In the biblical context, the term "hateful people" refers to individuals who exhibit attitudes and behaviors characterized by intense dislike, malice, or hostility towards others. The Bible addresses the nature, consequences, and spiritual implications of hatred, providing guidance on how believers should respond to such attitudes.

Nature of Hatred

Hatred is often depicted in Scripture as a destructive force that originates from the sinful nature of humanity. It is contrasted with the love that God commands His followers to exhibit. In Galatians 5:19-21, hatred is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit. The passage warns that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" .

Consequences of Hatred

The Bible warns of the spiritual and relational consequences of harboring hatred. In 1 John 3:15, it is stated, "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer" . This verse underscores the severity of hatred, equating it with murder in the heart. Hatred disrupts relationships and communities, leading to division and strife.

Proverbs 10:12 highlights the destructive nature of hatred: "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions" . This proverb contrasts the divisive effects of hatred with the unifying power of love, emphasizing the importance of love in overcoming conflict.

Spiritual Implications

Hatred is fundamentally opposed to the character of God, who is love (1 John 4:8). Believers are called to reflect God's love in their interactions with others. Jesus taught in Matthew 5:43-44, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" . This radical call to love even one's enemies challenges believers to rise above natural inclinations towards hatred.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:17-21, instructs believers on how to respond to those who may be hateful: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.' On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" .

Response to Hateful People

The biblical response to hateful people involves a commitment to love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Believers are encouraged to pray for those who persecute them and to seek peace whenever possible. Ephesians 4:31-32 advises, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" .

Ultimately, the Bible calls for a transformation of the heart, urging individuals to replace hatred with love, as exemplified by Jesus Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to overcome hatred and to live in a manner that reflects the love and grace of God.Luke 14:26
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Topicalbible.org

James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Topicalbible.org

4767. stugetos -- hateful
... 4767 -- properly, "hateful" ("abominable") () (used only in Tit 3:3). 4767 ("despicable,
detestable") describes people who good things, ie find them abhorrent ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4767.htm - 7k

2319. theostuges -- hating God
... God, hateful to God. 2319 (a substantival adjective, derived from 2316 , "God" and ,
"abhor") -- properly, to (His will). This rare term refers to people who ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2319.htm - 7k

Come Ye, Let us Hear How Death Convicts the People: that Harsher ...
... all!"3. It was not Death indeed that crucified Jesus, but it was the People: how
hateful then the People, that are yet more hateful than I!"4. Into the pit ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn lxvii come ye let.htm

The Fashionable Fallacy is that by Education we Can Give People ...
... It is odd that these people, who in the matter of heredity are so sullenly ... This cry
of "Save the children" has in it the hateful implication that it is ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 32 the fashionable fallacy.htm

The Glory of Penitents and Pious People.
... But a flash of light came forth from the Heart of Jesus, and in that light she saw
herself sinful and hateful in the eyes ... They are known as the Pious people. ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xx the glory of.htm

A Doomed People
... In the sentence pronounced on the fig tree Christ demonstrates how hateful in His
eyes is this ... It depended upon that people to whom Christ's words were spoken. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 64 a doomed people.htm

For, on the Death of Solomon in the Fortieth Year of his Reign...
... people might offer sacrifice; and, passing by the tribe of Levi, he appointed priests
from among the people. But censure followed this guilt so hateful to God. ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xli for on the.htm

As in a Race Saw I the Disputers, the Children of Strife, [Trying] ...
... enemy] read and saw orthodox teachings, and subverted them; he saw hateful things,
and ... former books did Satan put aside, and put on others: the People who was ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vii as in a.htm

D. The Question as to Paying Tribute. Ch. 20:19-26
... Yes"? Then he would cease to be a popular idol, for the people loathed the
hateful oppression of Rome. Should Jesus say, "No"? Then ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/d the question as to.htm

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... with anxiety, in the tent;"when, weak and unprotected woman as she is, she beholds
the Captain of the hateful oppressor of God's people hastening to her tent ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm

Letter i. Behavior and Manners.
... lovely for anything," "hateful," "horrible," may constantly be heard in conversation
upon trivial and unimportant subjects in companies of young people whose ...
/.../letter i behavior and manners.htm

Eudoxia's Statue
... General Council the reversal of the judgment passed upon him by the hateful Synod
of ... sea, he could not visit the city again; and that his own people were so ...
/.../chapter xlvii eudoxias statue.htm

What is Christianophobia? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian view the civil rights movement? | GotQuestions.org

How can we rely on the power of God? | GotQuestions.org

Hateful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus