What Does The Bible Say About Hatred?

Hatred has a negative connotation, and some of us don’t want to be involved with it in any way. However, Biblically speaking, the word “hatred” has both positive and negative aspects. The Bible is clear that it is acceptable to also “hate” what God hates. In fact, hating what God hates means that we are in good standing with Him. The Bible is clear when it says that “those who love the Lord hate evil” (Psalm 97:10 You who love the Lord, hate evil!  He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.). As we become more mature Christians, we become more conscious of sin and evil. Walking with the Lord and having fellowship with Him every day teaches us how to dislike or loathe sin.

What Does The Bible Say About Hatred?

Keep in mind that the more we understand the nature and attributes of God, the more we become like Him. As we continue our walk with Him, the more our minds and hearts become like that of Christ. The character and behavior of Christians gradually but consistently become similar to Jesus Christ. The more we become like Jesus Christ, the more we hate things that are utterly contrary to His Word and nature. Hating sin is acceptable and right, but hatred for others that are not rooted in the Holiness and Righteousness of God is not.

Hatred Against Your Neighbors

You don’t want to be angry with your brother or sister, since you will be subject to judgment (Matthew 5:22). The Bible is clear that we should not hate our brothers and sisters, and that we should be reconciled with them before we go before the Lord (Matthew 5:23-26). We are instructed to forgive and offer reconciliation as quickly as possible. According to the Bible, hateful thoughts or acts against a brother or sister is an act of murder in God’s eyes. Justice will be demanded if you hate your brother or sister.

The Bible also tells us that those who hate are said to be walking in darkness (1 John 2:9, 11). Walking in darkness is the opposite of walking in the light. One of the true marks of being a Christian is to have a heart that is filled with the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not hatred. We cannot say that we are Christians if our hearts are filled with hatred for our brothers and sisters. We are called liars if we hate them (1 John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer,[a] that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?). Do not allow hatred to devour your heart and soul. You don’t want it to rule your life. Instead of allowing hatred to reign over your heart, you need to pray to Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit for healing.

What Does The Bible Say About Hatred?

Love and Forgiveness

Hatred is like a poison that destroys not only relationships, but also yourself. The fruit of hatred produces bitterness that can darken your heart and minds. The Word of God is clear when it says not to let the “root of bitterness” spring up in our hearts (Hebrews 12:15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.). If you want to remain in the fellowship of the Lord, you must do everything you can to love and forgive people who have wronged you. Forgiving someone may not be easy, but it restores your mind, body, heart, and soul. Remember what Jesus did on the cross for you. Do not forget how forgiving our Lord is. If we truly love God, then we must keep His commandments (John 14:15 “If you love me, obey[a] my commandments.), and one of the most important commandments of the Lord is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

What Does The Bible Say About Hatred?

What Does The Bible Say About Hatred?

Don’t allow the enemy to inject negative thoughts inside you. You should rebuke whatever hatred you feel towards your neighbor. If someone has offended you, it is best to simply approach them and gently express how you are feeling. You don’t want to destroy a relationship because of hatred. As Christians, we are called to heal wounds and to express love, not hatred.