Just Thinking..... About Love And Hate

Our country has become accustomed to a certain level of hate. It is accepted. It is expected. It is regrettable. It is spreading like a disease.

Hate is tricky, however, because we are conditioned to recognize hate only in those with whom we disagree. We, quite conveniently fail to see it in ourselves. And the disease of hate continues to spread.

From a self perspective, hate is not hate. It is “righteous indignation!” We are right, they are wrong. Consequently, angry, divisive and arrogant attitudes and interactions are justified in order to win the fight! And the disease of hate continues to spread.

The highest success of our day is to “Own” someone we hate. Humiliate them! Make them look like a fool! Destroy their reputation and character at all costs! Then, like mighty kings and queens we too can rule the world! And the disease of hate continues to spread.

As one side amps up the hate level, the other side must also amp up to keep pace. You hit me, I’ll hit you back. You bring a knife, I’ll bring a gun. You bring a gun, I’ll bring a bomb. It’s the way of the world. And the disease of hate continues to spread.

The problem is, as the hateful rhetoric and actions amp up, no one’s thoughts are changed and problems are never solved. 

Those who agree with us will cheer our hate. Those who disagree will search for another way to win the next round of the hate war. And the disease of hate continues to spread.

In this environment, true Christ-inspired love is revolutionary. No one knows what to do with it. It is not what we are accustomed to seeing, experiencing or engaging with. It cannot be tamed by hateful rhetoric, threat or action. It is unstoppable. It is undefeatable. It is eternal.

Christ inspired love is patient and kind. It is not envious; it is not arrogant or proud. The Christ kind of love is not rude, self seeking or looking for a fight. It does not assume evil in others or rejoice over sin. It seeks the truth. Christ like love is the ride or die kind of love. It believes the best about others hopes the best for others and is willing to go to any length to believe in, hold onto, demonstrate and spread the message of Christ’s love to others. Why? Because Christ's love is the only way to salvation. It is healing for our nation and it is the only lasting path out of the hate.

Christ-like love is unlike anything else we see in culture, politics, entertainment, sports or any other aspect of society. Perhaps it is time for us to reject the divisive message of the politicians, entertainers, sports figures and cultural messengers and look to a higher source of truth and love. The disease of hate does not have to continue to spread. Why not me? Why not you? Why not now?