We got to hear the funny stories and deeper vulnerabilities that we otherwise would not have known. 

The 2nd commandment?

And it got me thinking…

In Church circles we focus a lot on loving the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength– but sometimes we forget to love our neighbour as ourselves. 

And not just in the let me serve the poor sense. But in the – let me take a moment to listen and build a relationship with this person right in front of me sense. In the community sense.

In our individualistic western society it can be forgotten that the life of Jesus was meant to be lived in community. With the people around us, whether they be rich or poor. Loving our neighbour as ourselves is actually on equal footing in Jesus eyes as loving Him. 

That is to say –  loving your neighbour is to love God.

Or as it says in John 15:14;17:
“You are my friends if you do what I command…This is my command: Love each other.”

Too often we fail to love our neighbour because we think our neighbour needs to be the homeless or the person in desperate need of help — like the good samaritan. But the truth is, our neighbour is also our church community. 

Invest in those around you

And when we take time to invest in relationships that build up each other, we are loving our neighbour and loving God.

So I guess my small reminder for you this week is loving others is to love God. Praying and Bible time are not more spiritual or Christian than spending meaningful time with a friend. Both are acts of the same commandment. 

To love God and to love others. 

They are not two commandments, but rather one. 

Love God, Love Others!

Have a blessed week,

Aaron

Theophilus Newsletter