Just a Thought for August 19
August 19, 2015Just a Thought for August 20
August 20, 2015
We are in an age of extremes. Hate and love are in direct conflict. The world is polarized over everything. People love or hate the president or political parties or even sports teams. We have new words such as “road rage.” We live in the perilous times Paul speaks of in 1 Timothy 3. It’s not unusual to hear of hatred for what Christians stand for. Even John told us, “Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13 NASB).
If we aren’t careful, we Christians can easily be pulled into the love hate battle. If you read the Old Testament, you might believe that God hates all kinds of different people. But Jesus came showing God does not hate.
“43 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44 NKJV). Love provides no room for hate.
