This is Us - Radical Love for Your Neighbor, Part 2

Mike Shaw and Pastor Jonathan Yates continue their conversation about what it means to show radical love for our neighbors, building on Jesus’ parable of the great banquet. They look at the people who received the original invitation—and the excuses they made—as a warning about allowing even good things like work, family, sports, money, technology, or personal comfort to become more important than obedience to God. Mike and Jonathan also talk about recognizing what really has mastery over our lives, making room for quiet time with God, and why Christians often hesitate to share their faith because they fear how others might respond. The conversation turns to the people churches can unintentionally overlook: the unchurched, the marginalized, people with disabilities, and others who may not fit naturally into our usual social circles. Jonathan shares the story of David and Mephibosheth as a powerful picture of loving someone who can offer nothing in return—and treating someone the world considered insignificant as a member of the king’s own family. Mike and Jonathan also ask a challenging practical question: If someone with significant special needs walked into Family Church this Sunday, would the church truly be prepared to welcome and serve that person and their family? From accessibility to ministry involvement, they discuss the need for churches to intentionally grow beyond comfortable “holy huddles” and live out Jesus’ call to serve “the least of these.” Along the way, there’s the usual assortment of Seahawks jokes, Jets abuse, spam calls, SportsCenter confessions, cake resistance, and the realization that even posting a podcast could apparently become an idol. The episode closes with a celebration of Family Church’s one-year anniversary in Van Alstyne, upcoming ministry opportunities, and a preview of the next installment in the series: loving your enemies.