7 ways to show love in difficult relationships, according to the Bible

Navigating rocky relationships is tough, especially when it’s difficult to express love.

The Bible, however, offers a blueprint on how to show love in such circumstances.

It’s not about grand gestures or expensive gifts — it’s about patience, forgiveness and understanding.

In this article, we’ll explore the biblical approach to showing love even when times are tough. We’re not preaching — we’re simply offering a different perspective on love.

1) Patience is key

The Bible constantly reminds us of the importance of patience in expressing love.

Navigating through difficult relationships can often feel like walking a tightrope. Balancing your feelings and needs with those of another person is no easy task.

That’s why we need to be patient. 

Patience, as highlighted in the Bible, is more than just waiting. It means maintaining a positive attitude while enduring. It’s about understanding that change takes time.

When it comes to love, the Bible advises us to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

So, when faced with a challenging relationship, remember to be patient. It’s not about rushing to fix things or force change, but about giving your relationship the time and space it needs to heal.

Biblical patience isn’t passive — it’s active. It requires effort and a conscious decision to choose love, even when it’s hard.

2) Unconditional love

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘unconditional love’, but what does it really mean?

The Bible provides a candid answer.

Unconditional love, according to the Bible, requires us to let go of past wrongs and to love without expecting anything in return.

In Luke 6:35, Jesus tells us to “love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.”

This directive might seem counterintuitive at first. After all, in a world that often operates on a give-and-take basis, unconditional love can feel like a tough pill to swallow.

However, it’s important to remember that the love we’re called to show isn’t based on what we can receive, but on what we can give.

Does this mean we should let others take advantage of us?

Absolutely not.

But it does challenge us to shift our perspective from seeking reciprocation to expressing genuine care and concern.

By cultivating this selfless approach to love, we pave the way for healthier and more loving relationships.

3) Communication is essential

When it comes to love and relationships, the Bible places a heavy emphasis on the power of words.

Proverbs 15:1 states, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

In the era when this was written, words were considered so powerful that they were often personified as living entities. The concept was that once spoken, words took on a life of their own and had real-world consequences.

In the context of relationships, this verse highlights the importance of mindful communication.

It’s easy to let emotions dictate our responses, but the Bible encourages us to choose our words carefully.

So, when confronted with a difficult situation in your relationship, remember to communicate gently and mindfully.

Your words carry more power than you may realize.

4) Forgiveness is vital

In the midst of a difficult relationship, forgiveness can often feel like a tall order. However, it’s a principle that the Bible strongly advocates for when it comes to showing love.

In the book of Colossians, it’s written: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)

The emphasis here is not just on forgiveness, but on forgiving as we have been forgiven. It’s about extending the same grace we’ve received to others, even when it’s hard.

Remember, forgiveness is not about ignoring wrong or enabling harmful behavior.

It’s about releasing the hold that past hurts have on you and allowing healing to take place.

In those challenging moments in your relationship, make an effort to practice forgiveness. It might not be easy, but it’s a crucial step towards healing and love.

5) Love in action

The Bible doesn’t just talk about love as a feeling — it places a heavy emphasis on love as an action.

In the book of 1 John, it’s written: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

This verse truly hits home when you’re navigating difficult relationships. It’s easy to say ‘I love you’, but showing it through our actions, especially when times are tough, is a different ballgame.

Love in action could be as simple as lending a listening ear when they’re having a bad day, or standing up for them when they’re not around to defend themselves.

It’s making the conscious choice to put their needs above your own, to show kindness when it’s easier to show anger, and to extend grace when it’s simpler to hold a grudge.

After all, love isn’t just something we feel — it’s something we do. And sometimes, the most powerful expressions of love are the ones that go unsaid.

6) The power of prayer

There’s a unique comfort that comes from turning to prayer during difficult times.

When I was going through a particularly rough patch in a relationship, I found solace in the biblical verse from Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

It was challenging to set aside my worries and anxieties, but the act of presenting them in prayer brought a sense of peace and clarity.

Prayer, according to the Bible, isn’t just asking for help. It’s also expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers.

When navigating difficult relationships, consider turning to prayer. It might just provide the perspective or peace you need.

7) Embracing humility

Humility is another key principle that the Bible emphasizes when it comes to love and relationships.

In the book of Philippians, it’s written: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

The essence here is not about diminishing your worth, but about appreciating the worth of others. It’s about acknowledging that we’re all equally valuable and deserving of respect.

In difficult relationships, humility can be a powerful tool.

That’s because it allows us to listen more than we speak, understand more than we judge, and forgive more than we condemn.

Conclusion

Loving others in the midst of difficult relationships isn’t easy — but the Bible offers powerful guidance to help us reflect God’s love, even when it’s challenging.

By leaning on biblical principles, you can approach these relationships with grace, patience, and strength.

Here’s a quick recap of what the Bible teaches about showing love in hard times:

  • Pray for wisdom and patience to handle tough situations with grace.
  • Set healthy boundaries while still extending kindness.
  • Forgive often, even when it feels undeserved.
  • Speak the truth in love, avoiding anger or harshness.
  • Rely on God’s strength when your own is not enough.

Through these practices, we not only honor God but also create the opportunity for healing and transformation in our relationships.

Remember, love is more than a feeling—it’s an action grounded in faith and guided by the ultimate example of Christ.

Let His love inspire you to keep showing love, even in the most challenging circumstances.

What would Jesus say?

Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?

Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.

We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.

Check it out here.

 

Elizabeth Carter

Elizabeth Carter

I'm Elizabeth Carter, the heart behind Biblescripture.net. I’m a theology graduate from Boston College who found her calling in making the Bible's wisdom vibrant and accessible. Alongside my studies, I cultivated a love for peaceful morning walks and deep conversations about faith over coffee. Every day, I'm here to walk with you through scripture, making its teachings not just accessible, but a vibrant part of your daily life. Join me in discovering how these ancient words can transform us in the most beautiful ways.

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