Imagine what would happen if the hate that is spewed out into the world today made an immediate U-turn back to its sender. Even though we reap what we sow (see Galatians 6:7), it’s hard for some to believe this goes for them, too. However, they might have a change of mind after a few immediate U-turns with life’s most persuasive teacher: Retribution! Sooner or later they’ll learn, “hate don’t love nobody—not even them.”
Instant backatcha´ is a blessing of mercy.
Of course, there are some whose very nature is to hate; I’m not talking about them; that’s a state of being that is beyond my understanding. I’m talking about those who are oblivious to the suffering they subject on others until it ricochets into their personal space. “What goes around—comes around” is painful when it’s a mirrored image of one’s own heartless acts. Nevertheless, it’s a blessing of mercy; a chance to change course.
Hate can be misleading!
Before any of us start thinking hate isn’t our problem, we should be cognizant of the fact hatred has many misleading disguises. The devil knows how to mask animosity, unforgiveness, revenge, greed, selfishness, and other forms of strife to be palatable enough for a “good” person to think they can swallow it and not choke. As a matter of fact, if we fall for it, the kingdom of darkness will have us think we’re doing the Lord a service.
Weigh the cost!
If we allow ourselves to be used to spread hate, eventually we’ll lose. But if we have the faith to do what Scriptures like the ones below command, not only will U-turns bring blessings instead of curses, but hell will be disarmed because it has no retaliatory comeback for love.
• Luke 6:31: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12, NIV).
• Mark 12:30-31: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these (Mark 12:30-31, NIV).
• Luke 6:35-36: . . . love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:35, NIV).
An added precaution:
We can’t be trusted to do a thorough unbiased search for hidden fragments of hate in our own hearts. We should follow David’s lead; he asked the only One who could see deep within the chambers of a man’s soul; he asked God to search his heart.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).
© 2019
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