Hatred Is A Choice — Sunday Thought For The Day

Booker T. Washington (1856-1915), was an author, advisor to presidents, orator, and educator. He was also born a slave. From 1890 until his death in 1915, his was a preeminent voice of reason and forward thinking in America and specifically among those who were black.

Of the many quotes he is recognized for, the one that speaks most to the character of this great man is: “I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.” Let me remind you that Booker T. Washington was born a slave. As we listen to the vitriol and observe the unmasked animosity exhibited by so many, which is both encouraged and applauded by still many more, because a person has a different skin color, we would do well to heed the words of Booker T. Washington.

But for those who claim that they are Christians, the quote should remind them that hatred is not of God. Although many will argue that they have the right to hate someone for whatever reason(s), hatred is a choice. To engage in hatred is a conscience choice. Hatred is of the devil.

Scripture speaks to the fact that God loved us when we were yet sinners. (See: Romans 5:8 KJV) Scripture tells us that hanging on the “cross,” dying the most horrific death ever conceived, Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34 KJV)

One more thought. Suppose God had refused to forgive us for our sins against Him? We are not above God. We cannot change His laws. His word is immutable, i.e, unchangable — it is settled in heaven forever. (See: Psalms 119:89 KJV)

One of the ways we know we are a child of God is if we love our brother as ourselves. There is a caveat though, and that is God’s love doesn’t embrace our sin.

READ: 1 John 2:9-11; 3:14-15; 4:19-21 (KJV)
9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

1 John 3:14-15
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

1 John 4:19-21
19 We love him, because he first loved us.

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.