Christians Do Not Hate

Christians Do Not Hate By Kirk Hunt

 

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

1 John 4:20 NKJV

 

I am always disappointed when someone, claiming to be a Christian, expresses hate for others. Jesus told us the world would hate Christians. Not once did He command us to hate sinners, even in retaliation. Multiple times, He commanded us to love those who hate us.

 

Jesus said in Luke 6:27, “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” Perhaps the hearing part is the tricky part. Perhaps the obedient to Christ part is a different tricky part.

 

Jesus could have called down fire on various sinners and adversaries during His earthly ministry. He did not do so, even once. Instead, He died for the Pharisees who hated him. Jesus forgave His executioners during His execution. He died for you and I, even though we were sinners.

 

The Christ I serve healed foreigners and aliens. He proclaimed that He came to minister to sinners and tax collectors. May I remind you that He personally refused to condemn an adulteress, caught in the very act?

 

Condemnation ends the conversation. Conviction leads to restoration. Christians are commanded to make disciples (Matthew 28:19) of all men and women. We cannot hate the souls we expect and want to love Jesus.

 

Think: I cannot (effectively) share Jesus with someone I hate.

 

Pray: “Lord, help me to live out my love for You by loving Your (sinful) children.”

 

 

Copyright © June 2016, Kirk Hunt

 

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.