CWW Week 30 - Hatred - Day 1
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Devotional: The Danger of Hate – A Heart Check
Scripture Focus: 1 John 3:15 (NIV)
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
Devotion
Hate is a strong word. In everyday Aussie speech, we might say things like “I hate traffic” or “I hate Mondays” without much thought. But when it comes to people—those we live with, worship alongside, or pass by on the street—hate carries a much heavier weight.
In 1 John 3:15, the Apostle John doesn’t hold back. He draws a confronting comparison: to hate someone is to be a murderer. That’s a pretty hard line. We tend to view murder as a physical act, something extreme, distant from our own lives. But John connects the inner world of our emotions with the seriousness of our actions.
Why? Because in God’s eyes, what happens in the heart matters just as much as what happens on the outside. Jesus reinforced this in Matthew 5:21–22, teaching that anger and contempt are spiritually corrosive.
Hate is like a poison—it doesn’t just harm others; it destroys us from within. It separates us from God and the fullness of life He offers. When we allow bitterness, jealousy, or rage to take root, we begin to live from a place of darkness, not love.
Here in Australia, we often pride ourselves on being fair and easy-going. But hate can sneak in subtly—justified by phrases like “they deserved it” or “I’m just telling it like it is.” Whether it’s a family dispute, broken friendship, or unspoken bias, we’re all capable of letting hate fester.
John’s words are a wake-up call: eternal life doesn’t dwell where hatred lives. That means love isn’t just a good Christian quality—it’s vital. Jesus didn’t reserve love for the likeable or loyal. He loved the outcast, the unfaithful, and even those who nailed Him to the cross.
So what should we do when we spot signs of hate—or even quiet resentment—growing in us?
We come to God with open hearts. We confess, ask for help, and choose the harder path of love. Forgiveness isn’t always quick or easy, but it’s possible through Christ. And every step we take away from hate is a step closer to the heart of God.
As followers of Jesus, we’re not just called to avoid wrong—we’re called to live differently. To be people who love fiercely, even when it’s inconvenient or undeserved. That’s the kind of love that changes lives and reveals the power of the Gospel.
Remember that it’s often easier to love someone than it is to like them. How can this be? We must come back to being created in the image and character of God.
What we can detest about some people is their behaviour, but we don’t know the pain that drives that behaviour. We are all broken and in need of repentance. Remember that we are called on to hate the sin but love the sinner.
Surely that’s more spiritually profitable than living in hate?
Reflection Questions
- Is there someone I’m holding resentment or bitterness against right now?
What’s stopping me from letting that go? - How do I usually respond when I feel wronged—
with grace, or with growing anger? - What would it look like to love someone I find difficult
in a way that genuinely reflects Jesus?
Prayer
Dear Lord, Papa God.
You see my heart completely. You know the places where bitterness, anger, or hate still live. I bring those before You now. I don’t want to be bound by resentment—I want to live free in Your love. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Give me strength to love those who are hard to love, and remind me daily of how much grace You’ve shown me. Change me from the inside out. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Have a great day today with Jesus.
Graham Hood
Church Without Walls.
