How to Love Someone You Don’t Like

Some folks maintain the notion that Jesus said we "have to love people" but "don't have to like them". Besides the fact that Jesus never said this... there are other reasons this false idea is holding you back from loving the way you were made to love.

Today, Fr. Mark-Mary dives deep into what it means to "like" someone and how we can show true, authentic love to everyone (and... in fact... that is our calling).

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[Ra]

I spoke with a priest about this just a week ago. As he reminded me, "prudence" is the king of virtues. Use it with all relationships. Being a Christian does NOT mean to be a doormat. The bare minimum is to be charitable, whatever that looks like in your own prudence.

[chrismeloy]

I still remember a sermon from probably 25 years ago when the priest said something to the effect of, “love your neighbor doesn’t mean you have to go on a picnic with them “.

[pennybrooks]

Gosh, I really need prayer/divine intervention in this area. My mom and myself have such a tumultuous relationship.

[melanudrigill]

The way I've always thought of it to myself is that it's not fake if you are projecting the behaviour you are legitimately striving for. It might not be how you feel at this moment, but it is how you want to feel and are striving to feel. Like if someone beats you at something, you go an congratulate them despite feeling crummy and disappointed, and it's not fake because you want to be the sort of person who would congratulate them, and you're starting with the outward appearance of it as a kind of practice.

[mariapepper]

❤ Dear Fr., thank you for your beautiful lessons. I have tried, for years, to do what you suggest. Then I realized that I must remove myself from toxic relationships. They are occasion for sin and turmoil. I want peace in my life. When I was critical of a certain politician and expressed my opinion of right to life, my friend of 40 years threatened me and verbally abused me. My eyes were opened to the realization that she has been doing this to me for years. I ended our friendship. I hold no grudge. I do not hate her. I do have such peace and comfort and feel closer to God than ever before. God bless you. 🙏💞💕

[jen]

This is so affirming as I've been struggling with this for years with an in-law. I started praying for him and instead of avoiding conversations with him, I've been asking him sincere questions. Even though he only talks about himself the entire time and still treats me poorly compared to others, I see how much he loves his wife and kids and am able to see the good in him.

[debbie]

I pray for those who have hurt me that we all become the Saints our Lord made us to be.... I refuse to put myself in a position to purposely interact with people who have proven to be toxic, abusive, controlling to the point of coercion and/or have shown a propensity to be physically aggressive toward me My goal is to do no harm and maintain healthy boundries with people who act more like publicans than Christians .... Connecting with those I struggle to be drawn to isn't an issue by the glorious grace of our God

[illigirl]

Someone being 'annoying' is one thing...someone being emotionally abusive or physically is another, definitely keep distance from them for your own safety.

[Eulampia]

I have trouble loving my mother in law who has hurt me in the past for no reason . The Lord convicted me to forgive her this past Lent . Now I have trouble loving my brother in law who is a narcissistic free mason . Thank you for this video ✝️🙏🏼✨🤍

[margaretbearsley]

Thank you Fr Mark-Mary, for proclaiming the actual Gospel. Not the easy-way-out Gospel. Take up your Cross, and do God's will ❤❤❤

[minnie_min]

I was struggling with this for the whole week!!!! There is someone that I should really love in my family but I realised I actually dislike them and it was weighing on me.
What a timely video😮

[raquelMcN]

I've tried, but I can't seem to reconcile loving people that have hurt me or forgiving them. I know it's wrong and hope some day God gives me the grace. I'm not there yet I tend to tell myself that God can understand.
Thanks Fr.Mark.

[edelmiraespinosa]

That's the hardest thing to do as a Catholic, not have bad feelings for people who hate us or criticize Jesus or our Mother Mary.

[PILI]

Ty for the reminder. As we approach this holiday season it’s easy to fall into these traps. I will prepare and pray!

[shareenchoudhury-leighton]

💙 This is challenging... i 🙏 pray that i may overcome it through prayer, humility & love & God's guidance 💙

[v-veritas]

There is a big difference between turning the other cheek when being with someone we don't like and being a doormat.
When we encounter people that rob us of our energy for no reason but to feed themselves attention, we have an obligation to defend ourselves.
God doesn't call us to be sweeties, but holy. If it means suffering by being with someone we don't like, then so be it. We should treat everyone with love, but we should also have appropriate love towards ourselves and cut ties with people that aren't good for us.

[mommagoose]

Thank you! This is just what I needed to hear. God bless!

[akmark]

Thanks for the video... a lot to think about Fr. Mark. I totally get the loving part (forgive and repentance of the soul). But I'm not too keen on the idea of liking without some degree of fakeness... especially because people are mere vessels for the soul and do not necessarily reflect or mirror their soul.

[laurascott]

Ouch. So convicting as I struggle with how to handle a specific relationship in my life. This video didn’t give me any answers or resolution per se, but it reminded me that I have work to do and there’s no way I’m gonna do it without involving Jesus every step of the way…

[chemone]

Thank you for clarity in this area. God bless you and everyone here!