CWW Week 30 - Hatred - Day 7
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Turning from Hatred: A Call to Holiness
Scripture: Ezekiel 44:23 (NIV)
“They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.”
Hatred is a powerful and destructive force. It doesn’t just affect our emotions—it corrodes our hearts, shapes our actions, and distances us from God. In Ezekiel 44:23, God gives instructions to the priests: “They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.”Though given in a specific Old Testament context, this word speaks clearly into today’s world—a world full of blurred lines and unchecked bitterness.
In Ezekiel’s time, Israel had compromised spiritually. Leaders failed to teach what honoured God, and the people no longer knew what holiness looked like. One clear sign of spiritual decline is hatred—whether through racism, unforgiveness, bitterness, or division. These attitudes are more than personal struggles; they are spiritual dangers.
This verse calls us to reflect God’s heart. God is holy, and His holiness includes love. Hatred isn’t just a human emotion—it’s a rejection of the image of God in others. It skews our perception and normalises what God calls “unclean.”
Jesus, our great High Priest, expanded on this. In Matthew 5:44, He said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” That command is countercultural. It calls us to live not by our instincts, but by grace. Hatred says, “They don’t deserve forgiveness.” Holiness says, “Neither did I, yet Christ forgave me.”
Let’s be honest—hatred can settle in quietly. It may be resentment toward someone who hurt us, bitterness toward a group of people, or even hatred disguised as righteous anger. Whatever the form, God invites us to confront it, confess it, and surrender it.
The priests in Ezekiel’s day were to teach the people what pleased God. Today, the Holy Spirit does the same in us. He helps us discern what’s holy and what’s harmful. He gives us the strength to forgive and the wisdom to love in practical ways.
The path of holiness is not about perfection, but transformation. It’s about allowing God to make us more like Jesus. And part of that journey is letting go of hate and choosing the way of love—even when it costs us.
Let’s not make peace with hatred. Let’s allow God to expose and uproot it from our hearts. We are called to be holy—to reflect His nature. That means forgiving as He forgives, loving as He loves, and rejecting what pollutes our souls.
Reflection Questions:
- Are there any hidden or obvious forms of hatred in my heart that I’ve been ignoring or justifying?
- What does it mean to live a life that is holy in how I treat others—even those who have wronged me?
- How can I, in practical ways, teach or model love and forgiveness to others in a world full of division?
Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, Papa God,
You are holy and full of love. I confess that at times I’ve allowed hatred, bitterness, or resentment to grow in my heart. Please forgive me. Cleanse me from what is unclean and teach me to walk in Your ways. Help me to see people through Your eyes and to love as You love. Make me holy in thought, word, and deed. Let my life reflect Your grace and truth, so that others may be drawn to You.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
Have a great day with Jesus today.
Graham Hood.
Church Without Walls
