Loving Difficult People

It is easy to love people who love in return. But what about those who don’t?

Jesus makes this astounding statement in Matthew 5:44–45: “I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you . . . that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” God expects you to love the unloving, just as He loved you when you were lost in sin. God’s love is never deserved—it simply is.

It is natural for you to expect that when you are nice to others, they will return the kindness, right? Wrong! And you probably have the scars to prove it. Yet Jesus said, without exception, “Love one another; as I have loved you.”

Love is the sacrifice of self for the sake of your family and even your enemies.

Lord, it is hard to care about those who don’t care in return. But with Your help and by Your grace, I will look at each of these people through Your eyes of love—Your unconditional love. Amen. 

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“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)

Is my heart hard toward a friend or family member? I’ll begin to love them by praying for them right now.

Read Loving Difficult People on Elizabeth & Jim George.