Confessions of a Hater

Most of us don’t think of ourselves as haters, but most of us also turn a blind eye to activities we enjoy — especially when it comes to hearing about the misfortune of others.

While there’s a clear difference between spreading malicious gossip and listening to the latest news, it’s how we process the information that matters.

If you feel put off by it, you already realize the destruction it causes enough to stay away. But if you find yourself encouraging it… enjoying it… that’s a whole different issue.

Confessing Hate

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “hate” is defined as intense hostility and aversion, usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury. If  Jesus boiled down the 10 commandments to two laws, which were “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself,” how can we find it OK to disobey?

If we ever find an excuse to justify hating on another, especially someone who is innocent of the attack, we directly refuse the teaching of Jesus Christ.

Welcome to part 4 of the Going By Faith series “Uncovering Sin and Finding Forgiveness.” For last week’s confession on cowardice, click here.

How it works: First pray with the Bible verse and then read the questions one by one — answer them truthfully. This is between you and God.

Every “yes” answer means sin in your life, so spend time confessing it. Name it to God. Let there be no excuse for it — just admit it and ask forgiveness.

Pray

Verse: John 13:35 (NLV)

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Confess

• Are you secretly pleased over the misfortunes of others?
• Are you secretly annoyed over the accomplishments or advancements of another?
• Are you guilty of any contention or strife?
• Do you quarrel, argue, or engage in heated discussions?
• Are you a partaker in any division or parting spirit?
• Are there people whom you deliberately slight?

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We already know that whatever is in our hearts determines what we say (Matt 12:34), so take it a step further and question the secret thoughts that no one hears. They are still things we say, just not aloud.

Luke 5:45 tells us:

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

It doesn’t matter what others do or how others act, let’s leave nothing undone on our part. We’re not perfect, and we need God’s Holy Spirit to help us turn the tide of negative thoughts, feelings and words, but hating on other people is sin at work displayed for all to see. We know it’s not the right way.

Thank you Christ Life Ministries for granting permission to use your content (concept and confession questions).
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