Take the Hate Test

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

I’m convinced that one of the most destructive attitudes (arguably the most destructive) is hatred. Let’s be honest with each other, what kind of testimony does a Christ follower demonstrate when he/she exhibits loathing, rage, and malice? And worse yet, what does it say about the Christ they say they serve?

The exhibition of hate is disgusting, and the antithesis of the Christlikeness to which we are called. So why is it that so many professing Christ followers are teemed with hostility? Where does it come from anyway? Could it be our inability to forgive those who have hurt us?

I want you to think about someone that has hurt you — especially when it was underserved. Now, let’s take the “Hate Test.”

1. When you hate, there is no relief of memory: Does your mind repeat the offense over and over?

2. When you hate, there is a desire to inflict hurt: Do you secretly desire the offender to experience the same pain you have experienced? 

3. When you hate, there is ill-will: Can you sincerely pray for God’s rich blessing on the offender? 

The answers to these simple questions reveal what’s really in your heart. If you find any degree of hatred/animosity there, here’s what I suggest: Read the passage from Ephesians below. If necessary, read it over and over until you can personalize it into a prayer. Allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse and heal your heart. If you will let Him, He will give you all the power you need to forgive any old hurt. 

All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:31-32