The Way of Love

The Way of Love
In a sermon to the 79th annual General Convention of The Episcopal Church, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invited the Church into a new three-year initiative called The Way of Love, which centers on seven practices for cultivating a Jesus-centered life. Watch Bishop Curry’s invitation here. We at Building Faith are excited to support your journey on The Way of Love by providing trusted curated and new resources around these seven practices: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest.

Below is the description of each of the seven practices. Look for more resources from Building Faith the days ahead, as well as a special section on our website dedicated to The Way of Love.

Turn: Pause, listen, and choose to follow Jesus
As Jesus was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. – Mark 2:14
Like the disciples, we are called by Jesus to follow the Way of Love. With God’s help, we can turn from the powers of sin, hatred, fear, injustice, and oppression toward the way of truth, love, hope, justice, and freedom. In turning, we reorient our lives to Jesus Christ, falling in love again, again, and again.

Learn: Reflect on Scripture each day, especially on Jesus’ life and teachings
“Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” – John 14:23
By reading and reflecting on Scripture, especially the life and teachings of Jesus, we draw near to God and God’s word dwells in us. When we open our minds and hearts to Scripture, we learn to see God’s story and God’s activity in everyday life.

Pray: Dwell intentionally with God each day
He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” – Luke 11:1
Jesus teaches us to come before God with humble hearts, boldly offering our thanksgivings and concerns to God or simply listening for God’s voice in our lives and in the world. Whether in thought, word or deed, individually or corporately, when we pray we invite and dwell in God’s loving presence.

Worship: Gather in community weekly to thank, praise, and dwell with God
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. – Luke 24:30-31
When we worship, we gather with others before God. We hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, give thanks, confess, and offer the brokenness of the world to God. As we break bread, our eyes are opened to the presence of Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are made one body, the body of Christ sent to live the Way of Love.

Bless: Share faith and unselfishly give and serve
“Freely you have received; freely give.” – Matthew 10:8 Jesus called his disciples to give, forgive, teach, and heal in his name. We are empowered by the Spirit to bless everyone we meet, practicing generosity and compassion, and proclaiming the Good News of God in Christ with hopeful words and selfless actions. We can share our stories of blessing and invite others to the Way of Love.

Go: Cross boundaries, listen deeply and live like Jesus
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” – John 20:21
As Jesus went to the highways and byways, he sends us beyond our circles and comfort, to witness to the love, justice, and truth of God with our lips and with our lives. We go to listen with humility and to join God in healing a hurting world. We go to become Beloved Community, a people reconciled in love with God and one another.

Rest: Receive the gift of God’s grace, peace, and restoration
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
From the beginning of creation, God has established the sacred pattern of going and returning, labor and rest. Especially today, God invites us to dedicate time for restoration and wholeness – within our bodies, minds, and souls, and within our communities and institutions. By resting, we place our trust in God, the primary actor who brings all things to their fullness.