Why Are So Many Christians Who Are Called to Love Lost in Hate?

It’s troubling to see how often those who are called to love can lose their way and fall into hate. This isn’t the path that Jesus laid out for us. Jesus’ message is rooted deeply in love – for God, for our neighbors, and even for those who oppose us.

Jesus’ teachings are straightforward on this issue. He instructed us to “love one another as I have loved you.” This is a clear directive from Jesus. Yet, many who claim to follow Jesus sometimes find themselves consumed by hate.

Understanding why this happens is the first step toward addressing it. Love is a challenging and often counterintuitive choice. Our human nature can incline us towards division and animosity, especially when we feel threatened or wronged. But Jesus calls us to rise above these instincts and embrace a higher standard.

Paul writes in his letter to the church in Galatia about the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes should define our lives as followers of Christ. Hate, in contrast, signals that we are moving away from the Spirit’s guidance.

Why do some Christians struggle with hate? Several factors contribute to this – personal hurts, societal pressures, and a lack of spiritual growth. It’s easy to fall into an “us versus them” mindset, especially in a divided world. However, Jesus’ call to love is universal. He reached out to outcasts, sinners, and even those who sought to harm Him.

God knows us deeply, understands our pain and struggles, and loves us unconditionally. When we stray into hate, we must remember that this is not the path Jesus taught. Jesus encouraged us to forgive, to pray for those who wrong us, and to love our enemies.

Loving as Jesus did requires effort and commitment. It involves seeing others as God sees them, with compassion and grace. This way of living is challenging but profoundly transformative.

God has shown us a better way – the way of love. Despite the difficulties, we are called to love as Jesus loved. When we embrace His teachings and allow His Spirit to guide us, we can overcome hate. The path of love is challenging but it leads to peace and fulfillment.

As we go through our lives, let’s stay focused on Jesus’ command to love. In a world often divided by hate, let us choose the way of love. This is the path Jesus laid out for us, and it is the path that leads to true peace.