Demystifying the Order of Love

How does Scripture order our affections? In this episode, Alex and Scott unpack the historic Christian concept of the ordo amoris—the “order of loves”—and why it matters for missions today. Drawing from Alex’s new book Ordered to Love, they explore how Scripture and theologians like Augustine and Aquinas teach that our loves must be rightly ordered, beginning with God and flowing outward to family, church, nation, and the nations. Together they address current cultural tensions—nationalism, global instability, and missionary urgency—and ask how Christians should prioritize their responsibilities in a limited, embodied life. Alex and Scott clarify that grace does not destroy nature but restores it—meaning allegiance to Christ rightly orders, rather than erases, our natural relationships. Key Topics: What the ordo amoris is and why it matters to missions Family, church, nation, and global mission in proper relationship Missionary guilt vs. faithful obedience Grace restoring (not erasing) natural relationships Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].