There will be days when we must deal with difficult people—those who seem hardened, unkind, or even hostile. Maybe it’s someone in authority, someone you’re required to check in with, or simply someone you encounter regularly. It can feel exhausting, discouraging, or even unjust.

But here’s a shift in perspective: What has that person been through? What burdens are they carrying? Somewhere along the way, their heart might’ve been softer. Maybe they entered their role to help, to guide, or to protect—but the weight of dealing with brokenness day after day may have crushed their spirit.

That doesn’t excuse poor behavior, but it can help us understand it. And when we understand, we can respond with grace.

Jesus never told us to love the lovable. He told us to love our enemies. He didn’t say, “Be kind to those who are kind to you,” but rather, “Do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). He demonstrated this Himself—showing compassion to the very ones who would betray, beat, and crucify Him. Why? Because His love is not conditional. It is transformational.

So when you face a hardened heart, respond with gentleness. Show mercy. Offer grace. Not because they deserve it—but because we didn’t deserve it either, yet He gave it freely.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

— Ephesians 4:32

And maybe next time you see that difficult person, say:

“I know what you do isn’t easy. I just want you to know—I see it, and I appreciate it.”

A little grace can go a long way. Sometimes the love of Christ is best shown not in sermons, but in how we treat the hardest hearts.

 

Rev. Carlos Figueroa