How can we practically love those who do not love us back? \Setting the Scene\ Matthew 5:46 sets the bar high: “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same?” Jesus is calling His followers to a love that outpaces ordinary social courtesy. This is not a suggestion for the spiritually elite; it is a direct command for every believer. \What Jesus Says\ • The context of Matthew 5:43-48 shows Jesus redefining love from merely reciprocal kindness to proactive, sacrificial care—even toward enemies. • He roots this radical love in the character of the Father, “who causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (v. 45). • The passage insists that our love must look different from the world’s love; otherwise, we forfeit the “reward” that comes from reflecting God’s heart. \Why This Kind of Love Matters\ • It displays the gospel: “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). • It contradicts human nature, making the supernatural work of the Spirit visible (Galatians 5:22-23). • It draws outsiders to Christ because they see a love they cannot explain (John 13:35). \Practical Steps to Love When It Hurts\ 1. Center on God’s love first ‑ Before engaging the difficult person, rehearse the unmerited grace you have received (Ephesians 2:4-5). 2. Pray specifically ‑ Name the person and ask God to bless, convict, and save them (Matthew 5:44). Prayer shifts our posture from irritation to compassion. 3. Guard your words ‑ “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14). ‑ Decide in advance not to vent, mock, or retaliate. 4. Serve tangibly ‑ Look for simple acts: a meal, a ride, a note of encouragement. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink” (Romans 12:20; cf. Proverbs 25:21). 5. Pursue peace without compromising truth ‑ “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). ‑ Loving does not mean ignoring sin; it means addressing wrongdoing with humility and clarity (Galatians 6:1). 6. Forgive quickly and repeatedly ‑ Jesus commands seventy-times-seven forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22). ‑ Refuse to keep a mental ledger; release the debt to God. 7. Establish healthy boundaries when needed ‑ Even Jesus sometimes withdrew (Mark 6:31). Boundaries protect from enabling harmful patterns while still leaving the door open for grace. 8. Persevere in hope ‑ Love is “patient… bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4,7). ‑ Trust God for results you cannot see; obedience is success. \Helpful Reminders from the Rest of Scripture\ • Luke 6:32-36 echoes Matthew 5, adding, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” • 1 Peter 2:21-23 points to Christ, who “when He was insulted, He did not retaliate.” • Colossians 3:12-14 calls believers to put on “compassion, kindness, humility… and over all these virtues put on love.” • Hebrews 12:3 urges us to “consider Him who endured such hostility,” so we do not grow weary. \Checking Our Motives\ • Am I loving to get credit, or to mirror Christ? • Am I expecting immediate change, or leaving timing to the Lord? • Am I acting in faith even when feelings lag behind? Remember: obedience often precedes emotion. \Living It Out This Week\ • Identify one person who resists or dismisses your kindness. • Choose a concrete act of service for that individual. • Commit to pray for them daily, using their name and asking God to bless them. • Monitor your speech—no subtle digs, no sarcasm. • Review Matthew 5:43-48 each morning to reset your focus. Loving those who do not love us back is never easy, but it is the unmistakable mark of a disciple who takes Jesus’ words literally. As we lean on the Spirit and obey step by step, we showcase a love powerful enough to change hearts—including our own. |
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