Everyone has a "difficult-to-love" or "unlovable" person in their life. I have a few of those, myself. They need to be loved, and even respected (although that proves most difficult at times). My most "difficult-to-love" person is very close to my heart, which makes it even more complicated. This person is very hurtful to me, and causes me a lot of pain. But this person is also in desperate need of the kind of unselfish, passionate, crazy love that Jesus Christ showed the day he gave his life for all - and I mean ALL - of God's children. I know that I am called to love this person, but sometimes it seems all in vain. Often, there is no reciprocation, just more pain and emptiness. How can I love someone who seems not to want it?
Jesus said that we should LOVE - even when it means loving someone who would do exactly the opposite of what you think they should. In Luke 6:27, Jesus calls us specifically to "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." It's a tough pill to swallow. Especially when I know that my "unlovable" seems to despise me! This person is so deeply consumed by their sinful nature, and so deep in their own sin, they can't even see how engulfed in flames they are! But, after all, Jesus tells us that "it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17) In other words, "the ones who are in the worst shape need the most care."
After years of doors slammed in my face, phone calls disconnected, hurtful words and sharp-tongued exchanges, it seems hopeless. It seems, at times, as if this person will never fully receive my love, reciprocate that love, or become anything but a big, fat jerk! And part of me wants to completely give up on this person. Pretend as if they were never even born, maybe? But deep in my heart, I know that this is not what Jesus asked of us.
Jesus said "As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples." (John 13:34-35) If we are to call ourselves Christ-followers, and we are to carry his name, we have to act as he would've acted, and do as he has commanded. And he said to us, "if you call yourselves my followers, you need to show love - the kind of love I showed you when I forgave YOU for all the stupid, thoughtless, cruel, and sinful things YOU did." Wow. That's quite a charge. But who among us can say we are without sin? None. We're all guilty. But through Christ's selfless love, we are forgiven of all of it, and he pursues our hearts daily. He LOVES us. Regardless of what big, fat jerks WE are. And he tells us to do the same.
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." (1 John 4:7)
Do you know your Heavenly Father?
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