Loving others is easy when they’re kind, respectful, and appreciative. But what about those who betray us, mistreat us, or make our lives difficult? The Bible calls us to love even the most difficult people, and no one exemplified this better than Jesus and Judas.
📖 Luke 6:27 (KJV)
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.”
Jesus didn’t just teach this—He lived it.
Jesus and Judas: Love in the Face of Betrayal
Judas Iscariot wasn’t just a disciple; he was personally chosen by Jesus. He walked with Him, witnessed His miracles, and yet, in the end, he betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver.
📖 Matthew 26:48-50 (KJV)
“And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come?”
✔ Jesus called Judas “friend” even as he betrayed Him.
✔ He didn’t retaliate or speak harshly.
✔ He loved Judas until the very end.
If Jesus could love a man who handed Him over to be crucified, how much more should we love those who are difficult but haven’t done nearly as much harm?
How Can We Love Difficult People?
1. See Them Through God’s Eyes
Difficult people are often hurting people. They act out of their own wounds, fears, or insecurities.
📖 Ephesians 4:2 (KJV)
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”
✔ Instead of reacting in frustration, ask: What might they be struggling with?
✔ Pray for patience and understanding.
2. Love Through Actions, Not Just Feelings
Jesus didn’t just tolerate Judas; He washed his feet the night before He was betrayed.
📖 John 13:14-15 (KJV)
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
✔ Love is a choice, not a feeling.
✔ Serve, forgive, and show kindness, even when it’s undeserved.
3. Set Boundaries While Showing Grace
Loving difficult people doesn’t mean allowing them to abuse or manipulate us. Jesus loved Judas, but He didn’t entrust Himself to him.
📖 Matthew 10:16 (KJV)
“Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
✔ Love doesn’t mean enabling toxic behavior.
✔ Be wise about how much influence difficult people have over you.
Love Like Jesus
Jesus loved without conditions. Even on the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him:
📖 Luke 23:34 (KJV)
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
✔ Who is the “difficult person” in your life today?
✔ Ask God for strength to love them, not just tolerate them.
✔ Let your love reflect Jesus, even when it’s hard.
Because true love isn’t about how others treat us—it’s about how Christ loves through us. ❤️🙏
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