Love Matters More: How Fighting to Be Right Keeps Us from Loving Like Jesus

Written by Jared Byas

Narrated by Jared Byas

For years, Christians have argued, debated, and fought one another while "speaking the truth in love," yet we are no closer to the grace-filled life Jesus modeled. Biblical scholar and popular podcast host of The Bible for Normal People, Jared Byas casts a new vision for the Christian life that's built not on certainty, but on the risk of love.  

A biblically-based Christian life is not grounded in having all the answers but in a living relationship. This ultimately shifts our focus from collecting the "right" answers to loving others deeply and authentically. With stories and insights drawn from his years as a pastor, professor, and podcast host, Jared Byas calls us back to the heart of the Bible: that truth is only true when it's lived out in love. 

In a refreshing voice that's both witty and profoundly revelatory, Jared unpacks the concept of truth, its meaning, and why we so often fight over it. He makes a compelling case for how what we believe is less important than how we believe it and that, more than anything else, telling the truth in love is about following Jesus.

For anyone who has ever felt forced to choose between truth and love, acceptance and rightness, this book offers a path forward beyond truth wars and legalistic religion to a love that matters more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Release date: Sep 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9780310358633

Jared Byas

Jared Byas is co-host of the popular podcast The Bible for Normal People and co-author of the book Genesis for Normal People. As a former teaching pastor and professor of Philosophy & Biblical Studies, he speaks regularly on the Bible, truth, creativity, wisdom, and the Christian faith. He and his wife, Sarah, live outside Philadelphia, PA with their four children, Augustine, Tov, Elletheia, and Exodus. Connect with Jared at jaredbyas.com.

Reviews for Love Matters More

[Elizabeth Lawrence · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What life-giving thoughts and ideas. I am going to listen to it a second time to let it all really sink in. Love matters more.

[Kristin Kaminski · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is smart and, sorry for the pun, loving. I will listen to it again and again. I also own the book. I wish everyone, of all faiths would read it. Thank you Jared. I found encouragement to live in action, my husband who went from no religion to Fundamentalist evangelical. There is a long road ahead (I am a open and Relational follower of Jesus whose identity is equality) but regardless I will remind myself, Love Matters More.

[Malcolm McGuire · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you. I am on a journey to a more whole spiritual self. This book, along with the podcast hosted by the author, has been an instrumental stepping stone in this process. I am concerned by what I have seen, what I have been taught, and what is being taught in most evangelical churches in America. The thoughts of this author so resonate with my own thoughts. I feel like I have walked through this, being his journey, with him.

At the end of the day, love does matter more. In fact, it is the only thing that matters.

[David Zarate · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

The author makes several false equivalency‘s, and then proposes it as biblical truth. While espousing a knowledge of hermeneutics, he demonstrates that he falls short of those principles.

A seed of truth wrapped up in a lie would be the best description.