I know a lady who hates me. I have never done anything to hurt her. I have gone out of my way to be kind and loving toward her, to engage her in conversation, to show her care, to express interest in her life, to encourage her, to give a little gift to her. Why does she hate me, how does she show her hatred, how did I handle people’s hatred and wrongdoing in the past, how do I handle it now, and how should you handle it when it comes your way?
I believe she hates me because my following Jesus likely makes her question her lifestyle not following Him, and I have brought to light some things that created some work for her she didn’t want to do. She shows her hatred with coldness, meanness, rudeness, lashing out, and probably gossip. In the past I handled people’s wrongdoing with hatred, manipulation, control, lashing out, judgment, criticism, condemnation, pride, vengeance, trying to hurt those hurting me, feeling sorry for myself, withdrawing at times, etc.
Now I do my best to handle people’s hatred and other wrongdoing with LOVE, MERCY, GRACE, FORGIVENESS, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, PRAYING FOR THEM, and bringing my hurt and such to the Lord for love, wisdom, healing, and comfort.
How should you handle people’s hatred and wrongdoing? According to the will of God almighty.
Please consider the powerful words of the Lord Jesus Christ:
“”Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37
“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. Therefore “IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON HIS HEAD.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21 NKJV
“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV