As biblical principles have been ignored or not taught, personal and social standards have changed drastically. For millennia, God’s standards have been ingrained in most behaviors and have permeated society. Those norms, however, are no longer at the forefront of social behavior, and harmful attitudes and ways have become the new standard.
Restraint over emotions and feelings is uncommon today. Opinions rule the roost, and strong feelings against those who disagree are rampant. Many are so vehemently opposed to any opposition that hatred is expressed.
Angry parents demand special treatment for their children, and their red-faced shouting shows their anger. Screaming and sometimes cursing are unleashed against a politician who does not agree with what another believes. Fistfights have broken out in government chambers over disagreements.
News anchors are no longer polite and even honest when they attack those with whom they disagree. For much of mankind’s existence, hatred was viewed as a negative character trait, and it was most often kept private.
Kindness and understanding are now replaced by hatred in so many walks of life. The Bible, however, teaches and warns much about hate:
Hatred is not of God.
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” I John 4:8
Hatred is forbidden by God!
“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” Leviticus 19:17
Hatred is wicked!
‘Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.” Proverb 26:26
Hatred is unwise.
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” Proverbs 10:18
Hatred is damaging and hurtful!
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” Proverbs 10:12
Hatred’s root cause against Christianity can be deceptive.
“The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.” John 7:7
“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” John 15:18
“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” I John 3:13
Hatred will be more prevalent as we approach the end days.
“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” Matthew 24:10
However, love should be experienced, not hatred, especially for Christians:
Love should be the prevalent emotion for all! A godly attribute is love.
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” I John 4:7
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you;” John 15:12
Love everyone, even those who hate you!
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” Romans 12:14
Love is commanded by God!
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18
“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” I John 3:11
Love for the Lord should be great!
“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Deuteronomy 6:5
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” I John 4:20
Hatred can lead to alienation from others, even those doing right. The separation between people and nations should help those involved understand who is often behind the spewing of hatred and anger — Satan.
Hatred, no matter the reason or circumstances, is not of God. It is unacceptable and destructive to people and nations. It certainly is not the emotion our God of love desires for any of us!
“We may fight against what is wrong, but if we allow ourselves to hate, that is to insure our spiritual defeat and our likeness to what we hate.”
— George William Russell
