HATRED
There is nothing unusual about people of the world hating one another. The slightest
disagreement can cause life-long friends to never speak another word to one
another. But when this happens among Christians, we should be appalled!
In 1 John 2:9,10, the Holy Spirit says "9 He who says he is in the light,
and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother
abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.” A Christian
is one who is "walking in the light" and has forsaken the ways of
darkness. Therefore, it is inconsistent to say that you are in the light and
harbor hatred in your heart for any brother. The indication here is that one
who is carrying hatred in their heart for a brother has within them "an
occasion of stumbling.” So for us to assure ourselves of a home in heaven,
we must remove all hatred which can cause us to fall short of our goal.
In the fourth chapter of 1 John and at verse 20, we read: "20 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.” Do YOU say that you love God? If so, you cannot harbor
hatred in your heart without making yourself a liar. In the book of Revelation,
chapter 21 and verse 8, God says that "all liars" will have their
part in the "lake that burns with fire and brimstone;" In order to
avoid the punishment that awaits those who are guilty of lying, we must show
love toward ALL of our brethren. "15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer,
and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John
3:15) As far as God is concerned, those who have hatred in their hearts for
their brethren are no better than a murderer. Both are guilty of offense before
God and stand condemned. Can we not see the seriousness that God attaches to
our love for the brethren?
Peter records by inspiration that "above all things" we are to be
"fervent in our love among ourselves; for love covers a multitude of sins:"
(1 Peter 4:8). The word "fervent" carries with it the idea of "earnest,
intent, assiduous" (Thayer P. 200). This means that we must give careful
and constant attention to our love for one another. Love by its nature will
help to "cover a multitude of sins" because we will be "provoking
one another unto love and good works" instead of trying to tear each other
down with godless hatred and petty jealousies.
God has never looked favorably upon any who would allow themselves to bear a
grudge. In Leviticus 19:18, God commanded the children of Israel:"18 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." This same
principle was stated by Paul in Ephesians 4:26 "26 Be angry, and do not
sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” The person who
harbors a grudge in their heart toward someone else, is not only miserable within,
but they are violating the commands of God, given by the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit. We need to learn compassion and understanding for one another.
If we do not, we will be a black mark on the cause of Christ, and be lost eternally!
-Gailen E. Evans
Return to the General Articles page
Home / Bible studies / Bible Survey / Special Studies / General Articles / Non-Bible Articles / Sermons / Sermon Outlines / Links / Questions and Answers / What Saith The Scriptures /Daily Devotional / Correspondence Courses / What is the Church of Christ / Book: Christian Growth / Website Policy / E-mail / About Me /