Mike’s Musings …..
Some Just Love to Hate
Our language is comprised of countless antonyms (words with opposite meanings.) Most tend toward positive and constructive dialogue, but we must admit many others are inclined to the opposite. While many come, others go; while many listen others ignore; while many love, others hate. Solomon recognized this reality (Ecclesiastes 3: 1- 8) prefacing his discussion of antonyms with, “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.”
Some forget that “hate” is something God does. Notice Solomon’s statement of Proverbs 6:16 – 19. Seven things are “hated” of God; they are abomination to Him. King David hated every false way (Ps. 119: 104, 128). Jesus tells us the world may hate us for our stand with Christ (John 15:18). Hate exists, and it hurts the receiver of such emotion. Yet note scripturally the only things we are allowed to hate are those things that oppose God and His truth and righteousness. Simply stated, we are to hate sin.
William Wallace, in writing a biography of the late Daniel Somer, entitled a chapter, “Friends, and Unfriendly Friends and Broader Travels.” Indeed, throughout his life brother Somer had some “unfriendly friends.” Many of those people set their goal to intentionally harm brother Somer; indeed they “hated” him and not merely the viewpoints with which they disagreed. (May I remind you people did the same with Jesus and with the apostle Paul?) It is interesting to note brother Somer referred to these persecutionists as “unfriendly friends.”
Another preacher friend refers to such souls who have endeavored to harm his reputation and his godly influence as “distracters.” He has successfully endured such onslaughts of bitterness by saying, “They have distracted me while doing my work for the Master, but they cannot distract me from being faithful to Him.” Such strength was evidenced by Stephen (Acts 7:54-60). Yes, unfortunately, some people in this old world simply love to hate!
I muse on this reality, and then thank God for the fact they can do me no lasting harm! (Matt. 10:28) Oh, they intentionally harm my emotions, and at times, they have harmed me physically. But they truly cannot harm me – MY SOUL – UNLESS I LET THEM! God has promised He would care for me (Heb. 13:5-6), and so all I need to do is “pray for them that despitefully use me.” (Matt. 5:44- 45) If I pray for those who love to hate me, then I’m actually doing them good (Rom. 12:17-21). Muse on that reality! Love always overcomes hate!