Where is the love?

So, I got to preach the text from Hebrews 12 today. I did pretty well overall. I spoke clearly and made only a few mistakes in my delivery. But, something was missing. A very wise person pointed out that I did a great job loving the text. I treated God's Word with respect, but I forgot the other part of the equation. There was an audience out there. That audience was full of young and vibrant image-bearers. And, in my zeal for the text, I forgot to love them. I forgot that God's Word (the Living Word) loves them. I was reminded that it doesn't matter how well you explain the text if the people don't know that you care about them. There has to be such a careful balance between the two. I am called to love the Word and love the people. Without the people, the Word loses meaning because it is meant to apply to and change us. Without the Word, the people lose all purpose because it is supposed to be the guiding principle of our lives. Jesus was the best at this. He always knew his audience, and more importantly, He always loved them, even when He was rebuking them. I think the failure I suffered today is symptomatic of most of the preaching we hear today. It is either brilliantly dull and passionless or ignorance on fire. With that said, I am thankful for this wise person who encouraged me. From now on, everytime I step in a pulpit, I will remember that it's not just about loving the Word. That love for the Word should kindle in me the greatest, deepest, most passionate love for those who are about to receive it.