Sadly, hatred is in this world for the duration. Now that doesn’t mean we have to be caught up in it harboring hatred in our daily lives. That’s unfortunately what many in this world have done over the centuries.
For the life of me, I cannot understand why anyone would want to harbor hateful thoughts for another human being.
Yes, I have my bouts of anger, but I’ve never allowed it to take over my thoughts. I’ve never seen any value in focusing my attention on someone else’s proclivities toward harming others.
Even before accepting Christ as my Savior and Lord, I focused on the positive rather than the negative aspects dealt me in life.
Let’s turn to God’s Word for some valuable direction on how we can all perhaps remove some of the hatred all around us. Let’s take a look at one small verse from the Book of Proverbs, specifically Proverbs 10:12: “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.”
Could it truly be that simple? Let’s listen to the parting words of Jesus to Nicodemus, who came to our Lord in the night seeking answers. From John 3:20-21:
“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth lives in the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
This Pharisee left that evening not knowing the evil being harbored against the Son of God. The Apostle John later gives us the impression that this Pharisee along with Joseph of Arimathea later followed Jesus and saw to His proper burial.
I suspect others besides these two also came to follow the Way in the months following the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ.
For the past 2,000 years, millions upon millions have come to follow the Light and walk away from the darkness so prevalent in this world.
Harbored hatred is one of the darkest aspects of life without God. It is certainly not pleasing to our Creator.
I’d like to have you consider the lives of two kings of Israel found in 1 and 2 Samuel.
They were both anointed by the Prophet Samuel, but they had little else in common. For years, King Saul harbored hatred for David who would in God’s perfect timing become king.
Even though Saul sought David’s demise for many years, God protected David again and again.
Through it all, David loved Saul and would not harm his king even when several opportunities were placed within his reach.
Please consider reading Psalm 135 to get a proper perspective for King David’s heart for God. He was devoted to Him, while King Saul was so embittered with David’s success that hatred became Saul’s idol of worship.
If Hatred for another has become your idol, you need to get on your knees and come to Jesus. After all, He is the Light of the World and the hatred you harbor is filled with darkness and deceit.
If you truly want to remove all bitterness and hatred in your life, seek the Lord and He will gladly send the Holy Spirit to abide in your heart for eternity!