Only One Thing Overcomes Hatred

I see many posts, articles and interviews addressing the issue of hatred in our country right now. The racial divide, political divide and well, you fill in the blank with any one of the many “divides”. Divides created by hatred seem easier than the way of love, compassion and respect. Like it or not, hatred in some form lives inside everyone. While I read many positive suggestions and counsel on overcoming hatred; only one thing overcomes hatred.

Hatred comes in many forms and finds expression in as many ways. The media accentuates differences in opinion, beliefs, lifestyles and economic class while subtly pedaling hatred. Even elementary school children catch the message that you “hate” anyone who disagrees with you. But other forms of hatred lurk within. Trauma, abuse and neglect teach us to hate ourselves, our bodies, even our lives.

the destructive power of hatred

As human beings we were not made to contain the powerful emotion of hatred. Hatred destroys a person from within which overflows to outward destruction of relationships. Hatred drives physical and emotional violence both towards self and others. Like a shroud of darkness hatred blinds us to the truth. (I John 2:11)

Only one thing overcomes hatred, and this film by the I Am Second crew does a spectacular job of showing the transformation. Hatred held each person interviewed in complete darkness and pain until the chains fell broken at their feet. After watching countless men mistreat his mother, David Mann hated men. Ashley Rawls never felt she was “enough” and through an eating disorder hated her body. Brian Sumner thought he understood love, but ended up in a marriage he hated. Taught as a child that white people hated blacks, Ken Hutcherson hated all races. Born with major leg deformities and left at a Siberian orphanage, Jessica Long hated everything life offered her.

five stories gripped by hatred

Overcoming hatred

Five people, five stories, amazing transformation. Each person felt justified in their hatred, yet each person described the misery of their souls. Experiencing the result of hatred’s darkness they knew they needed something more. That something was the love of God in Christ Jesus. The Bible instructs us to love our enemies (Luke 6:27), but it’s not until we really grasp the truth of Romans 5:8 that we find freedom in love.

Finally realizing that Christ died for you, while you stood in opposition to Him in the darkness of hatred, changes how you view others and yourself. Coming face to face with a love that chose you, forgave you and wants you forever near, transforms any heart. God’s love heals every wound of your soul, your broken heart, the pain of abuse, rejection, neglect and abandonment. This love removes fear and in its place offers acceptance in Christ with a new purpose for your life. Only one thing removes hatred; the love of God in Christ Jesus.

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Feature Image Photo by Andres Simon on Unsplash