Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses.
Proverbs 10:12 (CSB)
Conflict is a daily hurdle for all of us. The key verse points out that when bitter hatred controls us this attitude will stir up conflict with others.
But true Christ followers cannot have a right relationship with Christ and still have hatred in their hearts. Hating others cannot co-exist with the Spirit of God living in believer.
Now, this does not mean we will be sinless. Our redemption is not based on our goodness; we are covered by Jesus, who gave Himself as a substitute on the cross.
You can see how hatred works by looking at the world around us. Not just in warring nations, but in the lives of individuals.
Hatred is the fuel for lies, gossip, abuse, and disregard for godliness.
The Bible equates hatred with murder.
Everyone who hates his brother or sister is a murderer,
and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.
This is how we have come to know love:
He laid down his life for us.
We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
This is how we will know that we belong to the truth
and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us;
for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows all things.
1 John 3:15-19 (CSB)
Like a parent warns a child, the Spirit guides us when we stay close to God and reminds us to resist sinful choices. That is why we must be faithful to our prayer life and God’s Word.
The whole book of Ephesians is a great resource for encouragement.
“Be angry and do not sin…”
Ephesians 4:26 (CSB)
Also, find help in the Sermon on the Mount, from Jesus own words. This is found in Matthew 5-7.
Relationships are complex. As believers, we may love one another, but conflict is inevitable. God’s Word is the perfect resource to help resolve conflicts with each other in the Church, at home or in the world.
So, does all of this mean that every single conflict is a result of hate?
Absolutely not. One of the most common relationships just filled with conflict is between children and parents. Yet in most cases, hatred isn’t the problem.
Hopefully, most often in a believer’s home, God’s love shines from our hearts to settle conflicts with equity and compassion.
Conflict in the Church is very common, too. The Church is filled with many members, each with their own ideas and personalities. And yet with those differences Christ has drawn us to love one another through His powerful grace.
This unified relationship with Christ is part of a believer’s new nature when we are redeemed.
.Matthew 18 is the standard for dealing with conflicts in the church.
Ephesians 5 is the mandate for families. Moms, dads, children and spouses are given specific and loving precepts for having a godly home.
The one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light,
and there is no cause for stumbling in him.
But the one who hates his brother or sister is in the darkness,
walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he’s going,
because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
1 John 2:10 & 11
Take the time to read Proverbs 10 in its entirety. There are other topics found in this insightful chapter. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal those areas of weakness in your life. I have linked the passage for you.
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Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
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