Make no mistake. The world will encourage you to hate others most especially the ones who have caused hurt or the ones who disagree with us. They will put in your face all the "justifiable" reasons you should not forgive, harden your heart toward, and even retaliate - all of which will only serve to further hurt you.
Hate and anger love companions. They are hungry spirits who look for food wherever it can be found. The world will gloss this over and use words like "you have a right, it's not fair, and you deserve better."
Hate is a strong word but from it derive irritation, frustration, disdain, jealousy, self-righteousness, and misery. They're often at the same party sharing straws.
Beware of the influences you bring into your life whether it's people, music, books or social media. Often it will come disguised as help that is light as a feather, only to later chain you down like a cement block because it is not of God.
Jesus's instructions have a way of setting us free because He loves us.
MATTHEW 5:43-48
The Message
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
"In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
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