Title: The Inseparable Nature of Individual and Collective Love in Christian Teaching (05/04/'24) -Statement

Title: The Inseparable Nature of Individual and Collective Love in Christian Teaching In the teachings of the Gospel, a profound truth emerges—love for one and love for many are not distinct paths but one intertwined journey. The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:9 highlights a fundamental truth: the wellbeing of one is deeply connected to the wellbeing of all. Cain's retort, "Am I my brother's keeper?" reveals a misunderstanding of his inherent duty to Abel and, by extension, to all humanity. This narrative illustrates that individual responsibility and collective care are inseparable; there cannot be 'two' without 'one', nor 'one' without 'two', affirming that "ONE IS IN TWO and TWO IS IN ONE." This principle is vividly portrayed through the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son in Luke 15:1-32. These stories do not merely describe the joy of finding the lost but underscore the relentless pursuit of unity and reconciliation, central to the Christian ethos. The act of seeking the lost encapsulates the dual command to love God and to extend that love to others—a seamless blend where personal devotion and communal responsibility converge. The Greatest Commandment solidifies this concept: "LOVE FOR GOD AND FOR OTHER(S) ARE INSEPARABLE." True love for God inherently involves loving others; one cannot exist without the other. This dual aspect of love, as echoed in Luke 15:29-32 and Matthew 22:37–39, serves as the bedrock of Christian morality. The edict is clear: "YOU CANNOT LOVE ONE UNLESS YOU LOVE BOTH." This statement not only mandates a dual love but also celebrates it as the essence of communal and spiritual life. In conclusion, the Christian message is one of indivisible love—where loving God and loving others are reflections of the same divine command. This inseparable relationship between individual care and collective welfare forms the cornerstone of a life lived in full accordance with the Gospel. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 4, 2024)