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On the path of following Jesus, knowing is not enough. What we do with what we know is where our faith comes alive; where it matters and counts.
Christ’s teachings aren’t meant to be metaphorical or theoretical. They are a practical invitation to embody love, kindness and justice. The United Methodist Church has always embraced a faith that integrates both personal and social holiness — personal faith and communal action go hand in hand. Here’s a reflection on some teachings of Christ:
“Love Your Neighbor as Yourself” (Luke 10:27)
In this chapter, Jesus is asked about the afterlife. Jesus shifts the attention on what happens after we die to what we can do while we are still alive. He emphasizes this point by talking about the importance of loving our neighbors and ends with the wise advice of “go and do likewise.”
This story challenges us to love and care for others, particularly those who are in need. Many United Methodist congregations demonstrate this love of neighbor through ministries that help meet the needs of their communities: Food pantries, community gardens, meal programs for the food insecure. These are just small examples of churches being good and faithful neighbors.
On a personal level, loving one’s neighbor might mean reaching out to a lonely coworker, volunteering at a local shelter, or advocating for social policies that protect the vulnerable. Each act of kindness reflects Christ’s love in the world.
“Happy are people who make peace” (Matthew 5:9)
Jesus declared that peacemakers will be called children of God. The “peace” that Jesus talked about isn’t an absence of conflict, noise or discord, but instead is a form of completeness; wholeness.
This teaching challenges us to enter in spaces to provide harmony, wholeness, and/or completeness. It urges us to pursue reconciliation and healing.
Many UMCs are engaged in the work of creating wholeness, from addressing conflicts within their local communities to promoting global initiatives to bring about completeness and harmony. For instance, some local churches host interfaith dialogues or racial reconciliation groups to foster understanding in hopes to bring about healing and unity.
On a personal level, being a peacemaker might mean forgiving someone who has hurt you, mediating conflicts within your family, or speaking out against hate speech and discrimination. Peacemaking is about creating environments where love and justice prevail to bring about wholeness.
“When you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
Matthew 25 can be a bit scandalous because of who Jesus identifies with: the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick, the imprisoned. He teaches that serving those in need is the same as serving him (and ignoring those in need is the same as ignoring Jesus).
United Methodists have always been deeply committed to social justice and care for the marginalized. Through missions like United Methodist Committee On Relief, they respond to natural disasters, poverty and global crises. On a local level, many churches run (or are part of) prison ministries -- supporting not only the incarcerated individuals, but their families as well with compassion and dignity.
On an individual level, Jesus’ words call us to look beyond our “self” and beyond our comfort zone. We’re compelled by love to love which can manifest in many forms: volunteering at a local hospital or rescue mission; supporting refugee families; or simply being present for someone who feels forgotten. Being a source and presence of love are powerful ways to live out our faith.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19)
The Mission Statement of the United Methodist Church is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” This echoes the Great Commission: Jesus’ invitation to share the Gospel and make disciples.
United Methodist churches live out this teaching by offering inclusive spaces where people can encounter Christ’s love. Many churches focus on outreach to young people, the unchurched and those who feel disconnected from faith. Programs like Vacation Bible School, community events, and digital ministries make discipleship accessible to modern communities.
Personally, I keep coming back to the words of St. Francis of Assisi: Preach the Gospel. Use words when necessary. Our actions do weigh more than our words. An authentic witness of love and faith rooted in Christ not only speaks louder than our words, but also can be contagious and inspiring.
We must understand that living out Christ’s teachings is not a solitary journey. It’s always been — and always will be — a communal one. We rely on one another — church families, Sunday school classes, small groups and wider faith communities to both inspire and support one another. Through worship, service, and fellowship, we are continually reminded of our call to live as Christ taught us.
In the words of John Wesley, “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.” Our faith calls us not just to believe, but to act. By loving our neighbors, making peace, serving the marginalized, sharing our faith and shining our light, we bring Christ’s teachings to life in a world that desperately needs them.
May we, as individuals and as the body of Christ, continue to live out His teachings with courage, compassion, and unwavering faith.
Joseph Yoo is the author When the Saints Go Flying in. He is a West Coaster at heart contently living in Houston, Texas with his wife and son. He serves at Mosaic Church in Houston. Find more of his writing at josephyoo.com.
