The dictionary defines hate as an extreme dislike.  If this is the case, I really hate brussel sprouts.  I’m not even the least bit tempted to not hate them.  Hate does not seem that bad when it comes to something like that, but it’s poisonous when it comes to humans.  (Hate, not the brussel sprouts.)

Typically when you mention hate of another human, the first thing people equate it with is racism.  Racism is surely a major part of hate, but it actually runs much deeper.  Some people have hate for their own family.  When you are the hated, there are few things worse to have attributed to yourself than to know that someone actually hates you.  Worthlessness is what you feel.

When you you are the hater, you separate yourself not only from your fellow human being, but you also separate yourself from a close relationship with Christ.  You hate His creation, and you refuse to see them the way He sees them.  But, you also cannot love Jesus if you hate someone else.

1 John 4:20
New International Version (NIV)

20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

It’s not easy to love everyone, but it is possible.  The Lord never would have given such a challenge if we could not accomplish it.  He wants us to see people the way that He sees them.  He looks for the good in all… even us.

Questions to ask yourself…

1.  Do you severely dislike someone who “rubs you the wrong way?”
2.  Are there people in your own Christian community that you feel that you hate?
3.  Can you forgive people the way Christ did, and see them the way He sees them?

 

COMPOSED BY: MARK EWING