Dislike is a natural feeling, but the Bible teaches us to overcome it with love and grace. God’s Word encourages us to treat others with kindness, even when it’s difficult. Today, we’ll reflect on how Scripture guides us to rise above negative feelings and show Christ-like love to everyone.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Dishonor Parents
What Does The Bible Say About Dislike
1 John 4:20
If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
This verse reminds us that our love for God should be demonstrated by our love for others. When we harbor dislike or hatred towards our fellow believers, it reveals a lack of love for God. Therefore, it is important for us to examine our hearts and cultivate love towards others, even when it is challenging.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
Dislike and hatred can lead to conflict and division, but love has the power to bring healing and reconciliation. This verse encourages us to choose love over animosity and to seek reconciliation rather than allowing dislike to breed conflict. Love has the ability to cover the wrongs committed towards us and foster unity among believers.
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Jesus taught us to love even those who dislike us or treat us poorly. As Christians, we are called to extend love and kindness even to our enemies. This verse challenges us to rise above our natural inclinations and to respond to dislike with love and prayers for those who dislike us, trusting that God can change hearts through His transformative love.
Romans 12:20
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul quotes from Proverbs 25:21-22, urging us to respond to dislike or hatred with acts of kindness and generosity. By doing so, we not only demonstrate the love of Christ but also have the potential to bring conviction and a change of heart to those who dislike us.
Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
Wisdom enables us to have patience and discernment when faced with dislike or offense. Rather than harboring grudges or seeking revenge, this verse encourages us to overlook offenses and extend forgiveness. By choosing to respond with grace and forgiveness, we reflect the glory of our heavenly Father.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
This famous passage from Corinthians reminds us of the attributes of love. When we encounter dislike, it is an opportunity to exercise patience, kindness, and humility. Love calls us to resist the temptation to seek our own interests and instead focus on the well-being of others. By embodying these characteristics, we demonstrate Christ-like love in the face of dislike.
Luke 6:27-28
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Jesus encourages us to respond to dislike and mistreatment with love and acts of kindness. Our natural inclination may be to retaliate or ignore those who dislike us, but Jesus challenges us to rise above our instincts and demonstrate His transformative love through our actions. Praying for those who mistreat us can soften our hearts and help us to see them through the lens of compassion.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
In the face of dislike or offense, this verse calls us to bear with one another and extend forgiveness. Just as God has forgiven us, we are called to forgive others, releasing them from the chains of our bitterness or resentment. Forgiveness allows us to move forward in love and promotes reconciliation in relationships.
1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
When faced with dislike or mistreatment, we are called to respond with kindness and blessings rather than retaliating with evil or insults. This verse reminds us that our response to dislike should be one that reflects the grace and love of God. By doing so, we position ourselves to receive the blessings that come from obedience to His teachings.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
In our interactions with others, especially when there is dislike or animosity, we are called to be kind and compassionate. This verse also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. Jesus’ sacrificial act of forgiveness towards us serves as a model for how we should forgive others, even when they dislike us. Letting go of bitterness and extending grace can bring about restoration and healing in relationships.
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
When dealing with dislike or conflict, this verse reminds us of the importance of practicing good communication. Listening attentively, speaking thoughtfully, and controlling our anger are essential in resolving disputes in a manner that is pleasing to God. By seeking understanding and expressing ourselves respectfully, we can foster healthier relationships and work towards reconciliation.
Matthew 5:48
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
While it may seem impossible to respond to dislike perfectly, this verse challenges us to strive for godly perfection in our attitudes and actions. We are called to imitate our heavenly Father, who is perfect in love and holiness. Though we may stumble along the way, this verse urges us to continuously grow in our ability to respond to dislike with grace, love, and forgiveness.
Psalm 34:14
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
In the face of dislike, this verse instructs us to turn from evil and choose to do good instead. We are called to actively pursue peace, seeking reconciliation and understanding. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of love and harmony, and as followers of Christ, we are to be instruments of peace in all our interactions.
Romans 12:17-18
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
This verse instructs us to resist the urge to repay evil with evil. Even when we are faced with dislike or mistreatment, we are to commit to doing what is right and seeking peace. While reconciliation may not always be possible, we are called to do our part in pursuing peace and maintaining harmonious relationships to the best of our ability.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
When faced with dislike or conflict, responding with gentleness can diffuse tension and foster understanding. This verse reminds us that our words hold power and can either escalate or deescalate a situation. By choosing our words carefully and responding with kindness, we can create an environment that promotes resolution and reconciliation.
Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Unity among believers is a beautiful and desirable thing. This verse reminds us of the importance of living in harmony with fellow believers, even when there may be moments of dislike or disagreement. Striving for unity requires us to extend love and grace to one another, leading to a greater sense of community and reflecting the heart of God.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
In our relationships with others, including those who may dislike us, this verse encourages us to demonstrate devotion and love. By honoring others above ourselves, we prioritize their well-being and seek to build healthy and respectful relationships. This sacrificial love can create an environment where dislike is diminished, and mutual understanding and appreciation can flourish.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.
When faced with dislike, we can draw on the fruit of the Holy Spirit that resides within us. Love, peace, kindness, and self-control can help us navigate difficult relationships and respond in a manner that aligns with God’s will. By relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can cultivate a Christ-like character that shines brightly even in the face of animosity.
Proverbs 25:21
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
This verse reminds us of the power of kindness and generosity in overcoming dislike. Rather than withholding provision or assistance from those who dislike us, we are called to meet their needs as an act of love. In doing so, we demonstrate Christ’s transformative love and may even find hearts softened towards reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Humility, gentleness, and patience are qualities that enable us to navigate relationships marked by dislike or conflict. This verse reminds us of the importance of bearing with one another in love and approaching every interaction with a spirit of humility. By cultivating these attributes, we can foster healthier relationships and work towards resolution and unity.
James 3:18
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
In situations where dislike and conflict are present, we have the opportunity to sow seeds of peace. By actively seeking to bring about reconciliation and understanding, we can contribute to a harvest of righteousness. Our efforts to make peace align with God’s desires for His people and can bring positive transformation in relationships.
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
This verse calls us to examine our motives and shift our focus from self-centeredness to valuing others. By considering the needs and interests of those who dislike us, we demonstrate humility and Christ-like love. Through genuine care and concern for others, we can foster reconciliation and build bridges of understanding.
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Known as the “Golden Rule,” this verse encapsulates the essence of responding to dislike. Just as we desire to be treated with respect and kindness, we are called to extend the same to others. By putting ourselves in their shoes and treating them as we would want to be treated, we emulate the heart of God and create opportunities for reconciliation and restoration.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
When we encounter dislike or mistreatment, this verse urges us to resist the temptation to seek retaliation or revenge. Instead, we are called to respond with goodness and kindness. By actively striving to do what is good for others, even those who dislike us, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ’s love and set an example for others.