Letting Go of Hatred (from a woman full of it)

10th Day of Lenten Devotional Series
Guest Post by: Amanda Vickous, Broadway United Methodist Church

Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

There’s a lot going on in the world right now. I’m sure you're aware of that if you have internet or cable access and don’t live under a rock. It seems like everyone is angry about something these days. Everyone is throwing around a lot of spite, fear, and especially hatred.

Hatred is such an ugly word. It’s an ugly thing to be carrying around in your life, as well; I should know. I have lived most of my 26 years as a hateful person. A strong introvert, I have an initial dislike of almost everyone I meet. I hate the news. I hate my job (some days.) I hate never having enough money to satisfy my wants. I hate, hate, HATE beets.

But one form of hatred I never understood, even the way I am, is our hatred for each other. We live in a severely divided world where we are taught to hate and fear anyone who is even slightly different from us. We hate our neighbors because of the color of their skin, because of the country they came from, because of who they choose to love, we even hate them when they drive a nicer car than we do!

As Christians, we are called into a world of hatred to show love. That’s it. Jesus never asks us for anything more than to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. The old hymn goes, “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Not by our picket signs, politics, or bumper stickers. Not by our petty personal divisions. Just love.