Pictured above: Members of Liberty leadership gather with students for Serve Lynchburg on April 27, 2024. The annual event joins students, faculty, staff, and Lynchburg residents with community partners. This year’s event is scheduled for April 26. Over 1,400 people will serve at nearly 100 community service projects in the greater Lynchburg area.
As devout followers of Christ, it is our collective responsibility to adhere to the teachings of Jesus, particularly the commandment to love. As stated in Matthew 22:37-39, “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Jesus made it clear we have a responsibility to cultivate an attitude of love in our lives. However, as we survey the landscape of culture, it seems as if division has become the order of the day rather than love. Anger and even hatred seem to dominate the discourse in various aspects of our daily lives, including the cultural landscape of numerous college campuses across the nation.
From its inception, Liberty University has maintained a distinct focus. LU has consistently prioritized love for others within its DNA. I recall during the early days of the institution how my dad would emphasize the significance of loving others as Christ loves us. He exemplified this principle for the early students and staff, and it has since become an integral part of our institutional culture. I believe this is the reason why parents and grandparents frequently express their profound admiration for LU, calling it a special place. Some parents have even expressed their willingness to financially support their children if they choose to attend LU but not if they were to pursue their education elsewhere.
While some may say this in a somewhat humorous tone, I believe there is some truth to their words. Why? Because Liberty University possesses a unique quality that sets it apart. This is a place where students experience what it means to obtain an excellent education from faculty members who possess extensive knowledge in their respective fields but also have a profound desire to love God and love others. They demonstrate that love and care to the students in a way that is not often seen in our culture, and this makes a major difference in the lives of our students. I’ve been told by many individuals from earlier days at LU that they feel a special connection to this place because it is unique in a way which is hard to describe.
I believe it is simply a natural consequence of following the words of Jesus. He made it clear we are to love. Our founder modeled the spirit of unconditional love to others, and it continues to guide our faculty and staff today. Jesus’ words emphasize the importance of truly comprehending the value of the love described by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. By adhering to this commandment, our lives can undergo a transformative change. This principle distinguishes Liberty University and holds the potential to positively impact all aspects of our lives. In an increasingly divided world, it should be our aspiration to leave a legacy of love that can change the world.
Jonathan Falwell has spent his lifetime associated with the ministries of Liberty University and Thomas Road Baptist Church. He has served as Liberty’s chancellor since March 2023 and as senior pastor at TRBC since 2007.
