HATRED

“You nourished hostility in your hearts because of your evil deeds.” —Colossians 1:21

Very few people admit they have hatred in their hearts. Even fewer admit they actually nourish hatred. Hatred is widespread, even epidemic, yet we refuse to admit our hatred. Only in Jesus can the barrier of hostility be broken down (Eph 2:14). It’s natural for us to be angry and unforgiving and resentful. “To err is human, to forgive divine,” and we’re not divine. We can never love one another by “human good will,” but only in Christ and by His power.

Let’s admit we can’t save ourselves, and that we desperately need the Savior. “We went our way in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us; not because of any righteous deeds we had done, but because of His mercy” (see Ti 3:3-5).

Jesus said: “You have heard the commandment, ‘You shall love your countryman but hate your enemy.’ My command to you is: love your enemies” (Mt 5:43-44). We are called to replace hate with love, even for our enemies. In Christ, hatred has nothing to feed on, so it dies of malnutrition.

Prayer: Jesus, without You I would be vicious and hateful. Thank You for leading me to salvation.

Promise: “The Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath.” —Lk 6:5

Praise: Morgan forgave her father for hitting her when she was a teenager