Loving Others
Loving the unlovable demonstrates God’s love for us.
If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.
We are surrounded by all kinds of people. Some are easy to love. Others, we tend to ignore. Then there are some that act in ways that makes us want to hate them.
Here are three kinds of people we might tend to look down on, or even hate — and what God’s Word says about them:
1. “Servers”
People of many cultures look down on waiters, clerks, or manual laborers. We act as though they exist only to meet our needs and pay no attention to their feelings.
But Peter says in his letter, “And all of you, serve each other in humility, for ‘God opposes the proud but favors the humble.’” (1 Peter 5:5)
God’s love means having a humble heart for others.
2. “Sinners”
Jesus told a story about two people praying in the temple: a Pharisee and a despised tax collector. The Pharisee prayed, “I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else . . . I’m certainly not like that tax collector!” (Luke 18:11)
The tax collector, on the other hand, prayed, “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)
Jesus said, “I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
God’s love is available to all, including sinners.
3. “Strangers”
The news today is full of stories about people hating each other because of their race, their beliefs or their feelings toward us.
But Jesus said, “Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
God’s love even reaches those who oppose and slander Him.
Conclusion
Every human being is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). When we disrespect or hate another person, we are disrespecting God. As Jesus said when asked to sum up the commandments, he gave just two: Love God, and “Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12:31)
When, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we humbly love the Servants, the Sinners, and the Strangers in our lives, people will see God’s love (see also John 13:35), and the Lord Jesus will be glorified.
Pray this week:
Lord, there are many unlovable people in my life. Please give me Your Holy Spirit’s power to love with a humble heart and pray for them, and to bring You glory.
Who are some of the Servants, Sinners, and Strangers in your life? Do you need help knowing how to love them? Write to us and we’ll be glad to talk about it with you!