Based on a sermon in May 2025 by Marcus Bateman at Rushbrooke Suffolk.
Do We Rank Our Love? A Christian Reflection
A recent public statement suggested a “Christian concept” of love that goes something like this: “You love your family, then your neighbour, then your community, then your fellow citizens, and then—after that—you can focus on the rest of the world.”
At first glance, this seems practical. It reflects a natural tendency to feel closest to those around us. But this idea was met with an important theological critique:
Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others. And that raises an essential question for every Christian: Is love something we rank? Can God’s love be tiered, scaled, or localized?
A Partial Truth – and a Larger Falsehood
Let’s be honest: there’s a practical truth in the idea. Most of us feel more emotionally connected to our families than to strangers on the other side of the world. That’s human nature.
But the danger lies in mistaking emotional proximity for divine priority.
God’s love isn’t confined by geography or nationality. Christ did not die for some—He died for all.
Remember the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15)? Jesus says:
“There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.”
That lost sheep could be anyone—anywhere. Heaven doesn’t use political maps. The angels rejoice when any heart turns to God.
Responsibilities vs. Ranking
The Bible does teach responsibility—especially toward those close to us.
1 Timothy 5:8 says:
“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith…”
That’s clear. We are called to care deeply and practically for our families.
But Hebrews 13:2 adds this:
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Here’s the key distinction: Responsibility is not the same as love.
Jesus’ love wasn’t limited to His inner circle. He healed Romans, spoke with Samaritans, welcomed tax collectors, and forgave thieves.
His command to us is the same: Love without limits.
The Dangers of Ranking Love
Why is ranking love spiritually dangerous? Here are five reasons:
- God loves everyone. Christ died for all. We are called to reflect that same impartial and generous love.
2. Ranking is inherently selfish. Loving only those who benefit us isn’t generosity—it’s transaction.
3. Ranking reinforces injustice. When we value some more than others, we justify inequality.
4. Ranking isolates us. It tempts us to build little bubbles, instead of living in global solidarity.
5. Ranking leads to judgment. It teaches us to measure worth, when Jesus called us to grace.
Two Final Reflections
a. We will fall short.
The call to love like God is enormous. We won’t do it perfectly. But this love isn’t a condition for salvation—it’s a fruit of it. We ask daily: “Lord, make my heart more like yours.”
b. Love is not blind.
We have limited resources—time, energy, money. We must be wise. That’s called stewardship. But let every decision be made with a heart of love, not a hierarchy of preference.
Conclusion: Love Without Measure
We are not called to rank love.
We are called to reflect it—
To show it to our families, our neighbours, strangers, enemies, and the world.
Because God did not rank us.
Christ did not die only for some.
And heaven rejoices when anyone comes home.
So let us love broadly, deeply, and without measure—
just as we have been loved.
Amen.
