Topical Encyclopedia Hatred, a profound aversion or hostility towards others, is a condition of the heart that the Bible addresses with clear directives for believers. The Scriptures consistently call the saints to respond to hatred not with retaliation or malice, but with love and goodness, reflecting the character of Christ.Biblical Mandate to Overcome Hatred with Good The Bible instructs believers to respond to hatred with acts of kindness and love, emphasizing the transformative power of good over evil. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This radical call to love those who harbor hatred is a hallmark of Christian ethics, demonstrating the kingdom values that Jesus came to establish. The Apostle Paul echoes this teaching in his letter to the Romans, urging believers to live in harmony and to overcome evil with good. He writes, "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" (Romans 12:17-21). Examples of Returning Good for Hatred The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who returned good for hatred, serving as models for believers. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers out of jealousy and hatred, later rose to a position of power in Egypt. When his brothers came to him in need, Joseph responded with forgiveness and provision, saying, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people" (Genesis 50:20). David, too, exemplified this principle in his dealings with King Saul. Despite Saul's relentless pursuit and attempts on his life, David spared Saul when he had the opportunity to kill him, demonstrating respect for Saul's position as the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 24:10-12). Theological Implications The call to return good for hatred is rooted in the character of God, who is described as love (1 John 4:8). Believers are called to imitate God, who demonstrated His love for humanity through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, even while humanity was in a state of enmity with Him (Romans 5:8). This divine love sets the standard for how Christians are to respond to hatred. Furthermore, returning good for hatred is a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel. It reflects the new nature of believers, who are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). By responding to hatred with love, Christians bear witness to the reality of God's kingdom and His redemptive work in the world. Practical Application In practical terms, returning good for hatred involves intentional acts of kindness, prayer for those who persecute, and a commitment to forgiveness. It requires a reliance on the Holy Spirit to cultivate the fruit of love, patience, and self-control in the believer's life (Galatians 5:22-23). By choosing to bless rather than curse, believers align themselves with the heart of God and participate in His redemptive mission on earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 23:5If you see the ass of him that hates you lying under his burden, and would forbear to help him, you shall surely help with him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:44 Library Psalm CIX. Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth. The Purifying Hope Evidences of Regeneration. The First Great Deception. The First Great Deception The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Letter i. --Temptation to Despair. The Church as She Should Be Resources What does the Bible say about misanthropy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is misotheism? What is a misotheist? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view misandry? | 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 |
    |