I have been thinking a lot recently about how to deal with the people in my life who I find difficult to like. It could be any of a number of people – a family member or co-worker, the person next to me at church (gasp!), or even someone on the freeway or in the grocery store. But the point is that there’s a chasm between them and me and I am finding it very hard to like them. How do I deal with that?

Jesus’ commandment was to love everyone but, man, it can be tough sometimes!

As I was thinking this through a bit, a song came on the radio that reminded me that Jesus loves all of us – equally and the same. He yearns for a relationship with each of his creations. He yearns for intimate communion with that relative, co-worker or other “unlikable” person every bit as much as he does with me.

When God looks at all of us, He could see us as contemptible and unworthy -- prone to sin, and full of pride. Yet He looks beyond that and what He really sees is a child who He loves and longs for.

How can I capture that attitude toward those in my life with whom I have issues? Yes, it is a matter of allowing God’s love to flow through me. And how I want to do that! But yet there is still that human element which pulls me back and makes it such a challenge.

I know that part of this revolves around not building walls between myself and others. But I confess, I struggle with this. I hit points where I see others as just standing in my way and my reaction is to just don’t deal with them. That is a pride thing for me. Humility can win out over that.

Moving forward, reminding myself of how God loves me despite my faults, and how He loves that other person despite their faults, can help.

But it’s still a challenge.

Like I have said before, no one ever said this whole "take up your cross and follow me" would be easy. But, with God's help, I can make progress.