Hatred is a heavy topic and a constant presence in our lives. We see huge displays of hatred around the world. The stories of how hate has infected our world is on a constant loop in the news. Hate is also present in our personal lives. It is a word that we throw around far too often these days. On a smaller scale, we may casually say that we “hate” a restaurant, a television show, or a song on the radio. We may even say it in reference to a person. But hatred is not simple; it infects everything. It ran so deep in Haman’s life that it influenced every decision, thought, and action of his. Haman was unable to separate any part of his life from the overwhelming hatred that he held. Can you recall the last time you said you hated something or someone? For me it was most likely something along the lines of “I hate running.” It may seem like an innocent statement, but the roots of hate are still present.

            We may feel like it is easier to hate someone than to love them. However, hating someone or something is always going to hurt us more than it will ever hurt someone else. Hatred creates barriers in our hearts and separates us from God. Jesus called to love our neighbors, no matter what. He tells us in Matthew 5 that it is easy to love those who love you back. If we are to be true followers of God, then we also need to love our enemies and those who may hate us. Jesus gives us a path to forgiveness, to not let hatred have the power over us that it did over Haman. We know that we can choose the harder path to love because we have Jesus by our side. We also know that no matter what, we are always loved by God.

• Final Thought: Ask God to reveal any hatred in your heart and to replace it with His overwhelming love.