APP: There’s way too much hatred in our world today. People have these intense feelings of dislike for animals, nonliving objects, other individuals, and entire people groups. These breed hate speeches and hate crimes. Some people even have hatred for themselves and their very existence. Why so much hate? I had the opportunity to hear a Hungarian Jew who survived the Holocaust speak to college students. She told of being humiliated by her captors and forced to go without water or toilet facilities for days. Ultimately, she lost most of her family members except for one sister before being freed. “It was all because of hatred for a religion,” she told the audience. I was surprised that her words were not bitter. However, she quickly reminded students never to hate anyone. “You are the future,” she said. “Let’s make this world a better world. Don’t ever hate. You can accomplish so much more with kind words. When you’re told to hate someone, ask why?” Imagine how different our world would be if people stopped hating others because of their race, ethnic background, or religion. But it all starts with loving God—only then can you learn to love others.
If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
1 JOHN 4:20 NLT
“Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.”
LEVITICUS 19:17 NIV
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
1 JOHN 3:15 NASB
My brothers and sisters, don’t be surprised if the world hates you.
1 JOHN 3:13 NIRV
The wicked commit slow suicide; they waste their lives hating the good.
PSALM 34:21 MSG
“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”
JOHN 3:20 NIV
If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness.
1 JOHN 2:9 NLT