Loving others unconditionally is not an easy undertaking. Those who mistreat us or want to do us harm are hard to love in our own strength. In the study, Rivka, created by CRU Ministries, Rivka tells one of her young friends something we all need to remember – hate hurts the one who hates.
“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:32-36
The story is set 2,000 years ago, yet the experiences of the people in the story are not so different from those many of us experience today. Rivka endures scorn from her husband. The Jews are fearful of the Romans and feel hatred toward them for the things they were doing to their people. People within families and communities have difficulty resolving their different beliefs, so they are angry and even reject one another.
The fact is that, as much as hating others hurts the one who hates, loving those who treat you poorly makes you stronger. It strengthens our connection to the Holy Spirit and our ability to overcome what our human emotions want us to do.
Rivka reminds us that Jesus died for us even when we were still sinners, when we rejected him and turned away from him. He set the example for how he wants us to love others and gave us the Holy Spirit to empower us to do what we could not do on our own. And when we follow his ways, people will see we are different and be curious. They may even want what we have – to know Jesus.
It has been nothing short of amazing to see the transformation that is happening with all of the women going through the study, and how their hearts are changing. They are praying for those who have hurt and rejected them. They are experiencing joy and peace in the midst of difficult circumstances and uncertainty. They are reading God’s Word and working to apply it to their lives.
Jesus commands that we are to love others even when they don't deserve our love. This is the most powerful love of all.
How can we love difficult people? Here are some practical ideas:
Remember what Jesus did for you. He took on your sin and died in your place (Romans 5:8). By the grace and mercy of God, you have been set free.
Look at others through God’s eyes. All of us are God’s children and He doesn’t want to lose any one of us (2 Peter 3:9). When you love others who don’t treat you well, you are paving the way for them to see Christ.
Pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17). By keeping in close contact with the Lord, you will discover supernatural strength to do what you could not do on your own. He will give you the words to speak and be your guide.
Read God’s Word daily. Jesus said that as we abide in him and his words abide in us we will bear much fruit (John 15:5). Studying God’s Word will provide you with the wisdom you need to call upon in even the most difficult circumstances.
Jesus did not command us to love without giving us the power to do so. That’s why he gave us the Holy Spirit. But we must be committed to allowing the Spirit to direct us. We must be intentional about loving others under all circumstances. And when we do, miracles happen.