Category: Hatred

A star

Ruth Kirk

A prayer for the world’s urgent awakening to Christ’s gospel.

The star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was (Matthew 2:9; NLT).

A star,
A moon,
A frost
At dawn;

A cry,
A light:
A child
Is born,

To save
Us all
From greed
And hate –

Let’s change,
Before
It’s far
Too late!

Give glory to the LORD your God before it is too late. Acknowledge him before he brings darkness upon you, causing you to stumble and fall on the darkening mountains. For then, when you look for light, you will find only terrible darkness and gloom (Jeremiah 13:16; NLT).

As he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes” (Luke 19:41-2; NLT).

References

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine (Isaiah 9:2; NLT).

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (Isaiah 9:6-7; NLT).

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12; NLT).

Perhaps even yet they will turn from their evil ways and ask the LORD’s forgiveness before it is too late. For the LORD has threatened them with his terrible anger (Jeremiah 36:7; NLT).

O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8; NLT).

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?” (Luke 9:23-6; NLT).

You did not accept your opportunity for salvation (Luke 19:44; NLT).

Blame

Ruth Kirk

They hated me without cause (John 15:25; NLT).

Just because a person blames me,
Doesn’t mean that I’ve done wrong.

Just because a person judges,
Doesn’t mean that I have failed.

Just because a person hates me,
Doesn’t mean that I’m no good.

Their opinions are their own, Lord,
So I pray for them with love.

I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! (Matthew 5:44; NLT).

I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken for he is right beside me (Psalm 16:8; NLT).

 

A prayer for peace and justice

Ruth Kirk

Pray for peace (Psalm 122:6; NLT).

Seek justice (Isaiah 1:17; NLT).

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14; NIV).

We pray for peace and justice here:
In your dear name,
Amen.

For joy to grow, instead of fear:
In your dear name,
Amen.

For love to reign, instead of hate:
In your dear name,
Amen.

Before we leave it far too late:
In your dear name,
Amen.

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows (Isaiah 1:17; NLT).

But if you turn away and refuse to listen, you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies. I, the LORD, have spoken! (Isaiah 1:20; NLT).

References

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine… For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod…

The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (Isaiah 9:2, 4-7; NLT).

 

Hatred

Ruth Kirk

Whenever we ‘Christians’ declare angrily, or self-righteously, that we hate others, we can be sure that we are not following Jesus, who taught that we are to love everyone, including our enemies.

So, whoever the targets of our hatred, prejudice, discrimination, rejection, exploitation, abuse, or violence are, for example:

Refugees
Immigrants
People whose faith is different from ours
People who speak a language different from ours
People whose skin is a different colour from ours
People whose gender is different from ours
People whose sexuality is different from ours
People who dress differently from us
People whose customs and values are different from ours
Poor people
Rich people
Unemployed people
Homeless people
Prisoners
Refugees
People who are different from us physically, mentally, intellectually, developmentally, emotionally, neurologically, or spiritually
Children
Politicians
Strangers
Foreigners
Enemies
Anyone at all

… we can be absolutely sure that we are not behaving like Christians, becauseGod is love.

God and Love are synonymous, inclusive and universal. Therefore, all hatred is incompatible with the Christian faith, as taught by Jesus, our Saviour and example.

Anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love (1 John 4:8; NLT).

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ (Ephesians 5:2; NLT).

References

He loves us with unfailing love; the LORD’s faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 117:2; NLT).

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them (1 John 4:16; NLT).

Love your neighbour as yourself (Leviticus 19:18; NLT).

Love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19; NKJV).

Show love to foreigners (Deuteronomy 10:19; NLT).

Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44; NLT).

Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked (Luke 6:35; NLT).

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:44-8; NIV).

When they came to the place that is called called The Skull, there they crucified him… And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:33-4; ESV).

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NLT).

 

Evil

Ruth Kirk

This stark prayer was given to me as soon as I started to pray this morning, and I knew I had to share it immediately.

Our world is now filled with people indulging hateful thoughts, writing and saying hateful things about others, and approving of, or carrying out, oppressive, abusive, hateful, cruel, violent and destructive deeds.

Many even appear to believe that God approves of such behaviour. As Jesus said, “The time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me” (John 16:2-3; NLT). Shocking words indeed.

However “religious” we think we are, and however fervently we pray, or preach, if we hate others we know nothing at all about God, for God is Love.

We cannot pick and choose which parts of Christ’s Gospel we want to apply to ourselves, and which parts we prefer to reject. So, here is today’s blog:

Deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13; NLT).

Save us from indulging evil thoughts.
Save us from expressing evil words.
Save us from committing evil deeds.

Please help us to take captive every thought,
And make each one obedient to Christ,
For all who do not love do not know you.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love (1 John 4:8; NIV.

References

Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5; NIV).

The words you speak come from the heart – that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you (Matthew 15:18-20; NLT).

Then the King will turn to those on the left and say… “I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.” Then they will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?“ And he will answer, “I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me” (Matthew 25:41-5; NLT).

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else (1 Thessalonians 3:12; NIV).

Love your neighbour as yourself (Leviticus 19:18; NLT).

Love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19; NKJV).

Show love to foreigners (Deuteronomy 10:19; NLT).

Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44; NLT).

 

Jesus’ way

Ruth Kirk

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he [Jesus] said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34; NLT).

Introduction
Being a Christian means following Christ’s teaching and lived example, in order to grow more and more like him, until we become one with him.

I call myself a Christian, so I’m asking myself some very basic questions. The response to each question is clarified by Biblical quotations.

Do I love everyone?
If my love isn’t inclusive, I’m not behaving like a Christian, because the Bible says:

Love your neighbour as yourself (Leviticus 19:18; NLT).
Love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19; NKJV).
Show love to foreigners (Deuteronomy 10:19; NLT).
Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44; NLT).
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else (1 Thessalonians 3:12; NIV).

Do I judge others?
If I do, I’m not behaving like a Christian, because the Bible says:

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged (Matthew 7:1; NLT).

Am I kind?
If I’m unkind to others, I’m not behaving like a Christian, because:

A servant of the LORD must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone (2 Timothy 2:24; NLT).

Do I forgive those who hurt me?
If I nurse grudges, I’m not behaving like a Christian, because Jesus teaches:

Forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too (Mark 11:25; NLT).

Do I serve others?
If I don’t serve others the best I can, I’m not behaving like a Christian, because Jesus says:

Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else (Mark 9:35; NLT).
Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others (Mark 10:45; NLT).

Do I try to follow Christ’s example?
If I don’t genuinely try to do this, I’m not being a Christian, because we are to:

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ (Ephesians 5:2; NLT).

Am I growing more like Christ?
If I’m not growing more like Christ, however slowly, I need to ask myself whether I really am a Christian at all:

We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15; NLT).

Conclusion
Perhaps, in the end, I only need to ask myself one question:

Do I believe it’s okay to judge, look down on, control, discriminate against, dominate, exploit, abuse, reject, exclude, hate, or hurt others in any way whatsoever?

Strange as it may sound, if my answer to this question is, ‘Yes’, then I may still have a faith of some kind. It might even be a religious faith. However, it is definitely not Christianity, because:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out (1 Corinthians 13:4-6; NLT).

The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22; NLT).

References

Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:8-9; NLT).

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:41; NIV).

Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me (Matthew 25:45; NIV).

Live like Jesus here in this world (1 John 4:17; NLT).

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5; NIV).

Peace

Ruth Kirk

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9; NIV).

Pray for peace (Psalm 122:6; NLT).

I pray for the end
Of hate and fear;

I pray for the end
Of pain and grief;

I pray for the end
Of greed and war –

So peace will reign
For evermore.

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14; NIV).

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever (Revelation 21:4; NLT).

References

I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid (John 14:27; NLT).

Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea (Isaiah 48:18; NLT).

The Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes (Revelation 7:17; NLT).

 

Suffering and selfishness

Ruth Kirk

“Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Mark 14:36; NLT).

Please take away our suffering;
Please take away our pain;
Please take away our grief and dread –
Then we’ll be whole again. 

Please take away our selfishness;
Please take away our hate;
Please take away our foolishness –
Before it’s far too late.

Perhaps even yet they will turn from their evil ways and ask the LORD’s forgiveness before it is too late (Jeremiah 36:7; NLT).

References

The effect of an upright rule will be to take away fear for ever (Isaiah 32:17; BBE).

Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him (Hebrews 9:28; NLT).

 

Peace

Ruth Kirk

Pray for peace (Psalm 122:6; NLT).

I pray for peace
In every mind,
Then all our actions
Will be kind.

I pray for truth
On every tongue,
Then we’ll confess
That all are one.

I pray for light
In every heart,
Then Christ will guide us
Through the dark.

I pray for love
In every soul,
Then humankind
Will be made whole.

Anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love (1 John 4:8; NLT).

References

The Lord is peace (Judges 6:24; CSB).

The Spirit is truth (1 John 5:6; NKJV).

God is light (1 John 1:5; NLT).

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12; NLT).

Religion (with thanks to J.W.)

Ruth Kirk

Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about the differences between religions of all kinds, and personal spiritual development. A conversation a few days ago helped to focus my thinking, which crystallised yesterday morning to form today’s blog. So, here are some of the significant differences between religions and personal faith I have been shown so far:

Religions often generate rules people are required to follow in order to belong, whilst true faith is based on freedom.

Religious dogmas often aim to control people’s beliefs, thoughts and behaviour, but genuine spiritual support encourages exploration of self, others, and God.

Religious creeds often discourage ongoing, personal faith development. However, spiritual change and growth are fostered by respect, acceptance, understanding and love.

Denominations often result from human intolerance of different spiritual understandings and practices. Inclusiveness, on the other hand, creates genuine oneness with all people.

Religions are often imposed on people, but spiritual development grows organically out of personal experience, personal choice, and a personal relationship with God.

Finally, let’s remember that despite having infinite power over us:
God gives us all freedom of choice.
God gives us all the right to reject Her/Him.
God loves us all unconditionally, even when we do not return Her/His love.

He loves us with unfailing love (Psalm 117:2; NLT).

He is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked (Luke 6:35; NIV).

References 

This is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help (Isaiah 58:6-7; NLT).

Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.” For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners (Matthew 9:13; NLT).

I hate all your show and pretense – the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies (Amos 5:21; NLT).

The LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion (Isaiah 30:18; NLT).