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.
RESPOND
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.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible – this brand new resource is filled with daily devotions, wisdom articles, biographies, and more to draw you to God’s Word and give you hope, wisdom, and understanding.
REFLECT
“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.
REMEMBER
Jesus said, without exception, “Love one another; as I have loved you.”
Read Loving Difficult People on Elizabeth & Jim George.
Jim and Elizabeth George
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people
live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14
million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of
Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
- Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
- Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
- Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
- Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
- Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
- Enjoy greater intimacy with God.
Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.
Related Articles
This time of year can be so painful for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. If you haven't experienced the depth of such a loss, know what a blessing it truly is and how worthy it is of giving praise to God. This year, experiencing the grief and loss of a spouse will be the realit...
Read More
When Jim and I walked away from that ceremony we came away thrilled with all of the tradition and proud of the determination of those troops, but also sobered with the reality of what it means and looks like to be truly committed to something, a cause, a creed, a country — a set of beliefs.
Read More
The holidays can be a special time to spend with family and friends, celebrating a common faith. But if you share the family table with unbelievers, it may be a difficult time - yet we can find peace and guidance in the Word of God. We are called to love (John 15:12-13). God Himself is love (1 Jo...
Read More
