Title: Hatred!

Scripture focus: Genesis 37:4  And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

Devotion

Characteristics of a Hater: 

A hater is someone whose heart is filled with bitterness and envy. The Bible describes such people as those who “walk in darkness” (1 John 2:11). Common traits include:

- Jealousy – resenting the success of others (Genesis 37:4, Joseph’s brothers).

- Bitterness – holding grudges and refusing forgiveness.

- Malice – desiring harm or downfall for others.

- Unforgiveness – refusing to let go of past wrongs (Ephesians 4:31).

Causes of Hatred: 

Hatred often springs from:

- Pride – Cain hated Abel because God accepted Abel’s sacrifice but not his (Genesis 4:5–8).

- Fear and insecurity – King Saul hated David because he feared losing his throne (1 Samuel 18:8–9).

- Unresolved anger – when anger is not dealt with, it grows into hatred (Ephesians 4:26–27).

- Lack of love – hatred thrives where the love of God is absent (1 John 4:20).

Consequences of Hatred:

Hatred is destructive both to the hater and those around them:

- Spiritual blindness – “Anyone who hates his brother is in darkness” (1 John 2:11).

- Broken relationships – hatred divides families, communities, and nations.

- Loss of peace – hatred robs the heart of joy and rest.

- Judgment from God – Cain’s hatred led to murder and a curse upon his life (Genesis 4:11–12).

Why a Hater Must Change: 

Christ calls us to a higher way—the way of love:

- Jesus commands love – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

- Hatred is incompatible with salvation – “Anyone who does not love remains in death” (1 John 3:14).

- Love fulfills the law – “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).

- Christ is our example – even on the cross, Jesus prayed for His haters: “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34).

Final Encouragement: 

Hatred is a heavy chain that binds the soul, but Christ offers freedom. A hater must turn to Jesus, who alone can replace hatred with love, bitterness with forgiveness, and darkness with light. As Paul wrote, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

Do you hate someone? Set yourself free today. Please feel free to share this with your contacts. ©Dr. Joel Olanrewaju, gbemide09@gmail.com.