We are constantly reminded of the hatred that exists in our world. Every time we watch a news cast or read a newspaper or even sometimes see people interact with each other, hatred is on display. The saying, “I hate so and so, or that food, or that car” is used so frequently, it has become a common way to express ourselves and our even small dislikes.  I know that hatred has always been present in our world. It manifests itself in wars, murders, road rage, politics, gang activity and the list goes on, but because of our global connections and social media, we are more bombarded with it than before. Hatred breeds more hatred. Hatred propagates quarrels and leads to divisions. People become consumed with it to the point where we allow the bitterness to fester and take control of our lives.  What a sad existence this must be.

There is remedy for hatred and that is love. It heals all offenses and is the only thing that will restore us. Love can reside in our hearts as easily as hatred and is a much more pleasant way to live.  We are told in 1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us.

Just as we have the capacity to hate, we fortunately have the capacity to love. Because God modeled for us what love looks like, our love for God is simply a response to His unconditional love for us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ who died so we might have eternal life.  We love God, but we should also love others and when this takes place, we can bring healing to our broken world. We may not be able to heal the whole world, but we can begin to heal the small part of the world in which we live. It may be a catalyst for others to do the same and bit-by-bit we can make a difference because love generates love.

In Proverbs 10:12 we read these words. “Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

Take some time to pray and ask God to help you love and not hate. Thank God who has shown us His love time and time again. May we love others in the same way.  Thanks be to God.

Patty