All You Need Is Love

Text: Luke 12:13-21 (NRSV) 

Key Verses: v 15 And Jesus said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions."

Reflection Questions

What’s your “n+1”?

Is there something in your life that you feel like you always need “just one more” of (bikes, gadgets, money, success, etc.)?

Why do you think that desire feels so compelling?

What does abundance mean to you?

How has your definition of a “rich” or “abundant” life changed over time — and what does it look like today?

“One’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”

What are some ways we can resist the cultural pull toward “have-more-itis” (Greek = pleonexia) and re-center our lives around relationships?

Have you ever “built bigger barns”?

Can you recall a time you prioritized possessions or security over connection or generosity?

What did you learn from that experience?

What would it look like to build people, not barns?

How can you (practically and personally) use what you have — money, time, skills, resources — to invest in others and build community?

Prayer Prompts

Letting go of “n+1”

• God, reveal to me the places in my life where “just one more” has taken root — whether it’s possessions, accomplishments, or approval.
• Help me to trust that what I have, and who I am, is enough in you.

Redefining abundance

• God of abundance, reshape my understanding of a rich life.
• Help me see that true wealth is not in things, but in righteousness, joy, vitality, and peace.
• Teach me to value what truly matters.

Resisting the pull of possessions

• Gracious God, I confess the times I’ve measured my life by how much I have.
• Guard my heart from greed (“have-more-itis” / pleonexia), and re-center me in gratitude, generosity, and trust in you.

Rebuilding priorities

• Loving God, show me where I’ve built “bigger barns” — holding tightly to what I could have shared.
• Give me the courage to open my hands and my heart, so I can prioritize people over possessions.

Investing in people

• God, you have entrusted me with resources, relationships, and opportunities.
• Help me to use all that I have to build up others, strengthen the community, and reflect your steadfast love in the world.