There’s a hard truth I’ve been learning lately: you can love people wholeheartedly, with a pure heart and open hands, and they still won’t love you back. In fact, some won’t even like you—no matter how kind, loyal, or genuine you are. And sometimes, it won’t make any sense. You’ll search your heart trying to find where you went wrong, but the truth is, you didn’t. Some people are just dealing with their own pain, jealousy, or brokenness. Still, love them anyway.
Why? Because that’s the nature of God.
Look at Joseph. He loved his brothers so deeply that he shared his dreams with them, thinking they would celebrate with him. He had no idea that the very people he trusted with his vision were harboring jealousy in their hearts. They betrayed him—not strangers, not enemies, but his own blood. They threw him into a pit and sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:3–28). But through it all, Joseph never allowed bitterness to take root. He kept his heart pure. And in the end, God elevated him (Genesis 41:39–41).
And what about Cain and Abel? Abel gave God his best, and Cain hated him for it. Not because Abel wronged him—but because Cain let jealousy consume him. In a fit of envy, Cain took his brother’s life (Genesis 4:3–8). Again, we see that sometimes, your righteousness, your love, and your light will stir up resentment in others. Even those closest to you.
Let me tell you this revelation: being hurt by people because they don’t love you back is normal. But it doesn’t give you the right to become nasty or vengeful in return. As a child of God, you’re called to a higher standard. Look at Jesus—He was bruised, beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross. Yet even as He suffered, He didn’t hold those who crucified Him in His heart with hatred. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”(Luke 23:34). He still loved them. He still died for them—just like He died for you.
The Bible tells us that love is the greatest gift (1 Corinthians 13:13), and that we owe no one anything except to love them (Romans 13:8). So, no matter what people do, no matter how they treat you—continue to love. That is your calling as a child of God.
Family can betray you. Friends can turn cold. Strangers can misunderstand you. But don’t let it change your heart.
Remain loving. Stay kind. Keep showing up with grace and compassion—not because people deserve it, but because that’s who you are. That’s who God is. His love is unconditional, steadfast, and consistent—even when we fail to return it. And as His children, we are called to reflect that same love.
So, love them anyway. Not for applause. Not for validation. But because you carry the heart of God.
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