Topical Bible: Hatred: Saints should not Rejoice in the Calamities of Those Who Exhibit

◄ Hatred: Saints should not Rejoice in the Calamities of Those Who Exhibit ►

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Hatred, as a profound aversion or hostility towards others, is a condition of the heart that the Bible consistently warns against. It is a destructive force that can lead to sin and separation from God. The Scriptures provide clear guidance on how believers, referred to as saints, should respond to those who exhibit hatred, particularly when such individuals face calamities.

The Bible teaches that saints are called to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. In Matthew 5:44 , Jesus instructs, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This command underscores the principle that believers should not harbor ill will or rejoice in the misfortunes of those who exhibit hatred.

Proverbs 24:17-18 further emphasizes this point: "Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him." This passage highlights the importance of maintaining a heart of compassion and humility, even towards those who may act as adversaries. Rejoicing in their downfall is contrary to the character of God, who desires repentance and restoration rather than destruction.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, echoes this sentiment by urging believers to live in harmony and peace with others. Romans 12:17-21 states, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.' On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This passage encourages believers to respond to hatred with acts of kindness and to trust in God's justice rather than seeking personal revenge or satisfaction in the suffering of others.

The teachings of Jesus and the apostles consistently call for a response of love, mercy, and forgiveness. In Luke 6:27-28 , Jesus says, "But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." This radical love is a hallmark of the Christian faith and serves as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

In summary, the Bible instructs saints not to rejoice in the calamities of those who exhibit hatred. Instead, they are called to respond with love, compassion, and prayer, reflecting the character of Christ and leaving judgment to God. This approach not only aligns with biblical teachings but also fosters reconciliation and peace, demonstrating the redemptive love of God to a world in need.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 31:29,30
If I rejoice at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 35:13,14
But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into my own bosom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
... best reason for the afflictions of the saints, since without ... For our thought should
then be, How high the honour ... obliged to incur the offence and hatred of the ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter iii of bearing the.htm

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
... best reason for the afflictions of the saints, since without ... For our thought should
then be, How high the honour ... obliged to incur the offence and hatred of the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of bearing the.htm

Letter to a Young Widow.
... to increased lamentations and having incurred his hatred would add ... strangers if she
have washed the saints feet if ... his instructions as to what should be done ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letter to a young widow.htm

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... and being enrolled in the company of the saints, ought we ... the enmity of the whole
world, the hatred of his ... a striking model, if ever any one should fall into ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... and unseasonable enmities, and unreasonable hatred, and it ... God bestowed on the bodies
of those saints who were ... for abuse and flattery, she should not even know ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ...
... For such are the bowels of the saints, that they ... Should the slanderers learn that
we abhor them more than ... beginning and foundation of enmity, and hatred, and a ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii on the departure.htm

Peter Stood Up.
... blessing, your insults with honour, your hatred with charity ... of gold, required that
he should anathematise this ... was immediately counted among the saints of the ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iii peter stood up.htm

Matt. vi. 28, 29
... stretched out his hands against the saints, and brought ... thyself, having a servant
full of hatred and aversion ... should be saved, and that He should give largely ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxii matt vi 28.htm

After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been ...
... I heed not hatred, I heed not war: one thing only do I ... laid low, like Lazarus and
the bodies of the saints. ... abandon thy parents, and that we should be wedded ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii after eutropius having.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... and what is the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. ... but my meaning
is, that those that are learned should not despise those that are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm