When Jesus was asked what mattered most in life, He didn’t say wealth, power, or even knowledge. He said love.
You might be wondering: Where in the Bible does it say to love everyone?
Is that command really for everybody even people who hurt us, offend us, or believe differently?
Let’s walk through the Bible together and see what it truly says about loving others no matter who they are.
The Heart of the Gospel Is Love
At the core of Christianity is this powerful, life-altering truth:
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39
Jesus spoke these words when someone asked Him which commandment was the greatest. His answer?
“‘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.’” Matthew 22:37–39
That second commandment doesn’t come with exceptions. It doesn’t say “love your neighbor unless they’re rude” or “love your neighbor if they believe what you believe.” It simply says love them.
Who Counts As “Everyone”?
Let’s be honest. It’s easy to love people who are kind to us. But what about those who are difficult? What about strangers or people who hurt us?
Jesus made it clear:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43–44
That’s a radical command.
Jesus didn’t just talk about it He lived it. Even as He was being nailed to the cross, He prayed for His enemies:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
The Bible’s call to love everyone includes friends, family, strangers, and even enemies. It’s not just a suggestion. It’s the very lifestyle of Jesus.
Bible Verses About Loving Others Unconditionally
If you’re searching for specific Bible verses that encourage you to love everyone, here are some key ones:
John 13:34 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
1 John 4:7–8 – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God… Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Romans 13:8 – “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
Galatians 5:14 – “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
These verses remind us that love isn’t based on how we feel it’s based on who God is. Love is the thread that runs through every book of the Bible.
But What If They Don’t Deserve It?
This is where things get real.
Sometimes we say, “I’ll love them… but only if they apologize.” Or “I’ll love them… once they change.”
But the Bible doesn’t work that way.
In Romans 5:8, Paul writes:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
That means God didn’t wait for us to be perfect before He loved us. He loved us first while we were broken. That’s the kind of love we’re called to give.
Unconditional love isn’t blind approval. It doesn’t mean ignoring sin or letting people walk over us. It means showing kindness, patience, and grace even when it’s hard.
What About “God Doesn’t Love Everyone” Bible Verses?
Sometimes people quote verses like Psalm 5:5 – “You hate all who do wrong” or Romans 9:13 – “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,” to say God only loves certain people.
But we must look at the full context of Scripture.
Yes, God hates sin. Yes, there are consequences for rebellion. But His heart is always love.
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Psalm 103:8
“He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
God’s justice and love walk hand in hand. He judges sin, but His offer of love is extended to everyone. The cross was for all people not just a select few.
Loving Others Is Evidence of God In Us
In 1 John 4, the Apostle John draws a powerful connection:
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar.” 1 John 4:20
That may feel harsh, but it’s true.
Love is not just a feeling or a phrase it’s proof that God’s Spirit lives in us.
When we choose love especially when it’s hard we reflect God to the world.
What Does Loving Everyone Look Like?
Let’s make this practical.
Loving everyone can look like:
Forgiving someone who never said sorry
Listening to someone you disagree with
Helping someone in need without expecting anything back
Praying for people who hurt you
Being patient with difficult family members
Speaking kindly to someone who’s rude
Choosing to see the image of God in every person
Love is seen in everyday choices not just big heroic acts.
Real-Life Example: The Good Samaritan
One of the clearest stories Jesus told about loving others is the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37).
In the story, a man is beaten and left on the road. A priest and a Levite walk by. But a Samaritan someone considered an enemy stops to help.
He bandages the man’s wounds, takes him to an inn, pays for his care, and promises to come back.
Jesus ends the story by saying:
“Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:37
The Good Samaritan didn’t ask if the man shared his religion, politics, or personality. He saw someone hurting and loved him.
That’s our model.
Why This Command Changes Everything
When we love everyone:
Families heal
Churches grow
Communities change
The world sees Jesus
Love is not weakness. It’s the strongest force in the universe.
It was love that brought Jesus from Heaven to Earth.
It was love that kept Him on the cross.
It’s love that reaches us even now wherever we are.
Let Love Be Your Legacy
When your life is over, people may forget your job title, your car, or your opinions.
But they’ll remember your love.
Jesus said:
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
So love freely.
Love deeply.
Love everyone just as He loves you.
Final Encouragement
Friend, if you’ve struggled to love certain people, you’re not alone. We all have. But God gives us grace, strength, and the Holy Spirit to help us.
Ask Him:
“Lord, help me to love like You do. Teach me to see people the way You see them.”
And watch what happens.
Because when love flows through you, the world changes around you.
Bible Study Wrap-Up
Where in the Bible does it say to love everyone?
All throughout. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s message is clear:
Love is the way.
