Choosing Love Today

Mike Morrison
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Choosing Love Today is a podcast for real people trying to follow Jesus in the middle of real life. No fancy language, no preacher voice, and no “Mike’s opinions.” Every episode is grounded in Scripture — real answers from God’s Word applied to the real issues we face every day. I’m Mike Morrison — a husband, dad, and regular guy learning as I go. Most days, faith isn’t shaped by big dramatic moments. It’s the small choices, the quiet ones, that form who we become. So each episode feels like we’re sitting at the kitchen table, opening the Bible together, talking honestly about life, hope, and what it looks like to choose love one day at a time. If you’re looking for something real, simple, and rooted in Scripture, you’re in the right place.

  1. 11h ago

    Choosing Love Today: Hebrews - Part 1 - Episode 1: Jesus Is Better

    What happens when your faith gets tired, life gets hard, and going backward starts looking easier than moving forward? That's exactly the situation the readers of Hebrews faced. In this first part of our journey through Hebrews, we'll discover why the author repeatedly points us back to one powerful truth: Jesus is better. Better than the angels. Better than Moses. Better than Joshua. Better than the old sacrificial system. Better than anything we could ever be tempted to put our hope in. This isn't just a theological argument. It's a message of encouragement for everyday believers who are struggling, discouraged, distracted, or wondering if following Jesus is worth it. Hebrews reminds us that because of who Jesus is and what He has done, there is no reason to go back to our old ways, old fears, or old attempts at earning God's approval. Together we'll explore the greatness of Christ, the power of His finished work on the cross, and the hope that is available to everyone who trusts Him. The book of Hebrews doesn't simply tell us to hold on. It shows us why Jesus is worth holding on to. If you've ever needed reassurance that your faith is built on something solid, this episode is for you. Jesus is better. Always has been. Always will be. Keep Choosing Love Today!

  2. 1d ago

    Choosing Love Today: Philemon - Episode 7: "Family in Christ"

    Have you ever noticed how the gospel changes the way we see other people? It's easy to categorize people by their background, their accomplishments, their failures, or even the role they play in our lives. We naturally put people into different groups and different boxes. But when Christ enters the picture, something remarkable happens. In Philemon, Paul writes about Onesimus and says, "Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother". Think about how radical those words were. The world around Philemon saw a master and a slave. Society had assigned them very different places. Yet Paul looked beyond those labels and saw something greater. He saw two men who belonged to Jesus. He saw two brothers in Christ. That's one of the most beautiful truths of the gospel. When we place our faith in Christ, we become part of God's family. We don't lose our unique personalities, backgrounds, or experiences, but we gain something even greater. We gain a new identity as brothers and sisters in Christ. That means our deepest connection isn't found in our occupation, our income, our education, or our social status....It's found in Jesus...Sometimes we forget that...and frankly, something the non-Christian world doesn't understand. We can find ourselves focusing on the things that make us different instead of the One who brings us together. We may gravitate toward people who look like us, think like us, or share our experiences while keeping others at a distance. But the family of God has always been diverse. Throughout Scripture, God brings together people from different backgrounds, different cultures, and different walks of life. What unites them is not their similarities but their Savior. I think that's one reason the church can be such a powerful witness to the world. Where else do people with different stories, different struggles, and different personalities gather together and call one another “family”, “brother” and “sister”? Not because they've earned it. Not because they're perfect. But because they have been welcomed by the same Savior. I've often found that some of the greatest encouragement comes from fellow believers whose paths I might never have crossed apart from Christ. Yet because of our shared faith, there is an instant connection and a genuine bond. That's the kind of relationship Paul wanted Philemon and Onesimus to experience. Not merely peaceful coexistence, and not simple tolerance, but true fellowship as brothers in Christ. Here's a question to consider: Friends, when you look at the believers around you, do you primarily see people who are different from you, or fellow members of God's family? The gospel invites us to see one another through a different lens: A lens of grace...A lens of unity...A lens of family. And that's lens will help you to focus on how to....keep Choosing Love Today.

  3. 2d ago

    Choosing Love Today: Philemon - Episode 6: "Worth Receiving"

    Have you ever wondered if people see you for who you are now or only for who you used to be? Maybe you've worked hard to change. Maybe you've grown, matured, and learned from past mistakes. Yet sometimes it can feel as though others are still holding onto an older version of you. I think that's one reason Philemon's story resonates with so many of us. As Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon, he makes an incredible request: "So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me". Think about those words for a minute. Paul doesn't simply ask Philemon to tolerate Onesimus. He doesn't ask him to give him a second-class seat in the room or keep him at arm's length. Paul says, in essence, "Receive him the same way you would receive me." That's a powerful picture of grace. Onesimus had a past. He had made mistakes. He had damaged a relationship. Yet Paul asks Philemon to see something more than a record of failures. He asks him to see a brother whose life has been changed by Christ. The truth is that's exactly what God has done for us. When we come to Christ, God doesn't reluctantly accept us. He doesn't welcome us with crossed arms and lingering suspicion. Through Jesus, we are received into God's family with love, grace, and mercy. That's hard for some people to believe. There are many who walk through life carrying shame from something they did years ago. Even after receiving God's forgiveness, they struggle to forgive themselves. They wonder if they're really accepted, really loved, or really wanted. But the gospel tells a different story. In Christ, we're not merely tolerated. We're welcomed. We've become part of God's family. We're not received because we've earned it. We're received because of God's grace. And once we've experienced that kind of acceptance, we're called to extend it to others. That's not always easy. Sometimes people carry reputations that are difficult to forget. Sometimes we remember past failures long after God has begun changing a person's life. We can be quick to label someone by who they were instead of encouraging who they're becoming. I've caught myself doing that before. Maybe you have too. But what if we looked at people through the lens of grace? What if we chose to see potential instead of just problems? What if we gave others the same patience that God has given us? That's exactly the kind of love Paul was encouraging in Philemon. Friends, here's a question to consider: Is there someone in your life whom God may be calling you to truly welcome, encourage, or accept as a fellow brother or sister in Christ? Sometimes one of the greatest gifts we can offer another person is the assurance that they are seen, valued, and received. And that's another way you can........ keep Choosing Love Today.

  4. 3d ago

    Choosing Love Today: Philemon - Episode 5: "The Power of Reconciliation"

    Here's a topic most of us have experienced in our life. Have you ever had or do you currently have a relationship you wish could be repaired? Maybe it was a friendship that drifted apart. Maybe it was a disagreement that created distance. Maybe it was a hurt that was never fully addressed. Whatever the reason, most of us know what it's like to feel the weight of a broken relationship. The truth is that broken relationships can leave a lasting impact. Even when time passes, the hurt doesn't always disappear on its own. That's one reason the little letter of Philemon is so powerful. As Paul writes about Onesimus, he says, "If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me". Think about what's happening here. Paul isn't pretending nothing happened. He isn't ignoring the past or dismissing the hurt. Instead, he steps into the gap between two people whose relationship has been damaged. In many ways, that's what reconciliation is all about. Reconciliation isn't pretending a wound never existed. It's taking steps toward healing what has been broken. And yes, that's often easier said than done. When we've been hurt, we naturally want to protect ourselves. We may build walls, keep our distance, or convince ourselves that the relationship isn't worth the effort. Sometimes the pain feels safer to carry than the risk of opening the door again. Yet reconciliation requires courage and it requires humility. And often, it requires someone willing to take the first step. Paul understood that restoring this relationship would take more than words. It would take grace from Onesimus, grace from Philemon, and grace from God working in both of their hearts. The same is true for us today. Not every relationship can be fully restored. Sometimes circumstances, choices, or other factors are beyond our control. But as followers of Christ, we're called to be people who pursue peace whenever possible. After all, reconciliation is at the very heart of the gospel. Because of our sin, we were separated from God. Yet through Jesus, God took the initiative to restore that relationship. Christ stepped into the gap on our behalf, paid a debt we could never repay, and made reconciliation possible. Since we've received that gift, we can extend that same spirit to others. Maybe that means offering forgiveness. Maybe it means having a difficult conversation. Maybe it means reaching out after a long silence. Or maybe it simply means asking God to soften a heart that has grown hard over time. My friends, here's a question to consider: Is there a relationship in your life where God may be inviting you to take a step toward reconciliation? You don't have to control the outcome. You simply have to be willing to take the next step God places before you. Because healing often begins with one small act of obedience. And that's another way you can...... keep Choosing Love Today!

  5. 4d ago

    Choosing Love Today: Philemon - Episode 4: "Love Over Rights"

    Have you ever been in a situation where you were absolutely right? But, someone treated you unfairly., or broke a promise. Someone hurt you, disappointed you, or let you down. And if anyone had asked, you could have clearly explained why you deserved an apology or why the other person was in the wrong. I don't mean "mostly right." Not "partly right." I mean completely justified in your position.   The truth is, there are times when we have every right to hold our ground. That's what makes Paul's approach in Philemon so interesting. Paul writes, "Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love". Did you catch that? Paul had the authority to command Philemon. He could have pulled rank and demanded a certain response. Instead, he chose a different path. He appealed to love. A few verses later, Paul adds, "I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary". Paul understood something that we often forget. A person can do the right thing for the wrong reason. You can force compliance, but you can't force love. That's a lesson worth remembering. Our culture spends a lot of time talking about rights. We hear phrases like, "I deserve better," or "I have every right to be upset." And sometimes those statements are true. The question isn't whether we're right.....The question is what love would have us do next. The challenge is that our rights often feel easier to defend than our relationships. When we're hurt, we start building a case. We gather evidence. We replay conversations in our minds. Before long, we're more focused on proving our point than preserving the connection. I've done that. Maybe you have too. The problem is that winning an argument doesn't always heal a relationship. Sometimes you can walk away with the satisfaction of being right and still find yourself carrying bitterness, frustration, or disappointment. That's why choosing love requires more than being correct. It requires a willingness to pursue what is best for the other person, even when our feelings are telling us otherwise. Jesus demonstrated this throughout His ministry. Time after time, He set aside His rights in order to show grace, mercy, and compassion. Ultimately, He went all the way to the cross, not because He was obligated to, but because of love. As followers of Christ, we're called to reflect that same spirit. That doesn't mean ignoring boundaries or pretending wrong actions don't matter. But it does mean asking a different question. Instead of asking, "What are my rights here?" we can ask, "What would love look like here?" My friends, think about these next 3 statements: Sometimes love chooses forgiveness when retaliation feels justified.....Sometimes love chooses patience when frustration feels easier....and sometimes love chooses reconciliation when holding a grudge feels more comfortable. Choosing love isn't always the easiest path, but it is often the path that creates healing, restoration, and peace. So, here's a question to consider: Is there a situation in your life where you've been focused on what you're entitled to, instead of what love is calling you to do? Maybe today is a good day to let love lead the conversation. After all, being right may win an argument, but love has the power to change a heart. And that's how you can.......... keep Choosing Love Today.

  6. 5d ago

    Choosing Love Today: Philemon - Episode 3: "A Second Chance"

    Don't you sometimes wish that you could just start over? Not erase the past. Not pretend mistakes never happened. Just have an opportunity to move forward and do things differently. Most of us know what it's like to look back and think, "If I had that moment again, I would handle it differently." That's one reason the story of Onesimus is so encouraging. In Philemon, Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon after a dramatic change in his life. Somewhere along the way, this runaway slave encountered the gospel and became a follower of Christ. The man returning to Philemon wasn't the same man who had left. Paul writes, "Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother" What a beautiful picture of grace. Onesimus could not change his past. He couldn't undo his mistakes or rewrite the story. But God had changed his heart, and that changed everything. Sometimes we assume a second chance means getting to start over with a clean slate. But often, God works differently. He doesn't always remove us from the consequences of our choices. Instead, He walks with us through them and helps us become someone new on the other side. That's exactly what happened with Onesimus. He had to face his consequences. He still had to return to the place he had run from. He still had to face the relationship he had damaged. Yet he wasn't returning as the same person. He was returning as someone transformed by the grace of God. I think that's important because many people spend years believing they have missed their opportunity. They think they failed too badly, wandered too far, or wasted too much time. But God's grace says otherwise. Throughout Scripture, we see God giving people fresh starts. Jonah ran from God's calling. Peter denied Jesus. John Mark abandoned Paul on a missionary journey. Yet God was not finished with any of them. And He's not finished with us either. A second chance isn't always about getting another opportunity to prove yourself. Often it's about discovering that God's grace is greater than your failure. It's realizing that your future is not determined by your worst day. It's understanding that God can still use the years ahead, even if you've made mistakes in the years behind. So here's a question to consider: Is there an area of your life where you've convinced yourself it's too late for God to work? As long as you are breathing, God has a purpose for your life and it's never to late and you're never too old for Him to use you. Maybe today is the day to hand that belief over to Him. The same God who gave Onesimus a new beginning is still in the business of transforming lives. He specializes in fresh starts, restored hope, and second chances. And that's another way you can..... keep Choosing Love Today.

  7. 6d ago

    Choosing Love Today: Philemon - Episode 2: "More Than a Mistake"

    Have you ever done something you wish you could take back? Maybe it was a poor decision. A hurtful word. A season of rebellion. Maybe it's something nobody else remembers, but you still carry it around as if it happened yesterday. One of the beautiful truths we find in Philemon is that God doesn't define us by our worst moment. In the short letter to Philmon, Paul writes about a man named Onesimus and says, "Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me". That's quite a statement. At one point, Onesimus had made a mess of things. He had run away from Philemon and left behind a broken relationship. If anyone had reason to look at Onesimus and see only failure, it would have been Philemon, but that's not what Paul saw. Paul saw what God had done in Onesimus' life. The gospel had changed him. The man who had once made mistakes was now becoming a man God could use. His past was real, but it was no longer the whole story. I think many of us need to hear that today. It's amazing how easy it is to let a mistake become part of our identity. We stop saying, "I made a mistake," and start saying, "I am a mistake." There's a big difference between the two. The enemy loves to remind us of our failures. He wants us to believe that our worst decision is the truest thing about us. He whispers things like, "You'll never change," or "God can't use someone like you." But Scripture tells a different story. Moses was a murderer. David committed terrible sins. Peter denied Jesus. Yet God redeemed each of them and used them for His purposes. The same God who transformed their lives transformed Onesimus' life, and He can transform ours as well. That doesn't mean our mistakes never happened. It means our mistakes don't get the final word. In fact, some of the people God uses most effectively are those who have experienced His grace most deeply. They know what it feels like to fall short. They know what it means to be forgiven. And they understand just how powerful God's mercy can be. When we place our faith in Christ, God begins a work of renewal in us. He takes broken people and shapes them into something useful for His kingdom. He specializes in redemption, restoration, and second chances. So maybe today is a good day to stop introducing yourself by your failures. You are not simply the person who made that bad choice. You are not simply the person who stumbled. You are not simply the person who got it wrong. In Christ, you are a person being transformed by God's grace. My friend...here's a question to consider: When you think about yourself, do you focus more on what you've done wrong in the past, or what God is doing in your life right now? Remember, God sees more in you than your mistakes. And that's another way you can..... keep choosing love today.

  8. Oct 27

    Choosing Love Today: Philemon - Episode 1: "Leaving Room for Grace"

    Philemon: Leaving Room for Grace As we conclude our journey through Paul's prison letters, we come to one of the most personal and practical examples of what it means to choose love today. The letter to Philemon tells the story of a broken relationship, a transformed life, and an appeal for reconciliation. Paul stands in the gap between Philemon and Onesimus, painting a beautiful picture of the grace Christ has extended to each of us. Together we'll explore what happens when mercy replaces resentment, when love becomes action, and when we leave room for God to restore what once seemed beyond repair. Choosing love isn't always easy. Sometimes it looks like forgiveness. Sometimes it looks like reconciliation. And sometimes, it simply means leaving room for grace.  And that always makes it easier to.... Keep Choosing Love Today!

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About

Choosing Love Today is a podcast for real people trying to follow Jesus in the middle of real life. No fancy language, no preacher voice, and no “Mike’s opinions.” Every episode is grounded in Scripture — real answers from God’s Word applied to the real issues we face every day. I’m Mike Morrison — a husband, dad, and regular guy learning as I go. Most days, faith isn’t shaped by big dramatic moments. It’s the small choices, the quiet ones, that form who we become. So each episode feels like we’re sitting at the kitchen table, opening the Bible together, talking honestly about life, hope, and what it looks like to choose love one day at a time. If you’re looking for something real, simple, and rooted in Scripture, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Morrison
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Choosing Love Today