Loving the Hard People
Grace for those who hurt you.
Jesus' radical call to love enemies.
The big idea
Anyone can love a friend. Jesus calls us to love the difficult.
What does “Loving the Hard People” walk through?
Love Your Enemies
Matthew 5:44 · KJV
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.
In plain English
Love your enemies. Bless those who insult you. Do good to those who can't stand you.
The Hard Command
Loving enemies isn't natural — it's supernatural. It's how we look like our Father.
Live at Peace
Romans 12:18 · KJV
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
In plain English
As much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
As Far As It Depends
You can't control them, but you can do your part to keep the peace.
Pray
Lord, help me love even the people who are hard to love. Amen.
Write it down
Who is hard for you to love — and how could you bless them?
You finished: Loving the Hard People
Loving the lovable is easy. Love like Jesus instead.
Which passages does this journey use?
2 passages, drawn from Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:18. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 5 minutes for the whole thing, or 5 short sittings.
- Matthew 5:44
- Romans 12:18
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Scripture Themes
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Trading anxiety for trust.
A Grateful Heart
Counting gifts, not gaps.
Following Jesus
What it means to come after him.
The Upside-Down Kingdom
Blessings the world overlooks.
Who Is My Neighbor
Mercy that crosses the road.
How Jesus Taught Us to Pray
A pattern for honest prayer.