Loving Others as Christ Loves Us—Even When We Don’t Agree
Loving others isn’t always easy, especially when we disagree with them—whether it’s over personal choices, lifestyle, or, in today’s world, politics. With social media and the 24-hour news cycle, it seems like we’re constantly surrounded by people who think differently than we do. And if we’re honest, it’s tempting to get frustrated, avoid those conversations, or even walk away from relationships altogether.
But here’s the thing: Jesus calls us to something greater. He calls us to love others with the same grace and compassion He has shown us, even when it’s difficult—especially when it’s difficult. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Notice He didn’t say, “Love those who agree with you,” or “Love those who share your beliefs.” He said to love everyone, and that includes those who may stand on the opposite side of the political aisle. So how do we do that when the disagreements feel so personal or when the issues are deeply tied to our values?
1. Remember Christ’s Example of Unconditional Love
When Jesus walked the earth, He encountered people from all walks of life. Many didn’t agree with His teachings or even who He was. Yet He extended love and grace to all of them—whether they were tax collectors, Pharisees, or sinners. In fact, Jesus’ most powerful act of love—dying on the cross—was done for everyone, including those who mocked Him and nailed Him to the cross.
This is the model for how we are called to love others. Christ’s love was unconditional, sacrificial, and extended even to those who opposed Him. If He can love that way, then surely, we can strive to love those with whom we simply disagree politically.
2. Love Isn’t About Winning an Argument
In our culture, it’s easy to think that the goal of any disagreement is to prove we’re right. We want to make sure our voice is heard, and we often equate being right with winning. But when it comes to loving others, Christ calls us to a different standard. Our goal shouldn’t be to win arguments—it should be to reflect His love.
I’ve found myself in conversations where the urge to “set someone straight” was strong. But in those moments, God gently reminds me that my witness is more important than winning. Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” The truth is, love isn’t about who’s right or wrong; it’s about treating the other person with the dignity and respect that every child of God deserves.
This doesn’t mean we have to agree with everyone or back down from our beliefs. It means we must approach conversations with a heart of humility, recognizing that the relationship and how we reflect Christ matter more than getting the last word.
3. See the Person, Not the Politics
In today’s polarized world, it’s easy to reduce people to their political views. We hear someone’s stance on an issue and immediately label them as part of “the other side.” But when we do this, we forget that the person on the other side of that argument is more than their opinions—they are someone created in the image of God.
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus tells us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” It’s a radical kind of love—one that sees past labels, political parties, and opinions, and instead focuses on the person’s worth in God’s eyes.
I’ve been in situations where I had strong disagreements with someone politically, but when I took a step back and saw the person, not just their politics, my heart softened. It allowed me to love them for who they are, rather than getting caught up in our differences. And often, it’s through these genuine connections that real conversations—and real change—can happen.
4. Rely on God’s Grace
Let’s be honest—loving people we disagree with is hard, and sometimes it feels impossible. But the good news is we don’t have to do it on our own. God’s grace is sufficient, even in this. When we feel our hearts hardening or frustration creeping in, we can ask God to give us the grace to love like He loves.
Romans 12:18 encourages us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Peace doesn’t mean there won’t be disagreements, but it does mean that we can approach those disagreements with grace, patience, and love. And when we fall short (because we will), we can rely on God to give us the strength to keep loving.
5. Let Love Be Your Legacy
The truth is, long after the political debates are forgotten, what will remain is how we treated one another. Jesus said that people would know we are His disciples by our love. That’s the legacy we’re called to leave—not a legacy of winning arguments or standing our ground politically, but a legacy of Christ-like love.
So, as we navigate this polarized world, let’s choose to love others as Christ loves us. Let’s listen with compassion, speak with grace, and treat others with the dignity they deserve as children of God. In the end, it’s not about proving we’re right—it’s about reflecting the love of the One who gave everything for us.
