“Kindness to those who deserve it, instead of love wasted on those who don’t.”

— 4th Statement of the Satanic Bible

Sound familiar?

Scroll through social media and you’ll find countless modern proverbs echoing the same sentiment (even shared by pastors and leaders).

“If they ignore you, forget them.”

“Cut off anyone who doesn’t value you.”

“Stop giving your energy to people who don’t deserve it.”

These sayings are celebrated as wisdom. They promise self-preservation and emotional strength. But at their core, they’re rooted in the very opposite of the gospel.

God’s Way Is Radical Love

Jesus flips that idea on its head:

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”

— Luke 6:27–28

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.”

— Luke 6:32

God’s love is not transactional. It’s unearned, unconditional, and relentless.

He didn’t wait until we deserved it —

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

The Lie of Deservedness

The Satanic Bible’s statement elevates deservedness as the filter for kindness.

But if God operated that way, none of us would stand a chance.

Grace isn’t grace if it’s only given to those who earn it.

Love isn’t Christlike if it only flows toward those who “deserve” it.

The truth is, no one truly deserves God’s love — yet He gives it freely.

Discern the Spirit Behind the Quote

When we share “self-care” advice or “empowerment” quotes, we must pause and ask:

“Is this reflecting the Spirit of Christ — or the spirit of the age?”

Because sometimes what sounds wise… is just repackaged pride.

Final Word

God’s way is harder, but it is holier.

Love when it’s not returned.

Be kind when it’s not deserved.

Pray when you’re persecuted.

Bless when you’ve been cursed.

That’s not weakness. That’s Christlikeness.

And in a world drunk on self-love, it’s the scandal of grace that sets us apart.