Thursday Matters

Everyday Do Not Hate

“God loves the people you hate." I have that sticker on my car (with a multitude of other stickers) and recently I really thought about what it meant. God loves every single human on earth. We’re equally loved by Him. Oh, I hear you, the frustration of people, those who’ve hurt you, been unkind, and downright mean.

But, instead of emotionally fighting back, stay quiet. It doesn't mean you’re not hurt by what someone says or posts but by His grace choose not to be "moved" and harbor bitterness. Romans 12:19 says God will avenge us and take care of the others person like He does us.

Jesus came as the Good News to redeem us all. The Christian faith is the only faith where God says, "love your enemy" and not take revenge. Stand up to evil and hate sin but don’t forget, the real enemy is Satan who wants to destroy our relationship with God and others. We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar.” (I John 4:19) God gives you the grace to love the most difficult…everyday.