Loving Difficult People

April 19, 2023

What does God tell followers of Jesus to do about difficult people? 

The Bible says, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:16-18 NIV).

Circling back to verse 18. Romans 12:18 (NIV) says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Easier said than done. That’s why you need the love of God in you. You allow God to love people through you. It’s HIS love, and you are the vessel. That’s how you love the hard-to-love people in your life.

It is impossible to love others well, especially those who are hard to love, without the love of God in you. This isn’t something you can do out of your own will-power.

Here are some practical ways to love difficult people this week: 

Treat everyone with kindness. 

Don’t become set in your own opinions. 

Choose to work happily together. 

Respond with grace and forgiveness. 

Do all you can to live at peace with everyone.

And, PRAY FOR THEM. It is harder to have negative feelings toward someone that you are actively praying for.