Bad Religion · Week 2 · Day 2: Love Beyond Your Own Terms

Bad Religion · Week 2 · Good Works Without Love
October 18, 2026 · Jonah Tolpezninkas

Read: Luke 11:42

“You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.”

Reflection

Some ways of loving come more easily than others. We may be comfortable giving money but uncomfortable sitting with someone who is grieving. We might be dependable at work yet impatient at home. We can enjoy studying Scripture and still avoid the difficult conversation it calls us to have.

Jesus noticed a similar imbalance in the Pharisees. They were meticulous about giving a tenth of their garden herbs while neglecting justice and the love of God. His response preserved the good they were doing while confronting what they had left undone. Their careful giving did not excuse their neglect.

This is a gentle but searching question for our own lives: have I started using one act of faithfulness as permission to avoid another? “I already do so much” can become a shield against listening. Our contributions may be genuinely valuable, and there may still be something love is asking us to notice.

We do not need to respond by saying yes to every request. We have limits, and healthy boundaries help us love faithfully over time. The invitation is to become willing to listen to God and to the actual person in front of us. What do they need? Where have we assumed that our preferred way of helping should be enough?

God’s love gives us room to answer honestly. An overlooked need does not have to become another verdict on our worth. In Christ, we are already loved. We can acknowledge a gap, ask forgiveness when needed, and take a small step toward someone without trying to repair our entire reputation.

Keep the good habits you have been practicing. Let prayer make room for listening. Let generosity make room for presence. Let learning lead to obedience. As we receive God’s love, he teaches us to give more of ourselves in the ordinary places where people need care.

Personal question

Where have I been saying, “I already do enough,” instead of listening to what love may require?

Practical response

Ask someone close to you, “What would help you feel supported this week?” Listen without immediately explaining what you already do. Choose one realistic way to respond.

Prayer

Father, thank you for loving me fully. Show me where I have become selective in my obedience. Give me humility to listen, wisdom about my limits, and willingness to love in a way that truly serves another person. Amen.

This week’s sermon

Good Works Without Love · Bad Religion, Week 2
Watch the October 18 service https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uS_IWUtxM4