Title: God has no tolerance for hatred.

-

“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

Reflection: We’re quick to call out hatred when it erupts in violence or injustice. But most of the time it doesn’t start that loud. It starts small. A quiet spark. A grudge we nurse. A refusal to forgive. A little smugness when someone we dislike falls. Before we know it, resentment has taken root and dressed itself up as righteousness.
  Scripture gives no middle ground here. God doesn’t just dislike hatred — He abhors it. Because God is love, and hatred is everything He is not. To despise someone made in His image is to turn away from the God who made them.
  Hatred can look ordinary. It’s choosing not to forgive. It’s the contempt we carry for people who think differently. It’s the secret relief we feel when an enemy stumbles. But bitterness distorts us. We can’t hold the grace of the Cross in one hand and bitterness in the other. Christ died for us while we were still His enemies. If we’ve been forgiven a debt we could never repay, how can we refuse love to others?
  Love for God and hatred for people can’t live together. True love for God always spills over into love for our neighbor. And hatred doesn’t just wound the other person — it rots the heart that carries it. Grace asks something of us: to lay down resentment, to forgive, even when it costs our pride.

Prayer 
Lord, search me today. Expose any hidden bitterness, resentment, or quiet contempt in me. Forgive me for holding on to anger instead of extending the grace You gave me. Soften my heart toward those who have hurt me and those who are hard to love. Fill me with Your Spirit so my life reflects Your love, compassion, and peace. Amen.

Share you thoughts here and feel free to share this with your contacts. ©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, gbemide09@gmail.com.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Title: Confidence in Christ: A Biblical Perspective.

-
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Devotion:  The journey of faith is one of trust and assurance in the unfailing promises of God. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that the good work God begins in us will be perfected until the day of Jesus Christ. This confidence is not based on human ability or circumstances but on the unwavering faithfulness of God.   Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who placed their confidence in Christ and witnessed His faithfulness in completing what He started. 1. Abraham – Confidence in God's Promise     Abraham was called by God to leave his homeland and journey to an unknown land with the promise of becoming the father of many nations (Genesis 12:1-3). Despite his old age and Sarah’s barrenness, Abraham believed in God's promise. Romans 4:20-21 states that Abraham "did not waver through unbelief regarding the promi...
Read more

Title : Giving and God's Faithfulness.

-
Luke 6:38 (KJV) declares:   "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Devotion:  In life, generosity is more than a noble virtue; it is a spiritual principle deeply rooted in the Word of God. The Bible teaches us that giving is not just an obligation but an invitation to experience divine abundance.   This verse speaks of a truth that transcends time—the certainty that when we give from a sincere heart, God ensures we receive abundantly in return. It is a reminder that generosity is not merely about material possessions but encompasses kindness, compassion, and selflessness.     However, life's challenges often test our willingness to give. At times, the enemy seeks to discourage us by making generosity feel like a loss rather than a blessing. We might encounter situations...
Read more

Title:When We Walk with God.

-
Genesis 17:1  And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. Devotion: Walking with God is more than just a phrase—it is a way of life, an intimate journey of faith, trust, and obedience. Throughout the Bible, we see individuals who walked with God and experienced His guidance, protection, and blessings. Their stories serve as powerful reminders that when we choose to walk with Him, we are never alone.   Walking in Obedience – Noah's Example  In Genesis 6:9, we read: "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God." Despite living in a corrupt world, Noah remained steadfast in his obedience to God. His faith led him to build an ark, enduring ridicule and hardship, yet his obedience saved his family and preserved the future of mankind.     When we walk with God, obedience is key. It may not always...
Read more