Summary3 min read

Podcast Summary:

Podcast: followHIM
Episode: "No" Is a Love Language • followHIM Favorites • April 27-May 3 • Come, Follow Me
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Date: April 23, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of "FollowHIM Favorites," hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway share a powerful, real-life story to illustrate the principles discussed in the weekly Come, Follow Me lesson. This week, the focus centers on the themes of rules, boundaries, and love as taught through the book of Leviticus (and the end of Exodus). Using a story from Brad Wilcox’s book, they draw parallels between parenting, divine commandments, and how saying “no” can be an act of love.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Challenge of Boundaries in Parenting

John shares a story about a single mother struggling to uphold gospel standards for her children after divorce, while her ex-husband allows them more leniency.
The mother often feels like “the bad guy” for enforcing rules, contrasting her ex-husband's more carefree approach during his time with their children.
Insight: Setting and holding boundaries is often misunderstood or underappreciated, especially by children in the moment.

2. Children’s Perception of Rules as They Mature

The mother’s oldest daughter writes a heartfelt note acknowledging her appreciation for her mom’s high expectations and structured approach, saying, “The parent with the rules is the one who really cares.”
This demonstrates that children may not immediately recognize the love behind rules, but understanding comes with time and maturity.

3. Connecting Leviticus and Gospel Rules to Everyday Life

Hank and John link the story’s lesson directly to this week’s Come, Follow Me focus: Leviticus (and Exodus) are about commandments, rules, and sacrifices—God’s “boundaries.”
They discuss the notion that God’s rules, much like loving parental rules, are meant to bless us in the long run.

4. Memorable Family Traditions

John mentions his family’s playful cheer: “The gospel rules,” enjoying the double meaning that the gospel is both “about rules” and “amazing.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Parental Sacrifice and Love:

“The parent with the rules is the one who really cares.”
– Oldest daughter’s note, as shared by John Bytheway (00:57)
On the Role of Rules in the Gospel:

“God has rules, he has boundaries, and they're there to bless us in the long run.”
– John Bytheway (01:38)
On Making Gospel Living Fun:

“You do a cheer with your family.”
“The gospel rules. The gospel rules!”
– Hank Smith & John Bytheway (01:47-01:50)

Timestamps for Important Segments

00:14 – Story from Brad Wilcox’s Book: Introduction to the parenting story illustrating the challenge of enforcing rules as an act of love
00:57 – The Daughter’s Note: Heartfelt recognition from a child about the meaning behind parental boundaries
01:27 – Linking to Leviticus: Transition to how rules, commandments, and sacrifices are core messages in Leviticus
01:38 – Takeaway on God’s Rules: Discussion about God’s boundaries and their purpose
01:47 – The Gospel Rules Cheer: Fun family tradition and wordplay

Episode Conclusion

The hosts wrap up by encouraging listeners to deepen their study of the “gospel rules” and to join the full episode featuring Dr. Avram Shannon, an expert on Leviticus. They invite listeners to see the blessings in divine boundaries and commandments, just as loving parents set boundaries for their children.

Loading summary

Transcript7 lines

[00:03]
A
Welcome to Follow him favorites. This is where John and I are sharing a single story to go with each week's Come follow me lesson. John, we are in Leviticus today. Do you have a story for us?
[00:14]
B
Yeah, Hank. This is from Brad Wilcox's book Our Friend called A Change Through His Grace. And he tells a story about the woman who's just trying to do the right thing. He said one single mother was struggling to rear her children in the gospel after her husband left the church and divorced her. She told me tearfully how difficult it was to be the bad guy who enforced bedtimes, stressed nutrition, required church attendance, while her ex husband did the opposite. On the weekends the children were with him. He let him stay up late, eat whatever they wanted, took them to amusement parks instead of church. I assured her she was doing the right thing even though it was difficult. Just two weeks later, this mother shared with me a note her oldest daughter had written. Dear mom, thanks for being our mom. Dad is just trying to be our buddy. He's trying to win us over by spending money on us. But I am old enough to see what's going on and I appreciate you for expecting us to make something of our lives. Maybe the little kids don't get it yet, but I do. The parent with the rules is the one who really cares. Wow,
[01:28]
A
what a great story. Because that's really what Leviticus and the end of Exodus, they're about the rules, the commandments, the sacrifices. A little kid said in
[01:38]
B
primary Jesus has rules with the three words so profound. God has rules, he has boundaries, and they're there to bless us in the long run. Right? You do a cheer with your family.
[01:48]
A
The gospel rules. The gospel rules.
[01:51]
B
All right, let's study the gospel rules. Study the
[01:55]
A
rules. Good. Double meaning. Yeah, I love it. Well, thanks, John. Come join us on our full podcast. It's called Follow Him. You can get it wherever you get any podcast. We're with Dr. Avram Shannon this week. He loves the book of Leviticus. If you're thinking no way, come on over and you'll see why. Then join us. Next week we'll do another Follow him favorites.