How To Love The People You Don't Like

Let's face it, there are just some people that you just don't like. Maybe it's because of what they said to you or how they act around you or maybe they're just weird. Whatever it is, there are some people that you just can't take. But don't you realize that everybody is messed up in some way ? Each one of us possesses quirks that you and I might not even be aware of. What might seem normal to you may be actually odd to others.

Difficult People. Have you been surrounded with those? I know I have. Those who just can't take a hint. Those who just don't understand. Those who are irritating, obnoxious, cynical, demanding... and it seems that they just don't go away. They show up in a different body with a different name. But *gasp* same person! And guess what the common denominator is? **hint** **hint** God may have placed them in our lives for a reason. And if we tumble on what it is we might somehow be a better person.

We are always involved with people. This is not limited to our significant others only. Fact is, we also deal with our parents/guardians/in-laws, children, siblings and friends. If we stay long enough in these relationships, we would find out that there are differences. Someday, the honeymoon stage will be over and you would see that there are some matters that both of you don't agree on. But at the end of it all, the true test of love comes when we decide not to give up on the relationship and to accept the other for who they are.

I therefore conclude that:
1) God places difficult people in our lives to help us grow up.
2) People is what we love about life and getting along with them is the most difficult aspect of it.

Bottomline: Irreconcilable differences are always there. Relationships are never easy. But it is the human element that makes life what it is.


Love for Enemies (Luke 6:27-31)

27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful