Hate, Where Does It Come From?

   We have certainly seen nothing but hate in our world lately. Almost every segment of society has been affected by it. But where in the world does it come from? What is the source of hate? The word of God answers the question perfectly and gives at least seven sources. #1.Ignorance: In a letter to Timothy Paul admitted that when he had persecuted the church it was done out of ignorance (1Ti. 1:13). Jesus when He was dying on the cross prayed to God to forgive them because “they do not know what they are doing.” #2. Envy: Cain is a perfect example of envious hatred resulting in the murder of his brother Able. Pilate realized that it was envy that caused the Jewish leaders to desire the crucifixion of Christ (Mt. 27:18). #3. Lack of self respect: We are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves, which we would be unable to do if our self image was lacking. #4. A lack of a prayer life: Jesus taught us to pray for those who hate us, not an easy task but it is impor-tant not to allow resentment and animosity to take control of our lives (Mt.5:44). #5. Selfishness: Jesus instructed us to “deny our-selves, take up our cross and follow Him.” It is impossible for a selfish person to comply with this (Mt.6:24). #6. A poor relationship with God:  The importance of God’s involvement in our lives is crucial for us to have healthy relationships with others. The parable of the judgment in Mt. 25:31-46, was given by the Lord to teach us just how important it is to have a solid relationship with our Savior. #7. We hate because we just do not realize that it will cause us to be condemned. John wrote that if we say  we love God but hate our brother, we are liars. Why? One who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20-21). Hate is a cancer on society  and will not get any better until the day of judgment. God bless,  Dave Howard