Do I really have to love them, Lord?”
If you’ve ever wrestled with this question after dealing with a difficult Christian brother, sister,, or your own family members, you’re not alone. It’s easy to love someone who is kind, supportive, and reflects Christ in their actions. But what about the Christian friend who gossips during Bible study? The church member who always seems to stir up drama? Or the person whose actions feel hypocritical, cold, or just plain annoying? As followers of Christ, we know the answer: Yes, we are called to love them too. But let’s be honest—it’s not easy. The good news is that God doesn’t leave us without guidance on how to love others, even when they’re hard to like. In this post, we’ll explore practical, biblically grounded ways to reflect Christ’s love, even in the messiest relationships.
- Love When It’s Hard: God Understands
Loving people when they’re unlovable isn’t just a struggle for us—it’s a concept God knows intimately. The Bible is full of examples of God’s patience with His people, from the Israelites’ constant complaints in the wilderness (Exodus 16) to the disciples’ moments of doubt and failure (Matthew 26:56). When we feel our patience wearing thin, we can take comfort in remembering how often we’ve tested God’s love. Yet He forgives us, shows us grace, and remains faithful. This perspective not only humbles us but reminds us of our responsibility: to extend the same love to others (James 2:8, Romans 13:9).
- Speak Truth in Love
Loving someone doesn’t mean ignoring their faults. On the contrary, the Bible encourages us to speak truth to one another in love. Ephesians 4:15 urges us to confront issues with patience and kindness, helping our brothers and sisters grow in their faith. For example, if a fellow believer is gossiping or creating conflict, you can gently remind them of how our words should reflect Christ (Ephesians 4:29). The goal isn’t to shame or criticize but to guide them back to God’s truth. When done with humility and love, these conversations can lead to healing and transformation.
- Recognize When Only God Can Change Hearts
Sometimes, no matter how much we pray, counsel, or try to love someone, they remain difficult to deal with. In these cases, it’s crucial to remember that only God can change hearts. Take a step back and focus on what you can control: your own actions and prayers. Setting boundaries is okay—it doesn’t make you a bad Christian. Spending less time with someone who drains your emotional energy can help you approach them with more grace when you do interact. Regularly praying for them allows God to work on their heart and yours. Over time, you may find your feelings toward them softening as God aligns your perspective with His.
- Trust God to Work Through You
Loving someone doesn’t mean you’ll become best friends overnight. But when you obey God’s command to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31), you open the door for His transformative power. This love might manifest as small acts of kindness, consistent prayer, or simply choosing not to speak negatively about them. These actions reflect Christ’s love and can have a profound impact—on both their heart and yours.
- Find Strength in God’s Example
Ultimately, the key to loving difficult people lies in remembering how God loves us. Despite our flaws, sins, and moments of rebellion, He chooses us, forgives us, and continues to work in us. By keeping this truth at the forefront of our hearts, we can extend grace to others, even when it feels impossible. And in doing so, we grow closer to Christ, becoming more like Him every day.
Conclusion
Loving a Christian brother or sister you don’t like isn’t easy, but it’s part of our calling as believers. By reflecting on God’s patience with us, speaking truth in love, and trusting Him to work in their lives, we can show Christ’s love—even when it’s hard. Remember, love is more than a feeling; it’s a choice. And when we choose to love, even in challenging relationships, we become vessels of God’s grace, reflecting His heart to a world in desperate need of it. So the next time you’re struggling with a fellow believer, ask yourself: How can I love them the way God loves me? The answer might just lead to a miracle—in their life and yours.
Please subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@PossibilityPluspm for inspiring videos