Love First: Ending Hate Before It's Too Late

This is not just a book to inspire more love; it's a revolutionary call to love better.

"A terrible virus has spread across the planet and turned the human race into bloodthirsty monsters. Mankind's only hope for survival is..." Originally part of the tagline for the sci-fi thriller, I Am Legend, these lines describe the undercurrent of unrest and turbulence in our world. The virus we face is hate--an epidemic infecting social media, politics, neighborhoods, and homes. Communities of believers, which should be clinics with the cure, are instead suspected of being primary carriers of the virus.

But there is hope. Hate, even in its most nefarious forms, is no match for the matchless love modeled by Jesus. Love is his cure for the sick and dying world. Historians, sociologists, and theologians agree that we are experiencing the most fundamental changes in global society in the last five hundred years. And while the church has a lofty vision and mighty power, we are disastrously unprepared. This book presents an understandable, practical, and doable approach to loving others with such clarity and conviction that the world will truly know the God who loves us first.

Don McLaughlin came to his personal faith in college, where he also met the love of his life, Susan. They raised five amazing adults, and they love being grandparents. After ministries in Ohio and Indiana, Don has served as the preaching pastor for the North Atlanta Church of Christ in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1997. This “Love First” church is known for its colorful diversity, commitment to Christ, and community impact. While pursuing his education through Harding, Emory, and Lipscomb universities, Don developed a deep appreciation for the different voices that speak into what it means to be the people of God in the world. His extensive global ministry experience cemented his conviction that global issues are solved by local believers who reshape their communities by living the faith, hope, and love of Jesus Christ.