Dear friends in Christ,

We often hear the core tenets of our faith reduced to “Love your neighbor” Or “Do unto
others.” This is easy to remember, and quite compatible with other religions of the world,
who have their own similar scriptures regarding love for the other. It’s not a bad credo to
live by, especially when combined with “Faith, without works, is dead.” (James 2:17) The
problem with these two statements is not that they are bad theology, it’s that they are
missing the other half of the instruction. I have long believed that most people actually
do already love their neighbors as themselves, and they act out their faith through their
works. The problem is that they do not love themselves, not the way that God intended,
and that is mirrored in how they feel toward their neighbor and how they treat their
neighbor. This Sunday we will be studying the rest of the passage: the other half of the
greatest commandment. If we are to truly live out our faith and Jesus’ teachings and
example the way He intended, we must actually hear Jesus’ entire instruction, and
where He got it from.

Last week we talked about how the way we live informs what we believe, but the
reverse is just as true: what we believe informs how we live. Please join us this Sunday
as we take a deep dive into one of the core beliefs and faith practices of our faith
throughout the ages. Why is it so important? How do we live it out today? You may be
surprised how much this two-thousand year-old conversation over an even older ancient
verse still has much to teach us in our modern world.

We will look forward to seeing you there!

Many blessings,
Pastor Tracy