What does it mean to say we love everyone? Nothing in this indicates that we desire them in any way except to feel goodwill and love. I am not shy about telling someone I love them, either male or female. This means that I really do feel God’s love tor the person.
Here is what Jesus said about this in Matthew 22 and Matthew 5.
Teacher, which is the Greatest Commandment in the Law?
Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.”
We must adopt a continual attitude of love for our fellow man (our brother and sister), even strangers, but especially those we know. This should be central in our life. We gain nothing by harboring a grudge; it hurts us, not the other person. There is no gain, only loss, it just creates problems for ourselves.
If there is an issue that bothers us, we should talk it out with the other person, not accuse them behind their back. It is far better to feel and express love, than to keep thinking we are being harmed or taken advantage of.
If we feel even the tiniest bit of animosity toward another person, we must ask the Lord for forgiveness of this sin. We should pray about it together.
I write this because of my love for you. I felt that I must bring this up, as lack of love for anyone we know and speaking against them is terrible in the eyes of Christ. This is one of the worst sins and can keep a person from a loving relationship with the Lord which is an absolute necessity if we are to be with Him forever.
But Satan wants none of this. Here is another example of Satan working in our lives. Satan is very clever and he will do anything to keep us from showing love to others. Also he wants to cause problems in our marriage, and keep us out of Heaven. When we argue about something, most of the time it is caused by Satan. Nothing is so important that we should not talk it out and then forget about it, not harbor it.
It is a very serious thing to Jesus to accuse someone of doing a bad thing. Whether you think you are justified or not isn’t the issue. Even thinking these thoughts is sinful. We are taught to love everyone, not run them down or accuse them, or even feel annoyance. We must forgive everyone for anything that bothers us, and as evidence, then show them our love. I have been guilty of this in my life but now am doing my best to avoid any semblance of it.