July 5, 2026: Love Knows No Borders
Matthew 22: 36-40

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

1. Look In (Heart Check) — 5 minutes

Jesus says the second commandment is "like" the first — loving our neighbor is inextricably linked to loving God.

• When you think about the phrase "Love Knows No Borders," what kinds of "borders" (cultural, political, social, or personal) do you find hardest to cross in order to show Christ ’s love?

• How does our love for God give us the strength to cross those boundaries?

• As our nation marks 250 years, political and ideological divides can feel incredibly sharp. How does anchoring our identity first in our love for God help us cross those internal "borders" to love someone on the "other side"?

2. Look Out (Perspective Shift) — 5 minutes

In Jesus' time, the definition of "neighbor" was highly debated, which is why he often used parables to expand their worldview to include outsiders and enemies.

• Who are the "outsiders" or marginalized groups in our local community today?

• What does it practically look like to love someone across a border of deep disagreement or different life experiences without compromising our faith?

3. Look Forward (Action Step) — 5 minutes

"On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Love is meant to be active and tangible.

• As we reflect on 250 years of our nation's history, what is one practical, small boundary your group or family can cross this week to extend God ’s love to someone you wouldn't normally interact with?

Since 15 minutes fly by, we may not get to all of the questions, but I invite you to reflect on these questions this week and in the days to come. If we get excited about one question more than another, it ’s okay. The idea is to connect and talk. The goal is connection, not “finishing the list."

The way we worship is the way we live.

Worship is the work of the people, bringing together our fullest selves in a communal act of love and gratitude.  Each voice is important; each person is valued as the Spirit draws out our authentic gifts and talents, shared in the ever-widening circle of God’s people.  We hope you’ll join us this week as we gather to worship the God of extravagant welcome.