This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12 (KJV)

This verse commands us to love others as Jesus loves us. It is not a suggestion, but a command.

How does Jesus love us? He is patient with us when we’re rebellious and hard to get along with. He loves us when we talk too much or when we don’t listen to His instruction. He is caring, kind, and forgiving. He accepts us with our flaws, faults, and failings. He loves us when we respond the wrong way to others, being rude, selfish or just focused on our own way. He loves us and works with us where we are.

Jesus does not give up on us, and we shouldn’t give up on ourselves or on others. Even when someone is mistreating us or is hard to get along with, we must respond in love and wisdom. Of course, God does not like His children to be mistreated. For example, He does not expect a woman who is abused by her husband to remain in that situation. Yet, He expects us to walk in love towards other people. We are to be patient with them and remember that they are motivated by the devil. We don’t fight against people, but against the wicked spirits influencing them.

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1 (New Living Translation, NLT)

If we respond to people the wrong way; if we speak harsh words because they did, we will not end the cycle of division and strife. Always respond in love whether they do or not. At least you did what Jesus commanded. Leave the end results with God. Eventually God will work it out for your good and what’s best. As Jesus loves us, we are to do the same. The highest law of relationships is that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.