SELF DESTRUCTIVE HATRED

George Washington Carver (1864–1943) was hated because of his skin colour. But he overcame this hatred to become a famous inventor and teacher. He could have become bitter because of how he was treated, but instead he wisely wrote, “Hate within will eventually destroy the hater.”

In the book of Esther, we see how self-destructive hatred can be. Mordecai, a Jew, refused to bow down before Haman—a proud and arrogant member of the Persian court. This angered Haman, who told lies to make Mordecai and his people appear as threats to the empire (3:8-9). When his scheming was complete, Haman advised the Persian king to kill all the Jews. The king made a law to that effect, but before it could be carried out, Esther intervened and Haman’s plot was revealed (7:1-6). Enraged, the king had Haman executed on the gallows which had been built for Mordecai (7:7-10).

Carver’s words and Haman’s actions remind us that hatred is self destructive. The godly reaction is to turn hatred around and return good for evil. “Do not repay anyone evil for evil,” Paul said (ROMANS 12:17). When we’re hurt, “do not take revenge” (V.19). Instead, do what is right (V.17) that you may live “peaceably with all men” (V.18).

To pray about . . .

Father, when other people are mean to me, it’s really hard to be nice to them. Please help me to show love, even when I’m being made fun of. I know You will look after to me and make a difference through how I live.

HATRED DESTROYS US; LOVE GIVES LIFE TO EVERYONE.

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries