God commands us to love our Christian brothers and sisters. Loving our spiritual family is not optional, nor is it a command we can choose to follow only when we feel like it.
Even though some people’s personalities clash with ours, or they have habits that bother us, we must work hard to look past these minor issues and treat them as family.
”I Have to Love Him, But I Don’t Have to Like Him”
Some people say, “I have to love my brother, but I don’t have to like him.” This is often a way to cope with the reality that some Christians can be overbearing, insensitive, or annoying.
But can we truly love someone if we actively avoid them? We cannot show genuine hospitality, help, or concern to someone we are constantly trying to run away from.
A better approach is to look past their irritating traits and focus on their soul. A gentle, loving word of correction might help chisel away their rough edges and make them easier to get along with.
We should also remember to be humble: while some people grate on our nerves, we probably annoy others too!
Putting Up With One Another
In Colossians 3:13, the apostle Paul addresses the need to make a special effort to love the unlovable:
Bear with each other and forgive one another… — Colossians 3:13
The Greek word for “bear” is the same one used when God suffers or bears with us (Matthew 17:17, Mark 9:19). Elsewhere, it is used in the sense of “putting up with” someone (2 Corinthians 11:1, 19).
We all come from different backgrounds, incomes, and educational levels. Because we are so different, we must make a conscious decision to put up with one another.
We cannot allow personal dislike to hold back our love. As Jesus pointed out:
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? — Matthew 5:46
Private Reflection Journal
What is one thing from this study that you can apply to your life today? Jot down your thoughts below.