Fights always seem to draw crowds, whether professional or street fights. For whatever reason, people gather to watch two people pummel each other. Maybe it's just the commotion or maybe it stirs some animalistic urges in all of us, but for whatever the reason most people are drawn to the intrigue of two battling foes.
At the same time, most people hate conflict and will do anything to avoid it. We don't like tension. We don't like dissension. It makes us feel uncomfortable at best. Being in the same room where two people hate each other causes us to look for the open door to make our exit in a hurry.
Hatred is a destructive force. Not only does it affect us personally, it affects our relationships and our environment. Hatred eats us up on the inside and prevents us from really enjoying life and the people around us. It poisons our attitude and distracts us from accomplishing great things. Living with a chip on our shoulder robs us and others around us of the kind of life God would have for us.
Where quarrels and fights draw crowds, love expressed openly draws people. Who would rather be around a seething grouchy person with venom being spewed from their lips or someone who warmly embraces people around them? No brainer, right? Love takes the hit and reaches out in mercy, forgiveness and grace. Hate takes the hit and strikes back.
When Jesus went to the cross, he took the hit of our hate, disobedience, sin and offered up mercy, forgiveness and grace. But with that also comes hope and encouragement and opportunity and healing. Jesus said that others would know we were His followers by our love for one another. 1 John states that it is impossible to hate our brothers and/or sisters and love God, because God is love. God has nothing to do with hate. God is about restoration and reconciliation and life. To be a part of His Kingdom, His Family means that we too should be characterized by love.
God, please remove any hate from me. Help me to love like you love, to bring healing and hope and encouragement to others.
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