As followers of Christ, you are called to make disciples, but how can you do that if you keep saying you “hate” people.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
The bible clearly states that it is important for you to love God and love people. This is repeated multiple times throughout scripture. In Matthew 22: 36-40, Jesus speaks of the love, not hate, that you should show those around you.
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
If you “hate people,” you are also saying that you hate yourself because guess what guys, you are a person. More than that, God created you and everyone around you. By hating people, you hate God’s creation.
Hatred is defined as ‘intense dislike or ill will.’ Do you have ill will for God’s creation? As a child of God, you are His creation that He has commanded to love others as you love yourself. He doesn’t specify certain people or give you characteristics of the people you and shouldn’t like; instead, He commands you to love others as you love yourself. No one is excluded from His command. Jesus shared His love by dying on the cross for the sins of the whole world. Why is it that it is so hard for believers today to simply love others just by being kind?
I can guarantee you that there will be people that you cannot get along with no matter how hard you try. There will be people that love you no matter what, and then there will be people that refuse to like you no matter what. Life is not easy and we are all imperfect people, but the Jesus still commands us to love one another. How can you love someone that is not easy to love? What about your enemies or evil people in this world?
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighborand hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48
Despite how hard it may be, the Lord says we are to pray for our enemies. More than that, we are called to step out of our comfort zone and love those that are not in our circle of friends. If Christians only made friends with other Christians and never spoke to nonbelievers, how would people come to know Christ? What would unbelievers think about Christians if they never spoke to them? Christians, it’s time to step up and show the love others through the love of Christ.
I know that not everyone will get along in this world, but it is important for you and I both to realize that God is greater than any hate in this world. God can settle the hatred that boils under your skin if you will just turn it over to Him, ask for forgiveness, and let Him fill you with the love that only He can provide.
From now on, before you use the word hate, remember that hate is not just a word you are using against another person or thing; it is a word that you are using against God.
When you say, “I hate that person.” You are saying, “I hate who God created!” Do you really mean that? Would you look up to God and tell Him you hate His creation?
Remind yourself daily of God’s great love and the love that you are to mimic to others.
Show love by living like Christ.
Make disciples by devoting your life to being different.
Stop the hate, turn to Christ, and trust His guidance.
May God bless you and show you His grace every day!