The Power of the Great Commandment in Fulfilling the Great Commission

When Jesus summarized the greatest commandment, He said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Right after, He added the second: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Love for God and love for people are inseparable.

Later, before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20). These two—loving God and making disciples—are not two separate agendas. They are one divine heartbeat.

Caleb Byerly, founder of Evergreen Missions, encouraged the missionaries to worship together during the Evergreen Missions Retreat — a beautiful time shared with people who love the Lord and are committed to the Great Commission.

Love Fuels Mission

The Great Commandment is the foundation of the Great Commission. Without love, missions become an empty task, driven by obligation rather than devotion. But when we love God fully, His love naturally flows through us toward others. True mission begins with worship.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:14, “For Christ’s love compels us.” Love is the engine that drives us beyond our comfort zones. We go, not because it is easy, but because love demands action.

Obedience Shows Love

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Obedience is love in action. The Great Commission is not optional—it is Jesus’ final command. When we go, send, support, and pray for missions, we are expressing our love for Him.

Liston and Star are praying for a woman in a missional community in Mindanao, Philippines — because prayer is one of the purest expressions of love.

Love for Our Neighbor

To love our neighbor as ourselves means we cannot withhold the greatest gift we have—the Gospel. If we truly love people, we will desire their salvation, healing, and restoration in Christ. Silence or indifference toward the lost is not love; action is.

Living It Out

• Worship first. Spend time loving God with all your heart—missions flow out of intimacy.

• See people with God’s eyes. Every encounter is an opportunity to love as Jesus loves.

• Actively disciple. Making disciples is more than evangelism; it’s walking alongside others in faith.

During his message at the Evergreen Missions Retreat, Caleb Byerly urged the missionaries to remain faithful to their calling—first by loving the Lord wholeheartedly, and then by expressing that love through sharing the Gospel with others.

A Call to the Church

If the Great Commandment is the fuel, the Great Commission is the fire. Together, they form the lifestyle of a true follower of Christ. Loving God leads us to love others, and loving others leads us to make disciples.

Will you let love compel you into mission?