But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute you – Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)
Picture yourself walking down the street and encountering someone injured. You rush over to assist, only to discover a friend who publicly ruined your reputation, hurt you badly and broke your heart. In that moment, you’re faced with a challenging decision: do you turn away or extend a helping hand?
Choosing to help embodies what it means to love the unlovable. As believers, we are called to love beyond our comfort zones and extend grace, even to those who have wronged us (Luke 6:27-28).
This kind of love isn’t always easy. Naturally, it’s easier to show kindness to those who love us back, but as Christians, our lives are meant to reflect the nature of God, the very definition of love (1 John 4:7-8). God loved us unconditionally, even while we were distant from Him; we are expected to do the same for others, even when we feel they don’t deserve it (Romans 5:8). When we think of Christ’s sacrifice, it’s important to remember He didn’t wait for us to be worthy of His love, He gave it freely, without conditions.
We are called to love because God first loved us; it is a divine command. Jesus clarified that loving others is not optional; it is central to our faith (John 15:12). We are to love others as Christ loved us, which means loving sacrificially and unconditionally. Treating others with love, even those who hate us, fulfils the very essence of God’s law (Galatians 5:14) and reflects the heart of the Gospel.
Additionally, love is proof of our salvation. We demonstrate that we genuinely know God by showing love to others, particularly those who are hard to love (1 John 4:8). Love is the first fruit of the Spirit. When we display love under challenging situations, we reveal that God’s Spirit is truly at work in us (Galatians 5:22). It’s not enough to love those who treat us well; true love as believers is seen in how we treat those who have wronged us or those who seem unworthy of our kindness.
Jesus Himself challenged us with this radical concept of love, asking what reward we gain if we only love those who love us back (Matthew 5:46). Even those who don’t know God can do that. But what sets us apart as His children is our ability to love beyond ourselves, even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). This love reflects God’s heart and shows the world who we are in Him.
Today, choose to love someone who seems unlovable and let your actions be a witness to the power of God’s transforming love.
Bible Reading Plan: Hebrews 11