“I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good.”
Matthew 5:44-45
There are many things the Lord hates: lying (Proverbs 6:16), robbery (Isaiah 61:8), cheating (Proverbs 11:1), murder (Proverbs 16:17). In fact, He hates all sin. He also hates His enemies (see Romans 9:13 or Psalm 5:5). When the Bible speaks of God’s hating someone, it means He has chosen not to favor them; it is a solemn covenant action. For us, hatred is primarily an emotion. God’s hatred is holy; our abhorrence of a person for one reason or another is tinged with sin.
It is to our human, unholy hatred that Jesus speaks. He tells us, in fact, to love our enemies. I once confided in a Christian friend about my resentment toward a co-worker. He encouraged me to pray faithfully for my co-worker. I did. It began to soften my heart, and our relationship improved.
As Christians, we will wrestle with feelings of hate that we have for others or that they have for us. We must prepare to show love, nonetheless. This is not only what Jesus taught us, it’s what He lived out when He died for us while we were yet His enemies.
It is to our human, unholy hatred that Jesus speaks. He tells us, in fact, to love our enemies. I once confided in a Christian friend about my resentment toward a co-worker. He encouraged me to pray faithfully for my co-worker. I did. It began to soften my heart, and our relationship improved.
As Christians, we will wrestle with feelings of hate that we have for others or that they have for us. We must prepare to show love, nonetheless. This is not only what Jesus taught us, it’s what He lived out when He died for us while we were yet His enemies.
Scripture Focus
Proverbs 6:16-19
Insight
Don’t let hatred or resentment fester. Ask God to bless your enemies. You may be surprised by the results.
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 45-46
- Psalm 23
- Mark 3
