Salvation Summaries

John 13:34-35 “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”

Anymore it is hard to watch a daily news program or listen to a news-oriented podcast and not see and hear hate for another person or party. This hatred has increased in recent years and in some instances has turned into violence.

Why is there so much hate?

Hatred comes from our sinful or fleshly nature. It’s a sin, and a sign that a person is not a believer. Galatians 5:19-21 says, “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

People who often find themselves hating another person, or a group of people, or a political party, or even an entire race, are very likely not born again and thus not a Christian, for their sinful nature continues to control what they think and do.

Another possible reason for the increase in hatred is a “sign of the times.” Jesus said that in the end times, there will be an increase in wickedness, deception, and that the love of most will grow cold (Mt 24:10-12). Does this not the describe the environment in which we now live?

However, if you find yourself caring for and loving others, that’s a sign that you have been born again and are a believer. 1 John 4:7-8 says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” And this sign is not only for you – to give you assurance of your salvation – but also for others (nonbelievers), who will know that you are a Christian and different from them.

So, if you are a Christian and see hatred towards others, or even yourself, how should you respond? First, recognize that it’s that person’s sinful nature that is causing them to act in that way. And second, pray for them, as Jesus commands you to. Luke 6:27-28 27 “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

And for everyone else, if you find yourself too often hating another person or party or race, then realize that you need to make a change in your heart so that hatred goes away. God can take it away, but only if you want and allow Him to.