CWW Week 30 - Hatred - Day 6
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Scripture Focus
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
— Galatians 5:19–21 (NIV)
Devotion
Hatred doesn’t always show up as rage. Sometimes it simmers quietly in our hearts—bitterness, judgement, jealousy, or resentment. In Galatians 5:19–21, Paul lists “hatred” alongside other destructive behaviours as acts of the flesh. That might sound intense, but it’s worth pausing to reflect: how does hatred show up in our own lives, and what does God want us to do about it?
The word “hatred” here comes from a Greek root that points to hostility or enmity—the kind of feelings that divide people and harden hearts. Paul doesn’t pull punches. He names hatred alongside things like immorality, idolatry, and drunkenness. Why? Because hatred, left unchecked, tears communities apart, ruins relationships, and pulls us away from God’s heart.
We sometimes think of hatred as an issue for extreme people—those caught up in violence or prejudice. But it can look a lot more everyday than that. Holding a grudge. Speaking negatively behind someone’s back. Refusing to forgive. Resenting a co-worker’s success. Belittling someone because they think differently. These are seeds of hatred, and they grow fast if we’re not careful.
Paul reminds us that these aren’t just bad habits—they’re acts of the flesh. That means they’re born from our old nature, the part of us that resists God’s way. When we act out of hate, we’re living from that place, not from the Spirit.
But this passage isn’t just a warning—it’s an invitation. Paul wants us to recognise the danger so we can choose a better way. Later in the chapter (verses 22–23), he contrasts the acts of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit—love, peace, patience, kindness. In other words, we’re not left to battle hatred on our own. The Holy Spirit transforms our hearts from the inside out.
This doesn’t mean we’ll never feel anger, frustration, or disappointment. Emotions are part of life. But hatred is more than a feeling—it’s a posture of the heart that refuses reconciliation. It builds walls instead of bridges. And Paul makes it clear: a life marked by these behaviours is not aligned with God’s kingdom.
For us in Australia, where sarcasm, rivalry, and “taking the mickey” are often seen as normal, it’s worth asking: have we become too comfortable with division and hostility in our culture? Have we allowed everyday grudges and negativity to become part of how we live?
The good news is, Jesus came not only to forgive us but to change us. As followers of Christ, we’re called to walk by the Spirit—not by the flesh. That means asking God daily to help us let go of hatred and instead live with love, joy, and peace.
Let’s not settle for cultural norms. Let’s aim higher. Let’s allow the Spirit of God to pull the weeds of hatred from our hearts, and grow in us the fruit of love instead.
Reflection Questions
- Have I allowed hatred or bitterness to quietly grow in my heart toward someone? What triggered it—and what would it take to begin letting it go?
- Do I recognise any of the “acts of the flesh” from Galatians 5:19–21 in my own life? What does it look like to repent and turn back to God today?
- What might change in my relationships, workplace, or church if I chose to walk by the Spirit instead of reacting from the flesh?
Prayer
Dear Lord, Papa God,
Thank You for showing me the truth through Your Word. I confess there are times when I’ve allowed hatred, resentment, and jealousy to take root in my heart. I don’t want to live that way anymore. I want to live by Your Spirit.
Please forgive me for the ways I’ve acted in the flesh. Cleanse my heart, Lord, and help me to love as You love. Let Your Spirit produce in me a life that reflects Jesus—full of peace, kindness, and self-control. I choose to turn from hatred and walk with You today.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Have a great day today with Jesus.
Graham Hood.
Church Without Walls.
