Got someone in your life you're supposed to love but honestly struggle to even like? Mike Harris tackles one of Jesus' most uncomfortable commands with refreshing honesty—admitting he's nowhere near where he wants to be either.

In this conversation, Mike unpacks the Good Samaritan story and reveals why it was designed to shock its original audience. Samaritans weren't the nice charity shop people we think of today—they were enemies. Jesus deliberately chose the most offensive example to show that our 'neighbour' includes people we'd rather avoid.

[04:26] More Than Just Being Nice

Our culture has watered down love to mean 'don't be violent and remember to recycle.' But that's not what Jesus asks of us.

"We demonstrate our love for God by loving those who bear his image. Every person we encounter carries the fingerprint of the Creator."

What we explore:

• Why the greatest commandment joins love for God with love for neighbour
• How the Good Samaritan story was designed to make people uncomfortable
• The difference between compassion that watches and compassion that acts
• Why costly love was built into God's design from the beginning

Key takeaway: The Samaritan helped someone who could never repay him. That's the kind of love Jesus commands.

[18:00] How We Actually Do This

Mike shared an uncomfortable confession about avoiding a woman who looked like she might be struggling with addiction—while listening to a Christian podcast.

"My heart is not where I want it to be. I am on this journey with you."

Four practices that help:

• Look at Jesus looking at you in love - Something shifts when we receive before we try to give
• Read about how Jesus treated outcasts - Let his compassion slowly reshape yours
• Remember what Jesus has done for you - Gratitude moves us from obligation to overflow
• Watch your reactions - The people closest to you will notice when you're changing

Key takeaway: We can't manufacture this kind of love on our own. God is slowly morphing us into Christ's likeness.

[26:20] Conversation StreetWho would be the Samaritan if Jesus told the story today?

Someone who's been cancelled. Someone from the 'other side' politically. Someone whose association might cost you your reputation. Whoever represents 'the enemy' for you—that's who Jesus is calling you to love.

If you don't like your neighbour, how do you love them?

Jenny suggested starting with prayer—praying blessing, not 'God, change them.' Matt shared intentionally greeting a difficult neighbour with a smile to break down walls. Mike offered that refusing to speak negatively about someone is itself an act of love.

Where do boundaries fit in?

The Good Samaritan helped generously but didn't become a full-time carer. Costly love and healthy boundaries can coexist—it's something to keep wrestling with and talking to God about.

[44:00] The Butterfly Reminder

A butterfly is only a butterfly for about the last 5% of its life. We're in process—being morphed slowly, imperfectly, but genuinely into Christ's likeness.

"This isn't about trying harder. It's about receiving more. More of his love. More of his grace. More of his Spirit transforming us from the inside out."

For more info, please visit https://crowd.church/talks/loving-your-neighbour-even-when-you-dont-like-them