Loving Beyond Lovable: Preparing Our Hearts for Holiday Gatherings

The holidays have a way of shining light on both the joy and the tension in our lives.

We decorate the house, warm up the cider, and hope—maybe this year—the conversations will be easier…
the politics won’t sting…
the old wounds won’t reopen…
and the people we love will feel a little more lovable.

But Jesus never limited His call to love to the easy moments or the agreeable people.

In Matthew 5:43–48, He says:

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

It’s such a beautiful and painful invitation.

Not to love perfectly.
Not to love without boundaries.
But to love beyond lovable.

🌸 When Family Feels Hard

Let’s be honest.
Family gatherings can stir up complicated emotions.

Not because we don’t love our people…but because history, personality differences, politics, and old rifts walk into the room with them.

Sometimes as we prepared for the season, we might feel a little dread settle in.
The “what if” scenarios.
The memories of words spoken years ago.
The ache of relationships that haven’t healed the way I prayed they would.

But then Jesus’ remind us again: “Love them anyway.”

Not because they’ve earned it.
Not because it’s easy.
But because this is where His love comes alive.

Honestly–we need JUST AS MUCH GRACE RIGHT BACK–RIGHT???

🌿 Loving Beyond Lovable Looks Like…

Here are a few simple heart postures to carry into the season:

1. Choose peace over proving.
You don’t need to win the debate.
You don’t need them to agree with you.
Peace is the greater victory.

2. Set boundaries with grace.
Loving someone doesn’t mean giving them unlimited access.
Good boundaries protect peace.

3. Pray before you go.
Ask God for eyes to see them as He does—
broken, beloved, human.

4. Release expectations.
They may not change.
But you can choose how you show up.

5. Look for small openings for kindness.
A soft response.
A changed subject.
A quiet prayer whispered under your breath.

This is what it means to love with Jesus-style love: strong, steady, rooted in grace.

🌾 The Secret Strength of Uncomfortable Love

Jesus doesn’t call us to comfortable love.
He calls us to holy love—love that looks like the Father.

Love that stretches us.
Love that humbles us.
Love that frees us.

And here’s the truth: When we choose to love beyond lovable, we often discover that God is healing us in the process.

Maybe the miracle this season isn’t that they change…but that we do.

That your heart grows softer, your roots grow deeper, and your spirit grows stronger.

💛 A Simple Prayer for the Season

“Lord, teach me how to love like You.
Give me eyes of compassion, a heart of humility, and the strength to choose peace where tension wants to rise.
Make me more like You in every room I enter. Amen.”

Happy Thanksgiving Friend!