A Christlike Invitation to Love the Unbeliever
Embracing Unconditional Love:
I anticipate that this message might draw some criticism. While perspectives on this topic can vary—some seeing it as biblically sound and others not—I find myself consistently drawn back to the core principle of loving unbelievers through the lens of Christ’s love. This doesn’t mean we act their ways or think like them, but rather reflect Christ’s love through our actions. How else will they experience such profound love if we’re not present in their lives?
I’m advocating for a different approach here. I recognize that in Acts, the early Christians boldly proclaimed messages of repentance and conversion, which was both necessary and culturally appropriate for that time. However, I believe we all perceive things differently. While some may feel convicted by such direct messages, many do not, and in some cases, it drives them out like a raging fire.
As humans, we are deeply moved by love, compassion, kindness, and acts of peace. These qualities can touch our hearts, inspire us to become better people, and even bring us to tears. In contrast, harshness and division often lead to disdain and foster hatred. Sometimes, love and acceptance can draw more hearts to Christ than rebuking ever could.
This approach reflects a Christlike character, not just an abstract imitation of Him. Following Christ isn’t about seeing Him as distant—up and away in heaven—but about diving into the Bible’s testimony of the historical Jesus, the one who walked on earth, healed the broken, and reached out to the lost. It’s about imitating His character, not our own preconceived ideas of what we want Him to be like in order to feel "holier than thou," an attitude He actually criticized in the Pharisees.
If Jesus reached out to the untouchables and dined with the lowliest, why do we think that to be more Christlike we should only surround ourselves with other Christians? We absolutely need fellowship, advice, and edification from fellow believers, especially from elders in the faith, as the Bible instructs us to do. But our calling as followers of Christ doesn’t mean we shut ourselves off from the world or only spend time with those who already share our beliefs. Instead, we should cling to Christ, letting our actions align more closely with His ways, seeking the lost just as He did. If our day-to-day lives are marked by avoiding places because there might be unbelievers, we might as well not leave the house. Jesus left the 99 (us) to seek the one lost sheep (them), and we are called to do the same.
As an ex-New Ager, my heart overflows with compassion and fervent prayer whenever I encounter someone trapped in the same deceptions I once fell for. There are times when I feel I know better and want to tell them they’re wrong and I’m right. While Jesus certainly addressed misconceptions in His time, He did so with wisdom and parables, reaching people’s hearts exactly where they were.
I recognize that I’m not like Jesus. At times, I find myself wanting to rebuke or retreat when conversations veer away from holiness and into darker realms. I can feel out of control in these moments, but I hold on to the truth that God is always in control.
Now, to the topic…
In our journey of faith, one of the most profound invitations we receive is to love those who may not share our beliefs. This call to love an unbeliever isn’t just a guideline; it’s a reflection of the very essence of Christ’s love for humanity.
A Christlike Love: Beyond Belief
When we talk about being “more than Christ,” it’s not about performance but about embodying His unconditional love. Jesus’ interactions with people from all walks of life—sinners, outcasts, and those who did not share His faith—demonstrate a love reach the darkest corners of our society. His love wasn’t contingent upon their belief or behavior but was a pure expression of divine grace.
The Great Commission and Love in Action
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions us to make disciples of all nations. This mission involves more than just sharing our faith verbally; it requires us to live out Christ’s love through our actions. Loving unbelievers can be a powerful testimony to the transformative grace of God. By showing kindness, compassion, and understanding, we reflect Christ’s love and offer a glimpse of His grace. I know this firsthand because I was shown love by Christians when I called myself a witch and was a pagan. They took me in, literally gifted me things (food and toiletries) when I most needed them, and their selfless love was what drew me to church all those years ago—after not attending for decades. They didn’t care who I was, they cared who Jesus is, and that is how I want to live.
Biblical Foundations of Love
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of love. Matthew 22:39 commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves, extending this love to everyone, not just fellow believers. This call to love is not a mere suggestion but a fundamental aspect of living out our faith. Romans 5:8 further highlights this by showing that Christ’s love is given freely, even to those who were still sinners.
Reflecting God’s Love in Everyday Relationships
Loving an unbeliever is a tangible way to reflect God’s boundless love. When we engage with others through genuine, loving relationships, we create opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith. Our patience and kindness can serve as a testament to the transformative power of God’s love.
Embracing the Christlike Call
While there may not be a specific quote that captures the essence of loving the unlovable as Christ did, the sentiment aligns with biblical teachings and the writings of Christian thinkers. C.S. Lewis, in works like "The Four Loves" and "Mere Christianity," often speaks of the profound nature of loving those who are imperfect or difficult to love. Such love mirrors the unconditional grace Christ showed to humanity and invites us to follow His example.
In The Gospel Comes with a House Key, Rosaria Butterfield shares her powerful story of conversion, which was profoundly influenced by the hospitality of a Christian pastor and his wife. As a lesbian professor at Syracuse University, Butterfield initially sought to disprove Christianity. She repeatedly visited the pastor's home, where she was welcomed with kindness and genuine hospitality, without being preached at or condemned. The couple respected her as an individual, even though they did not approve of her lifestyle. Their consistent love and willingness to engage with her without judgment created a space for God to work in her heart. Eventually, this love led her to Christ, and she later became a wife and mother, embracing a transformed life.
This story illustrates the fine line between loving others and accepting everything they do. The pastor and his wife showed kindness, not because they approved of her actions, but because they saw her as an image-bearer of God. Their hospitality mirrored the love of Christ—patient, respectful, and gracious. While they did not condone her choices, they still respected her as a person, which ultimately led her to open her heart to the gospel. As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ's love in a similar way, extending kindness without compromising the truth of Scripture.
In embracing this call, we find that we are indeed most Christlike when we extend our love and grace to those who may not yet believe, reflecting the true nature of divine love. This love isn’t about what others can offer us but about mirroring the grace and kindness that Christ offers to all. It’s not about approving every action, but about seeing each person as an image-bearer of God—respecting them enough to share Christ’s love, even when their choices don’t align with our faith. Our mission is to reflect the light of Christ in the darkness, always standing firm in truth, and sharing His love as we have first received it.
Luna x