Let’s Hate Hate—Not Each Other

Waterlily on peaceful pond

Let’s hate hate—not each other.

Have we forgotten that the difference between America and dictatorships is we have the freedom to think and feel differently and choose accordingly? And we don’t have to cancel or kill each other because our opinions contradict.

Have we forgotten our pledge of allegiance, America? “…one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said “Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.” The Bible says, “A nation divided against itself cannot stand.”

Lately, headlines, newsreels and social media feeds serve a steady stream of tragic accounts like these:

  • The misguided chant death-threats at protests in the name of peace. Those who should know better retaliate with hate-fueled, unbridled, acid tongues rather than with truth delivered with self-control that might turn some wayward ones toward reason.
  • Unsubstantiated accusations of wrongdoing based on others’ nationality or social status.
  • Disparaging remarks and violent acts toward certain ethnicities and those of differing political and religious views.
  • Contempt toward all those in a given vocation because of the evil doing of some.
  • Callous retorts in response to others’ stated struggles.
“Some ages are lukewarm and complacent, and then it is our business to soothe them fast asleep. Other ages such as the present one are unbalanced and prone to faction, and it is our business to inflame them.” —The demon Screwtape from The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

We alienate rather than garner the ear of those who differ from us when we stoop to uninformed, undisciplined, unkind reactions. For peace to prosper, we must ensure as much as is in our power that we keep relationships amicable with those who think and feel differently from us. How else can we influence them for good?

Jesus subjected Himself to death on the cross to save us from eternity in Hell, reconcile us to Himself, and provide all needed to navigate this life. Yet, with all this at stake, He gave us free will.—How is it then, that some refuse to respect others’ God-given right to choose

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18 NIV)

Division is a device of the devil. His goal is to breed hate and promote the lie of justification for evil acts.

This doesn’t mean silence in the face of wrongdoing or compromising truth. 

The Bible says, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20 NKJV) 

Lawlessness pulls down a nation. Righteousness preserves. If we hold the truth, we have a moral responsibility to share it and seek to persuade others. Give the gift of truth wrapped in compassion. Uphold righteousness; extend grace. That’s what love does.

I wonder at the lack of wisdom displayed in the harsh way some people engage with others. Why so, when Scripture says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him,” (James 1:5 NKJV). [emphasis mine]

Angry vitriol and demanding others meet our standards only polarizes people. Let’s revive the art of civil dialogue.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. 
Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.
Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44 NKJV)

“You’re not a good Christian because you love good people. You’re a good Christian when you love bad people. Especially those who treat you badly.” — Pastor Stephen Small, Church 180, Toronto.

“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31 NKJV)

Imagine if we listened to each other. A novel idea today. I’ve noticed misunderstandings often spring from misinformation, which leads to jumping to wrong conclusions.

Knee-jerk reactions and short-sighted solutions won’t solve problems. We need to research and ponder the issues at hand and respond with reason rather than react like a pendulum.

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20 NLT)

We don’t need to stir up prejudices (new or old) in America, as some seem intent on doing.—Hatred is hatred. Prejudice is prejudice. Sin is sin, no matter the cause.

Prejudice of some Whites resulted in Blacks being enslaved, murdered, abused, treated as less than human, their unalienable rights obstructed, and those granted in The Constitution of the United States denied. (And though we’ve come a long way, we still have work to do.)

In the past, prejudiced men treated women as less intelligent and valuable than themselves. They withheld opportunities for women to advance their education and careers without valid reasons, silenced their voice to vote, and compensated them less for the same work as men. (Blacks experienced this too.)

Today, some subscribe to the false idea that all Whites are privileged, have ill intent, and should feel guilty for the good things they possess. They’re also accused of being guilty of and responsible for evil deeds they’ve had no part of.

Because men oppressed women in the past, some now wrongly feel justified in demeaning all men. Today’s culture often refers to and portrays men in the media as unneeded, stupid, and oppressors—a practice that damages all of society.

It’s true that people with ill-gotten gain have misused their power and suppressed the advancement of others. But it’s unjust to malign those many who are responsible and charitable stewards of their honestly earned prosperity. Oppression or vilification because of gender, socio-economic status, or ethnicity is evil. Rather, let us ensure that all citizens have the liberty and equal opportunity to develop their skills and work to achieve as our rights state in America’s founding documents.

Do our words fan the flames of the divide or invite others to the peaceful waters of resolution? Often, so many words spoken; so little of value said. Challenge: Speak less; say more. Do more good.

Let’s seek to have a harmony in diversity between those of differing cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs. However, oversimplifying complex problems does not bring resolution. Sometimes positive change takes extended time and working together—a worthy investment.

While it’s essential to tear down and uproot evil, we must be diligent to sow the gospel and build up with faith and hope. We can use our words to build or break, bring together or separate. Cancel culture has now infiltrated families; estrangement is epidemic. How tragic. Sometimes it’s essential to put space between ourselves and others to maintain physical, mental, or spiritual health. But it grieves me when people treat relationships as disposable.

We’re called to persuade others of truth, not cut them off. When we muzzle others’ pain, we widen their wounds. Can we talk without being canceled? Can we listen and love each other?

Which spirit do we demonstrate, the good Samaritan’s or the Pharisees’? We’re called to righteousness, not self-righteousness, but to win people to the One who is righteous. We aren’t called to be moralists, but evangelists who are moral, grateful for God’s grace and work in us, obedient to share about Jesus’ love and salvation offered to all humanity.

“Only Christ can meet the deepest needs of our world and our hearts. Christ alone can bring lasting peace—peace with God, peace among men and nations, and peace within our hearts. He transcends the political and social boundaries of our world.”—Rev. Billy Graham
Excerpt from a letter to Civil Rights activist and family friend Dr. James Spicer:

For me, [since childhood] getting into good trouble often means walking down the middle of two groups of people who are throwing stones at each other while hoping I don’t get hit (at least not too hard) and praying they’ll pause a minute and listen. I’ve also come to realize that Jesus has little interest in my comfort. The refiner’s fire isn’t comfortable, but its yield is precious. Living and sharing God’s word is often counterculture, but it is our call as Christians. The cross wasn’t comfortable either, was it? So, onward to the goal of standing and speaking the truth in love with humility and grace—as uncomfortable and inconvenient as that may be sometimes.

I believe that we’re not gaining ground if we don’t reach and persuade people with views that oppose ours. How can we win others if we don’t first listen and seek to understand where they’re coming from? How do we know we’re right if we don’t have the clearest picture of all sides as possible? [Now as an adult and Christian, I’m even more convinced of this.]

“He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.” (Proverbs 18:13 NKJV)

Perhaps we could achieve the needed cultural climate change, from hostile to fertile, if we, as a nation, employed common sense, courtesy, compassion, and kindness a little more often. What if we weren’t content with only recognizing problems, but earnestly sought solutions? “God, help us.”

What if we extended grace as God does to us? Jesus humbled Himself to reach us. Ought we not to humble ourselves to reach others? Jesus didn’t owe us anything, we deserved nothing, yet He gave us everything—Himself to save us. What if Jesus treated us like we treat others?

Are we more interested in proving ourselves right than making things right between each other? What if we sought to win hearts rather than arguments?

“Do you just want to be right, or do you want to be effective?”
—Pastor Artie Aragon

My mother-in-law, Jean Colby, says, “Say what you mean, but don’t be mean.”

Let us cast off the rags of self righteousness, and as scripture says, clothe ourselves in humility, and speak the truth in love. And when we fall short, can we please forgive one another?

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 NKJV)

I’ve heard cries of despair from many strangers and friends, from Christians and those of varying religious beliefs and political persuasions. Some have expressed feelings of hopelessness because of the state of our world and upheavals in our country.

Perhaps God will step in and rescue us from ourselves, reroute us from the destructive path we’re on. Though sometimes He allows people to pursue their willful way for a time so they can see it’s not what they want, and certainly not what they need.

I find comfort by reminding myself that the Bible prophesied these chaotic times. This proves God’s Word is true. So too, God will fulfill His promises to us and prophesies of right prevailing in the end. As the world churns, I’m so glad my hope is in Jesus.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NKJV

I’ve found that God does amazing things in our lives and in other people and situations when we pray and humbly speak the truth in love as God leads and trust the Holy Spirit to do His part.

It’s dark out there, but do not despair. Be the light. Speak out against unrighteousness, stand for truth and justice, give honor where honor is due. Rather than turn our backs on each other, let us stand shoulder to shoulder and work together, seek resolution, reconciliation, redemption, and restoration.

In the end, truth prevails, love never fails. — #LetsHateHateNotEachOther

Let us be liberal in love. Let us be conservative in how we interpret scripture and morality and how we live our lives. Let us be independent in how we think—diligent to refute lies and pursue truth. Above all, let’s be biblical.

Let’s hate hate—and love each other.

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Author: Rachael M. Colby


		

			Rachel M. Colby has a heart for reconciliation and a passion to uplift those who serve in tough places. She writes to connect culture's questions with Christianity’s answers, inspire faith, and motivate.

She is an award-winning writer in the categories of articles, poetry, devotions, essays, flash fiction, and children’s picture books. Her article The Integration of Oak Ridge (the subject of her WIP) won the 2022 Selah Award for Articles in Print at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is a longtime member of The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and a protégé in the Cecil Murphey Mentoring program.

Rachael's work has appeared on the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Christian Devotions, Southern Ohio Christian Voice, Inkspirations Online, in the compilation books Creative Writing Journal: Faith Inspired Writing Prompts & Hope-Filled Poetry, Defining Moments: Memorable and Inspiring Stories from Outstanding Leaders, and The Courage to Write: 62 Devotions to Encourage Your Writing Journey, and in the Oak Ridger newspaper.

This Jamaican-born wife, mom, beach bum, artist, and work in progress makes her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She runs on copious amounts of coffee, chocolate, and a whole lot of “Help me, Jesus.”			
		

	



	


	






			

			6 thoughts on “Let’s Hate Hate—Not Each Other”		


		
		
    
					
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    My heart is with your heart. Because in this article, you express the very heart of God. No political stance nor executive order or court decision changes public behavior. Only the life-changing perspective God gives can fix our conflicts. But we have to turn our hearts and minds toward God’s words and his ways.
    

    Beautifully written.
    

    Melody
    

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