“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 NIV
Some people are just hard to love.
I’m sure you can count me among them. They may be harsh, brash, loud, rude, disrespectful, arrogant or self-centered.
They might look different, act different, have different mannerisms, beliefs, lifestyles, dress differently. Their culture, religion, politics, or nationality may be too much for you handle. Can we love our neighbor? The Bible explains it to us.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:7, 11-12 NIV)
Jesus loved everyone at all times. It was a stark contrast in their culture. He was drawn to those who were different, those who were outcast, lowly, infirmed, rejected, diseased, poor, and demon-possessed. The Lord was always willing to reach out to them, to love them, to touch them in a unique and special way. He determined to lift them up physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
In spite of their state or condition He loved them anyway. Jesus was always available. His mercy and compassions were always ready to be extended. No matter what. People were drawn to Him for it. As a result of His work in their lives they left His presence feeling accepted, valued and included. Lives were changed forever.
When we are drawn into the family of God we are connected, one to another. We will not be defined by our differences but by our shared love for God. We become brothers and sisters in Christ. Former differences won’t matter so much, because we love them anyway.
“We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” (1 John 4:19-21, NIV)
Though it may be difficult at times, the best way we can show God our gratitude for loving us and sending His only Son to save us from sin is to put love in action by loving all His children.
By Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission
FURTHER READING
• The Walk of Obedience – by Mary Pinckney
• Blessed Obedience – by Ideletter McVicker
• God Requires Risky Obedience – by Jon Walker