Topical Encyclopedia Hatred, as a concept and practice, is explicitly forbidden in the teachings of the Bible. The Scriptures consistently advocate for love, compassion, and forgiveness, urging believers to reject hatred in all its forms. This entry explores the biblical perspective on hatred, emphasizing its prohibition and the call to love even one's enemies.Old Testament Teachings The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding the prohibition of hatred. Leviticus 19:17-18 commands, "You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor directly, and you will not incur guilt because of him. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This passage highlights the importance of addressing grievances directly and choosing love over hatred. Proverbs also speaks against hatred, contrasting it with love and wisdom. Proverbs 10:12 states, "Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers all offenses." This verse underscores the destructive nature of hatred and the healing power of love. New Testament Teachings The New Testament further reinforces the prohibition of hatred, with Jesus Christ's teachings serving as the cornerstone. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus elevates the command to love, extending it even to one's enemies. Matthew 5:43-44 records His words: "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his epistles. In Romans 12:17-21, Paul 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." The Example of Christ Jesus Christ exemplifies the ultimate rejection of hatred through His life and sacrifice. Despite facing intense opposition and suffering, He responded with love and forgiveness. On the cross, Jesus prayed for His persecutors, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). His example serves as a model for believers, demonstrating the power of love to transcend hatred. The Call to Love The Bible's call to love is a central theme that stands in stark contrast to hatred. 1 John 4:20-21 emphasizes the incompatibility of love for God and hatred for others: "If anyone says, 'I love God,' but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well." In summary, the Bible unequivocally forbids hatred, urging believers to embrace love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Through the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, and the example of Jesus Christ, the Scriptures call for a life marked by love, even in the face of enmity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 19:17You shall not hate your brother in your heart: you shall in any wise rebuke your neighbor, and not suffer sin on him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 3:8 Library Since, Then, all Passionate Excitement is Forbidden Us, we are ... Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy. What are the Sins Forbidden in the First Commandment? What are the Sins Forbidden in the Sixth Commandment? The Passions are to be Subdued, and we must Abstain from Forbidden ... In the Attribute of Justice, Marcion's God is Hopelessly Weak and ... Thou Shalt not Kill. John Chapter xv. 17-19. When Then My Mother had Once, as She was Wont in Afric... She, on the Prohibition of Ambrose, Abstains from Honouring the ... 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 |
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