Topical Encyclopedia Hatred, as understood within the biblical context, is a profound aversion or intense dislike that stands in stark contrast to the love that God embodies and commands His followers to exhibit. The Scriptures consistently present hatred as incompatible with the divine nature and the life of a believer who seeks to emulate God's love.God's Nature and Love The Bible reveals that God is love (1 John 4:8), and His nature is fundamentally characterized by love, mercy, and compassion. This divine love is unconditional and sacrificial, as demonstrated in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the redemption of humanity. The Berean Standard Bible states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). This act of love serves as the ultimate example for believers, illustrating that love is self-giving and seeks the welfare of others. The Command to Love Believers are commanded to love God and their neighbors, which is the essence of the greatest commandments. Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 22:37-39 : "Jesus declared, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" These commandments encapsulate the law and the prophets, emphasizing that love is the fulfillment of God's law. Hatred as Contrary to Love Hatred is depicted in Scripture as a work of the flesh and a manifestation of the sinful nature. Galatians 5:19-21 lists hatred among the acts of the flesh, warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This underscores the severity with which God views hatred, as it is antithetical to the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22). The Call to Love Enemies The radical nature of Christian love is further highlighted in Jesus' teaching to love one's enemies. In Matthew 5:44 , Jesus instructs, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This command challenges believers to transcend natural inclinations towards hatred and retaliation, embodying the transformative power of God's love. Hatred and the Breach of Fellowship Hatred not only disrupts personal relationships but also severs fellowship with God. 1 John 4:20 states, "If anyone says, 'I love God,' but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." This verse highlights the inconsistency of professing love for God while harboring hatred towards others, as genuine love for God is evidenced by love for fellow human beings. The Transformative Power of Love The transformative power of God's love is capable of overcoming hatred. Romans 12:21 exhorts believers, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This principle encourages believers to respond to hatred and evil with acts of love and goodness, reflecting the character of Christ and advancing the kingdom of God. In summary, hatred is fundamentally inconsistent with the love of God as revealed in Scripture. Believers are called to reject hatred and embrace the love that God has demonstrated, living in a manner that reflects His nature and commands. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 4:20If a man say, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loves not his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Love Worketh no Ill to his Neighbor; Therefore Love is the ... The Tests of Love to God Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ... 'Lovest Thou Me?' On Zeal We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which ... The Opinion of the Stoics Concerning God; of his Anger and ... David and Nathan On God's vineyard Sudden Conversions. Resources Does God hate? If God is love, how can He hate? | GotQuestions.orgHow does love cover all wrongs (Proverbs 10:12)? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to hate our father and mother (Luke 14:26)? | GotQuestions.org Hatred: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hatred to Christ is on Account of his Testimony Against the World Hatred to Christ is Without Cause Hatred to Christ: Chief Priests Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his Father Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his People Hatred to Christ: No Escape for Those Who Persevere In Hatred to Christ: Punishment of Hatred: Against Iniquity, Justified Hatred: Inconsistent With: Liars Prone To Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Knowledge of God Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Love of God Hatred: Often Cloaked by Deceit Hatred: Saints should Give No Cause For Hatred: Saints should not Marvel At Hatred: Saints should not Rejoice in the Calamities of Those Who Exhibit Hatred: Saints should Return Good For Hatred: Scriptures Relating To Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Each Other Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards God Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Saints Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Backsliding Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Evil Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: False Ways Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Hatred and Opposition to God Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Lying Related Terms |
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