Topical Bible: Hatred is Murder

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian theological framework, the concept that "hatred is murder" is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostolic writings of the New Testament. This principle underscores the gravity of harboring hatred in one's heart, equating it with the act of murder in the eyes of God.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for this concept is found in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus expands on the traditional understanding of the Mosaic Law. In Matthew 5:21-22 , Jesus states, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." Here, Jesus elevates the commandment against murder to include the internal disposition of anger and hatred, emphasizing that sin is not merely an external act but also an internal condition of the heart.

The Apostle John further elaborates on this teaching in his first epistle. In 1 John 3:15 , he writes, "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer." This verse starkly equates hatred with murder, reinforcing the idea that harboring ill will or malice towards another is tantamount to committing murder in a spiritual sense.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the equation of hatred with murder highlights the seriousness with which God views the condition of the human heart. It underscores the belief that sin originates internally and that God’s judgment encompasses not only actions but also thoughts and intentions. This teaching calls believers to a higher standard of love and forgiveness, reflecting the character of Christ, who taught love for enemies and prayer for persecutors (Matthew 5:44).

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The moral implications of this teaching are profound. It challenges believers to examine their hearts and attitudes towards others, recognizing that unchecked anger and resentment can lead to spiritual death. The call to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31) is seen as a preventative measure against the sin of hatred, promoting a community of peace and reconciliation.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the admonition that "hatred is murder" encourages Christians to pursue reconciliation and forgiveness actively. It serves as a reminder to resolve conflicts swiftly and to seek the transformation of the heart through the Holy Spirit. Believers are urged to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), as antidotes to the destructive power of hatred.

Conclusion

While the concept of "hatred is murder" presents a challenging standard, it is integral to the Christian call to holiness and love. By aligning one's heart with the teachings of Christ, believers are empowered to overcome hatred and embody the love that fulfills the law.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 3:15
Whoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Decalogue: ii. --Man and Man
... taking any of them but the last, as going deeper than overt acts, for, though our
Lord has taught in the Sermon on the Mount that hatred is murder, and impure ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the decalogue ii man and man.htm

1 John iii. 11, 12
... Hatred too, he apprehends at the culminating point of manifestation, since out of
hatred proceeds murder; and accordingly he names, as the representative of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 11 12.htm

Whether Hatred of Our Neighbor is the Most Grievous Sin against ...
... Now there are sins by which a man hurts his neighbor more than by hatred, eg theft,
murder and adultery. Therefore hatred is not the most grievous sin. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether hatred of our neighbor.htm

Whether the Reason for Divorce was Hatred for the Wife?
... Now the proximate cause of murder is hatred: wherefore the proximate cause of divorce
was hatred. But hatred proceeds, like love, from a cause. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the reason for divorce.htm

But they Change their Ground and Endeavour to Vilify Our Faith in ...
... For this reason it was that He did not produce his healing for man's disease
immediately on Cain's hatred and murder of his brother; for the wickedness of ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter xxix but they change.htm

Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ...
... The passion which, when full-blown, causes murder, is punished in the bud ... members
of the Theocratic community, and, therefore, the law implied "hatred" of the ...
/.../section 155 fulfilling of the.htm

Contradiction Between Our Life and Our Christian Conscience.
... existing in the conscience and the necessity under which all men are placed by
compulsory military service of being prepared for hatred and murder"of being ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter v contradiction between our.htm

How Joseph was Thus Sold by his Brethren into Egypt, by Reason of ...
... Was Thus Sold By His Brethren Into Egypt, By Reason Of Their Hatred To Him ... fact,
all sorts of punishments would overtake them from God for this murder of their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how joseph was.htm

Whether Anger is the Most Grievous Sin?
... Reply to Objection 3: Murder results from hatred and envy no less than from anger:
yet anger is less grievous, inasmuch as it considers the aspect of justice ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether anger is the most.htm

1 John iii. 12-15
... from the standpoint of that highest tribunal which takes cognizance of the intention,
to be applied to the germ of murder already existing in hatred,"in the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 15-dec.htm