Background Information
The Bible is one of the world’s most important and influential texts, covering many aspects of life and faith. It is comprised of two main parts – the Old Testament and the New Testament – and contains teachings about relationships and morality. One question that often arises when looking at the Bible is: what does it say about hating others? Though it may seem that the Bible speaks out against hatred in general, it is important to consider the context when discussing this issue.
Hate in the Bible
When looking at the Bible and what it says about hatred, the Old Testament is often cited as the most relevant source. It contains many references to hatred and anger, and this is seen as a warning against holding negative emotions towards others. The Book of Proverbs, in particular, speaks out against hatred, as seen in Proverbs 10:12, which states that “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers all wrongs.” This suggests that love is the preferred emotion compared to hatred.
The New Testament also speaks out against hatred, with Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 expressing this belief. Jesus says “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This is seen as an important statement against hatred and a call for greater humanity and compassion.
Hate vs. Wrath
When discussing hate in the Bible, it is important to differentiate between hate and anger or wrath. In the Old Testament, God is seen as having righteous wrath against those who break His commandments. Though, it is important to note that this wrath still falls within the bounds of a judgemental God who has control over his creation and wants to bring his justice and mercy.
The New Testament, however, takes a different stance. The New Testament speaks more of a love that banishes all hatred, as is seen with Jesus’ call to “love your enemies”. Anger and wrath are portrayed as more acceptable emotions, but hatred and violence are seen as the wrong way to approach the situation.
Takeaway
Overall, it can be concluded that while the Bible acknowledges the presence and power of hatred, it speaks more towards love and compassion as the way to live life. Hatred can stir up conflict and division, and the Bible speaks out against it as a way of living. Love, on the other hand, covers all wrongs and is seen as the way to ultimate peace and unity.
Intolerance of Hate
The Bible is clear that hating one’s neighbor is wrong and should be condemned. This is seen in the story of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus tells his followers to love their neighbor as they love themselves. This means accepting them, regardless of race, religion, or any other factor, and loving them just as they would love any other person.
The Bible also speaks out against any type of discriminatory behavior or oppression. This is seen in passages such as Exodus 22:21, where God commands “Do not wrong or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” This speaks to the importance of treating all human beings, regardless of backgrounds or beliefs, with respect and dignity.
Reconciliation and Restoration
Hate can have a profound and damaging effect on relationships. The Bible speaks to the importance of reconciliation when hatred has harmed a relationship. This is seen in the story of Joseph and his brothers, when they come to reconcile with one another after Joseph was sold into slavery. The Bible shows the restoration of broken relationships and that the power of love can overcome hate.
Ephesians 4:31-32 says “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This highlights the importance of forgiveness, even in the face of hatred and resentment.
Love as the Key
The Bible speaks to the power of love as the ultimate cure to hatred. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, it states “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This is a powerful call for love to reign over hatred and for relationships to be rebuilt on the foundation of love and understanding. Love is seen as the highest standard of human interaction, and this message is at the core of the Bible.
Racism and Prejudice
The Bible also speaks to the dangers of racism and prejudice. In passages such as Galatians 3:28, it says “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This shows that no matter one’s background or identity, all are equal in the eyes of God and should be treated as such.
In recognizing the dangers of racism and prejudice, the Bible calls for loving one another and treating all with respect and dignity. This is seen in verse after verse of Scripture, such as in Colossians 3:12-14, which states “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Hatred and Forgiveness
The Bible speaks strongly to the importance of forgiveness, even in the face of hatred and resentment. In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus speaks of a servant who is forgiven a debt but then turns around and refuses to forgive the debt of another. This parable highlights the importance of forgiving one another, even when hatred is present.
In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus states “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This shows that God values the ability to forgive, even in the face of hatred and resentment.
Hatred and Justice
The Bible also speaks to the importance of justice and making sure that wrongdoers are held accountable for their actions. In Proverbs 11:10, it states “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.” This speaks to the importance of justice and punishing those who do wrong and commit injustices.
At the same time, however, the Bible speaks to the importance of forgiveness and grace. In 1 Peter 4:8 it says “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” This emphasizes that we should not stay in hatred and bitterness, but instead forgive those who have wronged us and strive for a greater peace and unity.
Community and Love
Finally, the Bible speaks to the importance of community and loving one’s neighbor. In 1 John 4:7-8 it says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” This speaks to the importance of loving one’s neighbor and building a community of love, understanding, and acceptance.
Through these verses, the Bible shows that love and understanding should be prioritized over hatred and divisiveness. We should strive to unite and come together as one, and focus on love and acceptance in order to bring forth a greater peace and unity.
