LOVE, DO NOT HATE

“But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:11).

Hatred is largely a weapon of emotional warfare. But it does little or no damage to the person against whom it is wielded. Hatred is totally unproductive. That is why God does not want us to hate anybody.

Hatred is a needless and total waste of emotional strength. The person you hate may not even be aware of your dislike for him. Worse still, it is possible to hate a man who does not even know that you exist! Besides, hating a man would not stop him from becoming what he is destined to be. Jephthah was hated by his brethren and expelled from his father’s house. But their hatred only accelerated his becoming a mighty man of valour that would eventually rule over them (Judges 11:7-8).

Friends, do not allow anyone to draw you into the ministry of hatred. It is unprofitable to you in every way. Hatred is an emotional dagger that pierces the bearer but flashes or dangles at the object. It inflicts more damage on the one who hates than the one who is hated. Of what use is such a negative and unproductive emotional investment?

Jesus warned us not to entertain hatred in our heart, not even against our enemies. When you hate, you compromise your spiritual health, create barriers to your prayers, and make yourself vulnerable in spiritual warfare. Rather than hate, God wants you to love. With God’s help, you can even love the unlovable. May the grace of God be sufficient for us all.
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FURTHER BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 5:43-48.
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EXERCISES
1. What new insight have you gained from the above message? Please write it down in your journal.
2. What would be your prayer points and what are the steps you will take?
3. If you have been blessed by this message, please share it with your friends and loved ones. Tell a friend about what you learned from Today’s Message. Let’s spread the word of God together.

TODAY’S MESSAGE
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