HATE-FREE HEART

“He who says he is in the light, and HATES his brother, is in the DARKNESS until now” – 1 John 2:9                                                                                                                              

A Life of Love, Light, and Liberty in Christ finds expression through an HATE-FREE HEART: “He who says he is in the light, and HATES his brother, is in the DARKNESS until now” (1Jh.2:9). Hatred of fellow human beings, especially the brethren, is a mark of darkness. Scriptures warn consistently on how hatred and bitterness against fellow human beings can destroy: “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” (1 Jh.3:15)

HATE is a HEART issue! God warned Israel: “You shall NOT HATE your brother IN YOUR HEART. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord” (Lev.19: 17-18). In the New Testament, our Lord Jesus says: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Lk.6: 27b-28). Paul wrote: “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all” (1The.5:15).

Romans 12: 17-21 is explicit: “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

God’s Love in our hearts cannot co-habit our hearts with the hatred of men who were created in His Image: “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also (1Jh.4: 20-21). God encourages us to love one another, keep short records of wrongs, and forgive others, not harbouring bitterness or hatred in our hearts. Scriptures provide ample wisdom on how to handle hate with God's power through the Holy Spirit!

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers over all sins” (Pro.10:12). Revenge-seeking never comes to a good end! It only multiplies conflict and escalates a cycle of retaliation. Speaking hatefully or slanderously of others is asking for trouble. Choosing to respond in love is far more powerful.

“Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool” (Pro.10:18). Hatred is a grievous sin. Love causes one to sacrifice, but hatred causes a person to wish only evil for the hated. A natural aspect of hate is the willingness to use blatant lies or deception against a victim. Often, a hateful person tries to disguise their contempt for others, even pretending to like the ones he hates. In doing so, he commits other sins that offend the Lord: “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking” (1 Pet. 2:1). Other times, a hateful person may choose to openly speak against the object of their spite or start rumours with the intent of ruining a reputation (Psa.41: 5-8; 101:5; Col. 3:8).                   

In general, hatred is a feeling that can be either Godly and sinful depending on the subject of hate. We’re to love God and hate evil, pride, arrogance, and the perverse mouth (Pro.8:13; Psa.97:10); the assembly of evildoers (Psa.26:5); idolaters (Psa.31:6); wickedness (Psa.45:7); and lying or falsehood (Psa.119:163). The secret is to love what God loves and hate what God hates. The more we become like Christ and understand God’s Love, the more we will love the brethren and hate hypocrisy, iniquity, and evil.