Topical Encyclopedia Hatred, as understood within the biblical context, is a profound aversion or hostility towards others, which stands in stark contrast to the nature and teachings of God. The Bible consistently portrays hatred as incompatible with the knowledge and character of God, who is love (1 John 4:8). This entry explores the biblical perspective on hatred and its inconsistency with knowing God.Biblical Teachings on Hatred The Scriptures clearly admonish believers to reject hatred and embrace love. In the Old Testament, Leviticus 19:17 commands, "You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him." This directive underscores the importance of addressing grievances openly rather than allowing hatred to fester. In the New Testament, Jesus intensifies this teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. He states, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:22). Here, Jesus equates harboring anger and hatred with the severity of judgment, highlighting the spiritual danger of such emotions. Hatred and the Knowledge of God The knowledge of God is fundamentally linked to love. The Apostle John writes, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" (1 John 4:8). This verse establishes a direct correlation between knowing God and expressing love. Hatred, therefore, is a denial of God's nature and a barrier to truly knowing Him. Furthermore, 1 John 2:9-11 states, "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes." This passage emphasizes that hatred is antithetical to walking in the light of God's truth and is indicative of spiritual blindness. The Call to Love The Bible calls believers to a higher standard of love, which is the hallmark of true discipleship. Jesus commands, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another" (John 13:34). This commandment reflects the sacrificial and unconditional love that Jesus demonstrated, which is the antithesis of hatred. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Romans 12:9-10 , "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." Here, love is portrayed as genuine and active, requiring believers to reject evil, including hatred, and to honor others. Conclusion Hatred is fundamentally inconsistent with the knowledge of God, as it contradicts His nature and the teachings of Scripture. Believers are called to reject hatred and embrace love, reflecting the character of God and walking in His light. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 2:9,11He that said he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man. Trial Mission of the Apostles in Galilee. (Luke, ix. ; Matt. , X. ... I Reject this Predestination for the Following Reasons: The New Birth In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ... And Now the Time is Come for us to Proceed to the Demonstration of ... Hatred Without Cause The New Covenant. The Birth of England's Foreign Missions On God's vineyard Resources What does the Bible say about self-hatred? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about hate? | GotQuestions.org What is Christianophobia? | GotQuestions.org Hatred: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hatred to Christ is on Account of his Testimony Against the World Hatred to Christ is Without Cause Hatred to Christ: Chief Priests Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his Father Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his People Hatred to Christ: No Escape for Those Who Persevere In Hatred to Christ: Punishment of Hatred: Against Iniquity, Justified Hatred: Inconsistent With: Liars Prone To Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Knowledge of God Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Love of God Hatred: Often Cloaked by Deceit Hatred: Saints should Give No Cause For Hatred: Saints should not Marvel At Hatred: Saints should not Rejoice in the Calamities of Those Who Exhibit Hatred: Saints should Return Good For Hatred: Scriptures Relating To Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Each Other Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards God Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Saints Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Backsliding Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Evil Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: False Ways Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Hatred and Opposition to God Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Lying Related Terms |
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