“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 Jn. 4:8). Jesus did not ‘retaliate when insults were hurled at him, when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to Him who judges justly’ (I Peter 2:23). If we allow hurt to germinate in our hearts when we are offended and upset by others, bitterness and resentment will take root.
Hatred is like a brewing volcano ready to explode. It is characterized by an unforgiving spirit and negative critical attitudes. Hatred gives rise to bitterness and resentment; sinful and self-defeating attitudes. This negativity colours our conscious and unconscious thoughts and actions.
Allowed to fester, hatred breeds violence and loss of life. When you hate somebody you become his slave! The object of your hatred absorbs your creativity and robs your peace of mind.
Our children are constantly being exposed to a steady stream of hateful rhetoric from media; especially social media. Therefore, it is important for us to keep reminding ourselves to hate sin, but not people. We all are sinners who must choose to love each other. Hatred is bent on creating conflict, while love spreads a blanket over all wrong (Prov. 10:12).
The Bible teaches that if we claim to be living in light, but are consumed with hatred for our brother or sister we are still in darkness. In fact, anyone who hates their sibling is a murderer at heart, who will not inherit eternal life (1 Jn. 2:9; 3:15). For love to be real, it must be sincere, hating evil, and embracing good (Rom. 12:9). Only love can drive out hatred. We need a Saviour.
The life mission of Jesus is briefly summarized in the Bible as, “He came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus challenged the fault lines of his time and paid a heavy price; hatred of religious and political leaders. Our times are no different.