Hate seems to be spreading like a wild fire. Sure we have the illusion of love, but it is not really love.
We have Democrats who hate Republicans and Republicans who hate Democrats just because of their political affiliation. We have people who hate the NRA and gun owners because of the violence associated with guns. We have people who hate others because of their race. We hate the police because of what they represent. We hate because of a persons gender and gender preference. We hate freedom and the choices it brings, but we hate slavery as well. We hate simply because others are different and we are unwilling to accept that they are different.
Now I could blame the media for propagating hate, or the politicians, or even religious groups, but lets be real. The enemy is not people, but the Devil. He is very active in making sure that people hate each other. By us focusing on hatred, we are not focused on God and what He represents which is love. This is why God told us about the following verse:
Ephesians 6:12 New International Version (NIV)
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
If you have not noticed, this is one of the verses I use the most. It is very important for us to realize who we are really battling and this verse describes it all.
If we can realize who our struggles are with, then we can focus on what God has asked of us which is to forgive and love one another.
Ephesians 4:32 New International Version (NIV)
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
John 13:34 New International Version (NIV)
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Think about how the world would be if we could focus on these two things versus the hate we have for each other. At its core, it is a simple command, but the implementation is near impossible. If it were so easy, we may not be in the situation we are in.
If you are struggling with hate, take time and talk to Lord about this issue. He already knows, but needs you to say it too Him. This can be difficult as we do not want to admit our weaknesses. We all need to repent of our hatred for our neighbor and only God can truly help.
Now you can continue to go down the path of hate, but I expect that will not work out too well for you. Why not try a new direction and forgive those who have wronged you and love another regardless of if you think they deserve it or not. I truly believe that if you do this, your life will be changed forever.