How to Love Rude People: Liking People is Optional…Loving Them Isn’t
So how do we love rude people? Does God really expect us to love people who, well, let’s face it, act like jerks!?
“I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another.” John 13:34
“This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you.” John 15:12
Hummm….two verses, same words….must be important!
What does it mean to love someone (everyone) the way Christ loves you? Wow…not just love them, but love them the same way Christ loves. A powerful thought (practice) to take with us each day. Whether our days are filled with friends, family or complete strangers.
I can’t help but think that when Christ shows His love to me He likely over looks my faults. (Colossians 1:22) He knows I’m not perfect, but He doesn’t let that affect the way He loves me. He loves me not because of how I act or because of how I treat Him, but in spite of it! You know what…there is some serious grace involved in His brand of love.
Called to Love
We are called to show this same love to others…not just those we like, and not only when they are acting like we think they should. People should not have to earn our love. They should receive it whether we think they “deserve” it or not.
We are human. There are some people we are going to like more than others. But every person should receive the same, unconditional, selfless, generous, overflowing love from us. Because loving others is less about them and more about us fulfilling a commandment of our Lord and letting Him use us to reach the world.
On Mission to Bless
A dear friend shares a struggle she was having with being nice, gentle and loving towards some family members. She was preparing for a visit with them and praying about it. The Lord spoke to her heart and said, “You are there to be a blessing to them.” You see, it didn’t matter how they acted. She was on a mission and had a job to fulfill. Regardless of what happened, she was to bless her family.
I challenge you to keep this in the forefront of your mind as you prepare to interact with others each day. Our mission is to love everyone with the love of Christ. Let’s go into each day with the goal in mind to bless others, regardless of what is said or done. In doing so, we will see a difference in how much we enjoy life and how much better our relationships are when we look past what people do and choose to love them as Christ loves us.
Reflect
Take some time to sit quietly. Lift your heart to God, and make a commitment to love, really love, everyone He brings across your path. You are here to bless them!
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:10
For more encouragement of living and loving life better check out How To Be Radiant: Maintaining Proper Son Exposure
Great Resources:
