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As I have written elsewhere, more and more I identify less as an Evangelical and more as an Ecumenical.
Here’s a great quote from the profound biblical scholar, M. Robert Mulholland, that will mess with all us evangelicals who were taught to ‘ask Jesus into our hearts’ (whatever that means).
“We don’t invite Jesus Christ into our hearts. We awaken to the reality of God who is already within us.”
Think about that one for a bit. It’s beautiful.
Love God, Love People. It’s like every hipster church’s vision statement. Amirite? It’s a great summary of the Christian faith.
When asked about the greatest commandments, Jesus responded by saying the first and greatest commandment is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind. He then goes on to say that the second greatest command is to love one’s neighbor as oneself. In summary, Jesus says that all the law and the prophets can be condensed to these two commands.
Cue trendy vision statements galore.
What if loving God and loving people were not separate things, though?
New Testament scholar M. Robert Mulholland argues exactly this. The text, he says, could be translated “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Another way to say this is to love your neighbor as yourself.”
Thus, loving God and loving people are the same thing.
To love God is to love people.
Loving God expands our love for people while loving people is how we love God.
