In a world bustling with diffferent personalities, opinions, and behaviours, protecting your inner peace while extending unconditional love to others can seem like walking a tightrope. Yet, this tightrope walk is not just possible; it’s a journey filled with growth, laughter, and the occasional falls. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, who loved unconditionally yet navigated the complexities of human interactions with grace, we can learn to do the same. Here’s a guide on how to love others—even those who might not seem to deserve it—while still safeguarding your own peace and well-being.

Embracing Unconditional Love

Jesus's command to love others as ourselves wasn't accompanied by a footnote saying, "Only if they're nice to you." His was a love that knew no bounds, a love that washed the feet of betrayers and forgave those who nailed him to the cross. If that isn’t setting the bar high, I don’t know what is. But how do we emulate this in a world where someone cutting infront of you in traffic can ruin our morning?

Step 1: Love Like a Pro

First, it's important to understand that loving like Jesus doesn’t mean liking everyone. You can love someone from a distance, wishing them well without wanting to share a pizza with them. Love, in this sense, is a commitment to kindness and respect, not necessarily a bid for best friendship. Think of it as being the bigger person, even when you’d rather be the person rolling your eyes.

Step 2: Set Boundaries Like a Boss

Jesus was a master of boundaries. He took time for solitude, distanced himself from critics, and didn’t hesitate to call out hypocrisy. Following this example, setting healthy boundaries is not just advisable; it's essential. Loving others doesn't mean allowing them to disrespect you or drain your energy. It's okay to say, "I love you, but I don't love what you're doing." It’s like telling someone they have spinach in their teeth—it might be uncomfortable, but it’s for their own good (and yours).

Step 3: Keep Your Peace

Protecting your peace is an art form. It involves mastering the delicate balance between caring deeply and not sweating the small stuff. It’s recognizing that you can't control others, but you can control your reactions to them. When faced with negativity, instead of reacting with frustration, try a dose of humour. Picture the offender as a toddler throwing a tantrum in a superhero costume. It’s hard to stay mad at that.

Step 4: Forgive Like You Have Amnesia

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of loving unconditionally. It doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing bad behaviour; it means freeing yourself from the burden of holding a grudge. Think of it as emotional decluttering. You wouldn’t keep a fridge full of expired milk, so why keep resentments that are past their expiration date?

Step 5: Practice Empathy Like a Mind Reader

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s like putting yourself in their shoes, even if those shoes are a bit uncomfortable or not your style. By trying to see the world from someone else’s perspective, you can cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and understanding. This doesn’t mean you agree with everything they do or say, but it does mean you’re trying to understand where they’re coming from. It’s the emotional equivalent of trying to read a book in dim light; challenging, but enlightening.

Step 6: Cultivate Patience Like a Gardener

Patience is key to both loving others and protecting your peace. Think of it as planting a garden; you can’t rush the growth of your plants, just like you can’t rush your personal growth or the improvement of others. Patience involves recognizing that everyone is on their own journey and that change takes time. It’s about giving yourself and others the space to grow, making peace with the fact that not everything happens overnight. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is water your plants, sit back, and enjoy the sun

Remember, it's about progress, not perfection. So, the next time someone tests your patience, take a deep breath, channel your inner zen master, and maybe—just maybe—offer them a metaphorical olive branch. After all, if Jesus could love unconditionally in a world without chocolate, Wi-Fi, or cat videos, we can certainly give it a try.

Article by: Micayla Niemack