What Does The Bible Say?
Question- What Does the Bible Say about Hatred?
Answer- Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-44, in the sermon on the mount, “but I say unto you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. John said that if someone hates another person that hatred is the same as murder (1 John 3:15- “anyone who hates his brother or sister is a murderer and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.”). There is no place in the life and activity of a true Christian for hatred of another human being. Even if we have been treated unfairly and been the recipient of unjust punishment (as Jesus most certainly was), we are to pray for that person and be willing to forgive them if they repent. We cannot build up animosity towards anyone and be pleasing to God. Hate poisons people and is a work of the flesh.
It may seem strange, having said what we have already, to also note that God commands us to hate. In Hosea 9:15, it says of God, “every evil of theirs is in Gilgal, there I began to hate them because of the wickedness of their deeds.” In order to be godly people, we must hate every false way (Psalm 119:104, 128). In Proverbs 6:16-19, we read of 6 things the Lord hates (arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to run to mischief, a false witness who pours out lies, and one who sows discord among brethren). In order to love properly we must hate the things God hates, and hate those who perpetuate those ways, without despising their souls and hoping they die in a lost state We must love all men, generally, but never condone or endorse those who do evil, not bid them godspeed in their evil (2 Jn. 11). Staying silent when we ought to speak out against evil is an endorsement of evil (Eph. 5:11). We are to not only the have no fellowship with evil we are to reprove those who practice evil. Sadly, many people are against evil, but will never speak up against those who practice it. God’s people must be united in taking a strong stand against everything that God would consider evil. His word is clear on those things, and He expects his followers to serve Him if they truly love Him.
All men have a soul, and God wants everyone to be saved and come to Him (2 Peter 3:9). Turn from your sins (that offend God and cause Him to be turned against you and your ways). God sent His Son to die for you so that you can be saved, but you must repent of your sins and be baptized for remission of them in water (Jn. 3:16; Acts 2:38). Because God is holy, he cannot sanction anything unholy. We must be cleansed by the blood of His son, to stand justified in His sight.
Instead of Hate, Jesus loves all souls and invites all to come to Him (Matt. 11:28-30). He wants us to hear what he says and do what He says (Matt. 7:21-27). He also insists that we have faith (Mark 16:16; John 8:24). He further tells us we must repent of our sins (Lk. 13:3). He also requires all of us to confess who he is with our mouth (Matt. 10:32-33). Finally, Jesus stated that water baptism is necessary for salvation (Mark 16:16; Matt. 28:18-20). He also requires all who are his to continue to walk in His ways and warns that we can forfeit our salvation if we walk in darkness (John 14:15; Matt. 16:24). If we can help realize the abundant love and forgiveness that comes from obeying Christ’s words, please let us know.
If you do not own a bible, please let us know and we will give you one. It contains God’s will for you today. Do not be without one. Read it and obey what it says.
Please address all questions and comments to What Does the Bible Say> C/O Maple St. Church of Christ, PO Box 3086, Liberty, TX 77575 and visit our website, maplestreetliberty.org.