Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. – 1 Corinthians 13:5
At times, we catch ourselves thinking, “It’s really hard to love that person.” Maybe someone irritates us or has wronged us or someone we care about. We hold on to those feelings, letting resentment take root, and that bitterness becomes a barrier between us and following Jesus fully.
Love Requires More Than Tolerance
There’s a popular saying: “You don’t have to like someone, you just have to love them.” But this reduces love to something shallow and insincere. It’s hard to imagine God loving us but not liking us. That idea comes from our own pride—the belief that someone is beneath us or undeserving of our kindness. Often, it’s not about personality differences but about our unwillingness to be humble.
The Power of Forgiveness and Humility
True love begins when we put an end to pride and self-righteousness. If someone has hurt us, we are called to forgive with the same grace God has extended to us through Jesus. We must let go of the offense and ask God to help us respond with kindness instead of bitterness. When that person comes to mind, we can pray for them—asking God to bless them, to help with their struggles, and to grow their faith. Most importantly, we can pray for opportunities to demonstrate real love to them.
Love Keeps Us Connected to God
When we choose not to love others, especially when we nurse grudges or focus on annoyances, we are out of step with God’s heart. It damages our relationship with Him. We can’t honestly say, “I love you, God,” while actively doing what He tells us not to do. Love is a reflection of our connection to Him, and failing to love others breaks that connection.
God Loves—and Likes—Us
Think about the ways God has shown love and forgiveness to you. Consider how often we grieve Him through selfish choices, and yet He still loves us, forgives us, and even delights in being with us. That kind of love should move us to extend grace to others. If God can love us at our worst, we can love others too—genuinely, humbly, and with compassion.
Love in Action
This is what love looks like—not passive tolerance, but active, intentional care. Love that forgives. Love that prays. Love that reaches out. Love that reflects the heart of God.
This is love! Exclamation point love!