As Christians, we are called to love everyone, whether it’s family members, friends, or people we don't know very well. But girl, let’s be honest: some people grind on your nerves!
If you need help loving those sweet-as-lemons folk who rub you the wrong way, here are 5 Bible verses you need to read ASAP.
If you need help loving those sweet-as-lemons folk who rub you the wrong way, here are 5 Bible verses you need to read ASAP.
#1) Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)- “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Patience is key when putting up with someone who is unpleasant, or simply not your preferred personality. Even if the person purposely tries your patience, remain calm and collected. This will keep the peace and show the love of Christ.
#2) 1 John 4:19 (ESV)- “We love because he first loved us.”
Loving everyone is different from liking everyone. Like is more of a feeling, while love is an action. Love is a selfless act; it’s easy to treat others kindly when you like them, but if love is only based on how you feel about someone, it is not true love. God loves us and we are in no way worthy of His great compassion. Love the way your Father in heaven loves: unconditionally.
#3) John 15:12 (NLT)- “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”
As aforementioned, our love should mirror the love of He who lives within us. Jesus was (and is) kind and compassionate to those who lived contrary to His teachings, people He did not agree with. So we must be imitators of Christ and love those we don’t see eye to eye with.
#4) Luke 6:27 (ESV)- “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
Sometimes, our dislike of a person is based on the fact that they do not like us, so we return the favor. This is a petty reason to be at odds with one another. Even if someone has done you dirty and you have a good reason to find them trying, the Bible does not justify mistreatment of them. If you want to live according to the Word, treat them better than they treat you.
#5) Matthew 7:12 (NIV)- “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
I’m sure you would have everyone love you if you could. Well, keep this desire in mind when dealing with difficult people. That way, you'll act toward them the way you want others to act toward you.
Patience is key when putting up with someone who is unpleasant, or simply not your preferred personality. Even if the person purposely tries your patience, remain calm and collected. This will keep the peace and show the love of Christ.
#2) 1 John 4:19 (ESV)- “We love because he first loved us.”
Loving everyone is different from liking everyone. Like is more of a feeling, while love is an action. Love is a selfless act; it’s easy to treat others kindly when you like them, but if love is only based on how you feel about someone, it is not true love. God loves us and we are in no way worthy of His great compassion. Love the way your Father in heaven loves: unconditionally.
#3) John 15:12 (NLT)- “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”
As aforementioned, our love should mirror the love of He who lives within us. Jesus was (and is) kind and compassionate to those who lived contrary to His teachings, people He did not agree with. So we must be imitators of Christ and love those we don’t see eye to eye with.
#4) Luke 6:27 (ESV)- “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
Sometimes, our dislike of a person is based on the fact that they do not like us, so we return the favor. This is a petty reason to be at odds with one another. Even if someone has done you dirty and you have a good reason to find them trying, the Bible does not justify mistreatment of them. If you want to live according to the Word, treat them better than they treat you.
#5) Matthew 7:12 (NIV)- “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
I’m sure you would have everyone love you if you could. Well, keep this desire in mind when dealing with difficult people. That way, you'll act toward them the way you want others to act toward you.
Of course we all wish we could be at peace with everyone, but we won’t always be able to avoid conflict. Nevertheless, we don’t have to be the instigators of uncomfortable situations. Let your interactions with people be draped in the attributes of a loving individual. God will be pleased with that.
Loving the unlovely may not always be comfortable or pleasant, but with God's help, it is possible
Loving the unlovely may not always be comfortable or pleasant, but with God's help, it is possible
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