Texts: Psalm 19 • Matthew 22:36–40 • Deuteronomy 26:16–19

Big Idea: Jesus doesn’t give us one rule to out-argue the others—He gives us the living hinge the whole covenant swings on: love of God, love of neighbor, as yourself. Receive Love → Love Yourself → Love Your Neighbor.

String of Pearls (takeaways)

• Love is commanded, not optional.
• Love is multi-channel (heart • soul • mind).
• Love is studied—we train for it.
• Love is received daily; otherwise our “good works” wobble.
• Love outlasts fear, slogans, and politics.

This Week’s Rule of Life (3R)

1. Receive: Daily 3 minutes of stillness simply receiving the Father’s love.
2. Reflect: End each day with Psalm 19:14—did my words/thoughts please God?
3. Respond: One concrete act of neighbor-love that costs you time or comfort.

Discussion Prompts (class/podcast)

1. Why does Jesus give two when asked for one? What does that reveal about covenant wholeness?
2. What does healthy self-love look like for a believer—and how do we cultivate it?
3. Where have I confused charitable gestures with godly love?
4. How does holy fear stabilize love in a fearful culture?
5. “Study how to perform” (Deut 26): What skill of love will you practice this week (listening, boundary, forgiveness, generosity, restraint)?

“May the covenant of love be written deeper than law, stronger than fear, and wider than tradition. May our hearts keep time with the Spirit’s song; may our lives rise like incense before the throne. May our neighbors glimpse God’s face in us. And may the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in His sight—our Rock, our Redeemer, and our Rest. Amen.”