January 13, 2025

#38: Loving Jesus Too Much

33 minutes

Can you love Jesus so much that it leaves others feeling unloved? In this episode of Cabernet and Pray, we unpack a poignant quote from A.W. Tozer’s widow that has sparked a surprising amount of debate among Christians. Join us as we dive into what it truly means to balance a love for God with a love for others, all while sipping on a gorgeous 2021 Archers Crest Pinot Noir. This episode will surely challenge your perspective on faith, relationships, and how we express our devotion.

Click here to watch the episode on video.

Key Points

Event Reminder:

The Wine and Whiskey Weekend is February 21–23 in Oregon, featuring tastings and deep conversations about life and faith. Find out more here: https://communionwineco.com/events/wine-and-whiskey/

The A.W. Tozer Debate:

Tozer’s widow, Ada, famously stated: “Aiden [Tozer] loved Jesus Christ, but Leonard Odom loves me.” This comment sparks questions about whether a strong love for Jesus can coexist with loving others deeply.

Tozer’s writings emphasized the centrality of God, yet his personal relationships provide a complex lens for understanding how faith and love intersect.

Key Biblical Insights:

Matthew 22:36-39: Jesus teaches that loving God and loving others are equally important.

Matthew 25: Acts of love toward others are acts of love toward Jesus.

Luke 14:26: Jesus uses hyperbole to stress prioritizing God but not at the expense of failing to love others.

Listener Reactions:

Varied and passionate responses to the original video included victim-shaming Ada, misinterpretations of biblical texts, and defenses of Tozer’s priorities.

Highlights the broader issue of separating love for Jesus from love for people, a dichotomy that the episode argues is unbiblical.

Wine Feature:

2021 Archers Crest Pinot Noir from Archery Summit in Oregon.

Notes of cranberry, raspberry, clove, and mushroom make this refreshing red a perfect pairing for deep conversation.

The Challenge:

Loving Jesus means seeing Him in those around us, including our spouses, neighbors, and even adversaries.

Can you truly love God without loving people? This episode pushes listeners to evaluate their own faith practices.

Call to Action:

Pour yourself a glass of wine and reflect on how your love for God translates into love for others. Join us for this candid discussion that blends theology, wine appreciation, and a fresh take on what it means to live out your faith. Cheers to loving well!

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By Jeremy Jernigan is a former megachurch pastor turned wine-loving theologian who’s not afraid to ask the hard questions about Christianity. As the host of Cabernet and Pray, Jeremy blends deep theological exploration with cultural critique, all while sippi

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