Inferiority: Fuel for the Fire of Hate

Hate is a devastatingly evil force whose objective is to create unimaginable destruction and suffering. It's difficult to accept that someone could hate you to this degree. Joseph refused to believe his brothers hated him, so he naively made himself vulnerable to their hatred. Evil, an extension of hatred, avenges itself in ways that create devastation. 

          Hate is connected to some form of personal loss. Joseph was his father's favorite, which intensified hatred from his older brothers. Joseph was unusually handsome in addition to being exceptionally intelligent, which had been nurtured by Jacob, the boys’ father. Resentment cradled in hatred flowed from Joseph’s siblings.   

          Hatred is fueled by feelings of inferiority. No accomplishment generated by hatred ever diminishes inferiority. Hatred is diminished by accepting our own giftedness and the blessings it can be to others. As hard as it is to thank God for that giftedness and pray that it be devoted to God’s purpose, it is essential to do so. Hatred is diminished by the presence of God’s love. 

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Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

~Proverbs 10:12 New International Version

As God gave me His gift of love for every one or you, I tell you, don’t think too highly of yourselves, but take a sane view of yourselves, everyone according to the amount of faith God gave you…We have gifts that are different according to what His love gave us…Love sincerely. Hate evil; cling to what is good. Love one another tenderly as fellow Christians. Outdo one another in showing respect.

~Romans 12:3, 6, 9-10 Beck -- New Testament in the Language of Today

Choose to Control Your Weaknesses: God Will Help - Part 1

It's never been easy to live the Christian life. Every age has enticements that instigate sorrow and pain. There’s something about the human spirit that will flirt with what is tempestuous. God's Word consistently warns us about evil forces that destroy our happiness. A catchy news magazine article focused on the vulnerabilities of children and teenagers.

Children are not the only ones influenced by evil predators. Addiction to pornography is a worldwide adult scourge. Searching for excitement to substitute for the ordinary realities of life drives a person to flirt with evil. This flirtation makes individuals vulnerable to deception.

In Numbers 22 Balaam allows himself to be deceived and then to do what God warned him not to do. Evil gained a powerful foothold in his heart and soul.  Listen to St. Paul’s challenge. "Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every godly opportunity because the days are evil." These words are from God and are wonderful advice.