Much of our ego decides who deserves love—and, unsurprisingly, we often put ourselves at the top of the list. I know I need grace when I fall short of the glory of God. But what about those we find difficult to love? The unlovable, the unfavorable, or simply those we don't like?
Jesus challenges us with radical love.
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
— Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
This isn’t a suggestion. It’s a command that turns our natural instincts upside down. God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to save the broken—from sin, from shame, and even from ourselves.
The truth is, many of us struggle to believe we are lovable. And when we can’t see that love in ourselves, we begin to project judgment onto others. We recognize their flaws because they reflect our own. We justify our resentment. We say they don’t deserve forgiveness. But grace isn’t about deserving—it’s about giving what was given to us, freely.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22:39
This is not a suggestion. It is the second greatest commandment, after loving God. Who in your life are you withholding love from? Who have you explained away with judgment, even hatred, convinced you’re right to feel that way?
We must release the need to be right. Release the urge to judge. Instead, pursue righteousness, which always begins with love. When we hold onto hate, it slowly corrodes our soul. But when we choose love, even when it hurts, we step closer to the heart of Christ.
I’m reminded of a story about Mother Teresa. In the slums of Calcutta, she and her missionaries were delivering food door to door. They arrived at a home where a Christian mother lived with her five children. They gave her six portions of food. Without hesitation, she took one portion and walked it next door to her Muslim neighbor. That is the love of God—freely given, with no conditions.
Let’s not wait for people to earn our grace. Let’s be the ones who reflect heaven on earth. My brothers and sisters, may we live lives marked by radical love—not because others deserve it, but because God gave it to us first.
