Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy

Loving Those at Church Who Are Hard to Love

Churches are full of differences. Those differences might be rooted in culture or personality or even musical style. In recent years, differences over political and social issues have frayed the unity of many churches. Yet if a church is centered on Christ alone, then unity at church will sometimes require building genuine friendships that bridge across all those differences. How can Christians navigate those relationships? Can they really love people at church who sometimes drive them crazy?

This practical guide explores 8 truths from Romans 12–15 that show us how to find God-exalting unity at church with those we struggle to love. Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy is a roadmap to finding joy in Christ through the many differences we have with fellow believers, a joy that powerfully declares the glory of God. Because easy love rarely shows off gospel power.

Rooted in Scripture: Examines Paul’s teaching to the churches in Rome who, like us, were struggling to find unity in Christ amidst their own differences of background, priorities, and convictions Reflective: With questions to enhance discussion or reflection, this book helps readers diagnose their own struggles with others at church. Perfect for personal meditation or small-group study Widely Applicable: Addresses a great variety of conflicts within a church, not merely how to navigate specific issues Practical: Teaches readers how to love those who drive them crazy, not just why

1. Opening Credits
2. Series Preface
3. Introduction: So This Is What “Christ Alone” Means?
4. Chapter 1: Why Did God Put Difficult People in My Church?
5. Chapter 2: How Can I Love “Those” People?
6. Chapter 3: What If I Don’t Want to Love “Them”?
7. Chapter 4: Wouldn’t We Be Better Off without “Them”?
8. Chapter 5: How Can I Be Friends with “Those” People?
9. Chapter 6: How Can I Really Forgive “Those” People?
10. Chapter 7: How Can I Stop Judging and Despising “Those” People?
11. Chapter 8: How Can I Love “Those” People When They’re Wrong?
12. Conclusion: Hope in Christ Alone
13. Afterword: Under the Surface of a “Christ Alone” Church
14. Closing Credits