LOVING THE UNLOVABLE
There are some commands in the Christian life that seem beautiful when we first hear them, yet become far more difficult when we attempt to live them. Loving the unlovable is one of them.
It is easy to love those who love us. It is natural to show kindness to those who treat us well. But the gospel reaches further than that. Our Lord calls us to something deeper—something that cannot be explained by human nature alone.
Jesus once taught that if we love only those who love us, we have done nothing extraordinary. Even ordinary people do that much. But He went on to say that the children of the Father are known by a greater love—a love that extends even to enemies, a love that prays for those who mistreat us, a love that mirrors the kindness of God who sends sunshine and rain upon both the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:44-45).
This kind of love does not come easily to the human heart.
There are people who wound us. Some betray trust; others speak harsh words; still others carry bitterness that spills over onto everyone around them. To love such people feels unnatural. Everything within us wants to withdraw, to protect ourselves, to return hurt for hurt.
Yet the cross stands at the center of the Christian faith and tells another story.
The Word of God says that while we were still sinners—while our hearts were still far from Him—Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). In other words, the Lord loved us when we were not lovable. He gave mercy when we deserved judgment. He extended grace when we had nothing to offer in return.
That truth changes the way we see others.
When we remember how patiently God has loved us, we begin to see difficult people through a different lens. The one who angers us may also be a soul wounded by life. The one who resists kindness may have rarely experienced it. The one who seems hardened may still be someone for whom Christ shed His blood.
The apostle Paul once wrote that love is patient and kind; it does not keep a record of wrongs; it endures, hopes, and perseveres even when circumstances are difficult (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Such love is not weakness. It is the quiet strength of a heart transformed by grace.
To love the unlovable does not mean approving what is wrong. It means refusing to let bitterness rule our hearts. It means choosing mercy where anger might easily grow. It means remembering that every person we meet is someone made in the image of God.
And sometimes the very love we offer becomes the instrument God uses to soften a hardened soul.
The gospel itself is proof that love can reach where nothing else can.
For if the Lord had not loved the unlovable, none of us would have been saved.
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Lord Jesus, teach us to love as You have loved us. When our hearts are tempted toward anger or resentment, remind us of the mercy You showed us at the cross. Fill us with patience, kindness, and compassion. Help us see others through the light of Your grace, and make our lives a reflection of the love that comes from You. Amen.
BDD
