(1 John 2:11)
Can we disagree with people without hating them? That is the question that many are wondering about these days.
We've seen in the election of our new president, such avid hatred directed towards him, and his family. I do not want to make this post political, or have it be an endorsement for President Trump. I don't agree with everything he has said, or done.
But I do not hate him.
I want to address the attitude of hatred, and how damaging and destructive it is. The Apostle John writes in our text that if someone hates his/her brother, he/she is in darkness. This is spiritual darkness. They are destitute of spiritual light. They are not walking a path that is lit by the Jesus, (The Light of Life - John 8:12) but they are walking a path of selfish destruction.
Where hate is a destructive attitude, love is a building virtue, and one of productivity. How can get rid of the hatred in our hearts? By looking to Jesus, who is our great teacher of love, and concern. He did not agree with the Pharisees & Sadducees (The religious governing body of Israel, Matthew 23) but He did love them.
When we read Matthew 23:37, we see Jesus mourning over the city of Jerusalem (It's leaders, and the people) because of their lack of love and mercy, and their sins. He wanted to gather them to Him, as a hen gathers her chicks, but they would not let Him.
The path of hatred will never lead to peace and unity. That is what the Lord prayed we would have (John 17) Isn't that what we should want too? GP
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