A Prayer for When It’s Hard to Love Others - Your Daily Prayer - June 4

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A Prayer for When It’s Hard to Love Others
By Sophia Bricker

Bible Reading:
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8, NLT). 

Listen or Read Below:

Max learns about the challenges of being in a family in the film Where the Wild Things Are (2009). After running away from home to an island inhabited by wild creatures, he befriends the motley crew that describes itself as a “family.” Yet Max finds himself unable to control Carol's rising rage and hurt, who initially welcomed him into the group. Running from his friend, who threatens to eat him, he hides with another one of the creatures, named KW. She protects Max from Carol’s rage and tells the boy what he has already witnessed: It is hard being a family.

The wild things had wanted a king who would keep them together and shield them from sadness. In many ways, that is what Max had wanted, too – to somehow protect himself from life’s troubles. But he is, after all, only a boy in a wolf outfit. And even the greatest king in the world cannot prevent sadness, let alone a family. Loving others and being loved come with a mix of joy and hurt that is unpredictable and often uncontrollable.

Being in a family of any sort–whether by blood, choice, or spirit–is hard because loving others is difficult. C. S. Lewis described this well in his book The Four Loves, “To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one.” 

The Apostle Paul encountered this when providing guidance to church families, navigating the various conflicts and issues that each faced. When confronting the Corinthian church with its division over spiritual gifts and worship, he reminded them of the greater issue: love. It did not matter if they had the greatest abilities that drew widespread attention if they did not act in love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). 

Similarly, Paul reminded the Philippians to model Christ's attitude in their interactions with one another. Humans are quick to look after their own interests, but the Apostle instructed the church to seek the good of others (Philippians 2:3-4). As he wrote, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5, NIV). 

Our Lord showed us what love looks like when He laid down His life for us, instructing us to do the same for others (John 15:12-13; also see 1 John 3:16). Such love for our neighbors, including our families, friends, enemies, and brothers and sisters in Christ, is difficult because it is not natural. We would prefer the ability to control situations, for people to agree with us, and for them to reciprocate our care. Yet Jesus shows us that the task of loving others involves sacrifice. It is messy and hard work, but it is possible with the work of the Spirit. 

No, doing so will not keep the sadness out or ensure that everyone stays together. However, love is worth it because it mirrors the great compassion that we have received from the nail-scarred hands of God.    

Let’s Pray:

Savior, I am amazed by Your choice to enter this broken world, taking the curse of sin upon Yourself, to save all people. Who am I that I should receive such love? You died for me even though I have hurt You by choosing to do wrong, and, even now, I often turn away when I need You the most. Why then, Lord, do I struggle to love those around me, regardless of their past and flaws? Am I not equally guilty as they are of breaking a heart or uttering a careless word?

Work in me to produce the fruit of love–sacrificial and wildly generous love that seeks nothing other than to reflect the love You have given me. Produce in me by Your Spirit a new way of life that is marked by grace and mercy. And to love, even when it’s hard.

In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/tommaso79

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site  Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.

Related Resource: Establishing a Routine of Rest

For a long time, rest felt less like a gift and more like a guilty indulgence — something to be earned, something to feel vaguely ashamed of, something that productive, faithful people did not really need. In a world that measures worth by output, the idea of stopping feels dangerously close to falling behind.

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