How can we avoid "harboring hatred" while correcting others, as Leviticus instructs? Grasping the Command in Leviticus 19:17 “‘You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor directly, and so you will not incur guilt on account of him.’” Key Truths from the Verse • Harboring hatred is forbidden; it is a heart-sin, not merely an outward action. • Correcting (“rebuking”) is required; silence in the face of sin makes us share guilt. • God commands both love and confrontation—never one without the other. Why Hatred Can Lurk Behind Correction • Self-righteousness: treating someone’s fault as proof of our superiority. • Unresolved offenses: past wounds create resentment that colors every rebuke. • Impatience: wanting immediate change rather than patient discipleship. • Fear: hiding anger behind a “righteous” rebuke instead of addressing our feelings honestly before God. Biblical Antidotes to Hidden Hatred • Love as motive—“Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). • Self-examination—“First take the log out of your own eye” (Matthew 7:5). • Tenderheartedness—“Be kind and compassionate… forgiving one another” (Ephesians 4:32). • Dependence on the Spirit—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Steps to Correct Without Hatred 1. Search Your Heart – Ask the Lord to reveal any bitterness (Psalm 139:23-24). – Refuse to speak until you can honestly desire the other person’s good. 2. Set Your Aim on Restoration – “If your brother sins, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother” (Matthew 18:15). – The goal is a healed relationship, not a moral victory. 3. Speak Truth in Love – “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). – Use clear, specific words; avoid vague accusations or harsh tones. 4. Stay Gentle and Watch Yourself – “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). – Gentleness guards against proud anger. 5. Refuse Revenge, Give Grace – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). – Choose to bless—even if the correction is rejected. 6. Leave Results to God – “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone… hoping that God may grant them repentance” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). – Faith rests in God’s work, freeing you from frustration and lingering anger. Guarding the Heart After You Correct • Pray for the person regularly, turning potential bitterness into intercession. • Rehearse forgiveness whenever the offense resurfaces (Matthew 18:21-22). • Keep short accounts—deal swiftly with fresh irritations before they harden (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Continue acts of kindness to reinforce genuine love (Romans 12:20-21). Fruit of Obedience • Personal freedom: hatred is heavy; love is light (1 John 2:10-11). • Purified fellowship: open, honest relationships flourish (James 5:16). • Credible witness: the world sees truth and grace together (John 13:35). |
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