Why is it that so many Christians make such lousy human beings?” Peter Scazzero opens Emotionally Healthy Relationships Day by Day with that provocative question, which a friend who had stopped attending church asked him. That question also frames the conversation between Scazzero and Influence magazine executive editor George P. Wood in this episode of the Influence Podcast.

As the conversation unfolds, Scazzero reminds listeners that Jesus Christ himself taught that His disciples’ lives should be characterized by love of God and love of neighbor (Matthew 22:34–40). Not only that, Jesus stated that loving discipleship was a key to effective Christian mission (John 13:35). Scazzero then offers practical suggestions for how Christians can more effectively develop love for God and neighbor in their own lives.

Scazzero is founder and teaching pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, New York City, as well as founder of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, a nonprofit discipleship ministry. Emotionally Healthy Relationships Day by Day will be published by Zondervan on August 8, 2017.