Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. — Proverbs 10:12

The worst parts of us want to pay back bad behavior with more bad behavior, vengeance for vengeance, pettiness for pettiness, and hatred for hatred. God has always wanted his people to be the redeeming force in their world, society, and relationships. Paul told the Christians in Rome that they shouldn’t “pay back bad with bad” (Romans 12:17). Jesus told his followers, “Love your enemies and pray for those who hurt you, so that you can be children of your Heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:44–45). Here, God’s wise man tells us something very similar. Love makes hard times easier, while hatred only makes things worse. We are called to be different from other people. We are to be like Jesus and make the world a better place than it was when we came into it. It’s not always simple, but it’s always strong.

 

Thought

The worst parts of us want to pay back bad behavior with more bad behavior, vengeance for vengeance, pettiness for pettiness, and hatred for hatred. God has always wanted his people to be the redeeming force in their world, society, and relationships. Paul told the Christians in Rome that they shouldn’t “pay back bad with bad” (Romans 12:17). Jesus told his followers, “Love your enemies and pray for those who hurt you, so that you can be children of your Heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:44–45). Here, God’s wise man tells us something very similar. Love makes hard times easier, while hatred only makes things worse. We are called to be different from other people. We are to be like Jesus and make the world a better place than it was when we came into it. It’s not always simple, but it’s always strong.

 

Prayer

Father, I confess that when I’m offended it gets me angry and I’m inclined to strike back in kind. Please, eradicate the baser aspect of my character by the cleaning and redemptive effect of your Holy Spirit and the love your Spirit inspires. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.