The Test of Love: Loving the People Who Challenge Our Hearts

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one area of discipleship that continually stretches the muscle of our spirit, it’s loving the people who are genuinely difficult to love. We all know the drill from our missionary discussions: we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. But when we talk about ‘neighbor,’ are we talking about the people who fill our love batteries—the ones who are easy, predictable, and affirming? Or are we talking about the ones who, frankly, drain the charge?

It’s easy to get caught up in the people who make us feel good about our own capacity for love. We can deceive ourselves into thinking that because we are good at loving the ‘easy’ ones, we are truly great disciples. But the Spirit whispers a different challenge to the returning missionary, the lifelong disciple, and the student preparing for the field.

The Master Himself pointed us to the real test: loving those who are abrasive, those who challenge our patience, and yes, even those who are our enemies. This isn't just theory for a Book Club; this is the daily work of discipleship.

The Source: We Must Be Loved First

One of the most profound takeaways I’ve been pondering lately, especially after reviewing some teachings on this subject, is that love, true, sacrificial love, is not something we manufacture on our own strength. We cannot give what we do not have. This brings to mind the beautiful testimony of Saint Perpetua, whose life story speaks volumes about receiving divine love even through unimaginable hardship.

The principle is clear: We must first be loved by the Father in the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit. That profound, unwavering knowledge of being *definitively* loved—that’s the reservoir that allows us to pour out that same unconditional love to others, regardless of their behavior.

Three Steps for the Internet Missionary

If we take away just three actionable insights from this discussion, I hope they will serve as anchors for our discipleship this week:

1. Acknowledge the Spectrum: It’s okay to recognize who is easy to love and who is difficult. The danger isn't in recognizing the difference; the danger is in letting that recognition become a measure of our own worthiness.
2. Receive First: Make it a priority to feel the fullness of the Atonement. Study the Book of Mormon, read the scriptures, and lean into the covenants. This replenishes the divine energy source.
3. Understand the Flow: Remember that true, selfless love is a one-way street when it comes to giving; it must flow from the boundless source of God’s love into our actions toward others.

This isn't just about being polite; it's about making disciples who can function in the toughest corners of the field, who can build Zion in unexpected places, and who can serve even when the people around them are draining. That is the calling of every member, every day, whether you are in the MTC, in a local ward setting, or serving as an internet missionary from your home.

Keep the Spirit Flowing

If this concept of unconditional love resonates with you, I encourage you to deepen your study. Consider diving into the scriptures through the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook, perhaps focusing on passages related to charity or forgiveness. If you’re looking for a structured way to wrestle with these principles, check out a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces—it’s a wonderful place to work through these tough concepts with others.

For those of you who are actively preparing for the field, or who are feeling the weight of the work, remember that the Spirit is our guide. If you’re unsure how to answer a tough question an investigator might ask about the nature of Christ’s love, don't hesitate to bring it to Davee. He’s ready to walk you through it using his AI Investigator role.

What are *your* hardest people to love right now? Share your thoughts below, or better yet, join us for our free weekly Disciple Challenge this Sunday—it’s a perfect place to test our capacity for charity!