Article June 18, 2018 Issue

How God’s love melts hatred

Mark Swinney

Just as mothers feel love for their children, what if we could feel complete and unqualified love for every single person everywhere, no exceptions? Not just a momentary love, but a sincere, honest, heartfelt, substantial love? That, of course, wouldn’t mean that we would be required to accept and adore the things people do that are hurtful and selfish. No, it would mean loving as God loves us all, knowing that, through the unchallengeable, incontestable power of God’s love, anyone can ultimately be cleansed of sin with finality.

Expressing and drinking in God’s love heals and redeems as nothing else can. A proverb in the Bible says, “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins” (Proverbs 10:12). And Jesus told a crowd: “ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43, 44).

One may read Jesus’ statement and think, “OK, but Jesus would never say something like that if he met my enemies! The anger and hatred I’m feeling this time really is justified.” Yet, Jesus illustrated his trust in the power of “love your enemies” time and time again, and this power was demonstrated best in the inspiring way he overcame one politician’s immoral indifference.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Look from a higher vantage point