Thursday, March 7th, 2019

Hate is, unfortunately, still prevalent in our society but it is more often coming from those who believe they are good people than from those who acknowledge their hatred of some group of people. We see it everyday online – people who do not know each other nor have ever met each other sending hateful, and sometimes threatening, messages simply because it makes them feel more virtuous about themselves. Just as hate is not a virtue, speaking hatefully never makes the speaker more virtuous. If there was ever a Bible verse written for the social media age, it is this in 1 John, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” When we refuse to love those we cannot see in person – i.e. the people on TV or social media – we dishonor our God that created them. Today, if you are holding onto bitterness and hatred against someone or some group, let it go and ask Jesus to work within your heart for the better.

“If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” – 1 John 4:20 ESV