The
mother of a young man who was brutally murdered related how she hated the man
who committed the atrocious felony. She promised to give all her energies to
keeping him incarcerated for the rest of his life. Complete healing may be impossible
if the judicial system is lenient with this violent offender and neglects her
need for justice.
Hate, bitterness and anger are
self-destructive. My psychology professor noted that persistent stress subjects
the body to disease by weakening the immune system. Hate, anger and bitterness are
detrimental to the mind, body and spirit by creating a barrier to properly
loving yourself.
Yet
God’s word instructs believers to love what is good and hate what is evil. Hate
felt toward another person, however, is contradictory to the Golden Rule.
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you" is difficult to
actualize, and is a lifetime endeavor. Implore God to give you the will to
comply with his command. Would you do that?
