Over the years we’ve seen a growing hostility to the Christian message. More and more, as believers present the truth of Scripture, such ideas are increasingly unwelcome. The common critique is that the biblical message is hateful. Rather than debating the ideas, many label believers as “hateful” and end the discussion altogether.
Are God’s truths really hateful? Is the Bible a book that teaches hate?
Disagreement Isn’t Hate
Hate is defined in the dictionary as “intense hostility” and “extreme dislike or disgust.” Using this definition, it’s important to know that Christians don’t hate those they disagree with. In fact, the reason we argue for biblical principles, even though they are unpopular, is not because we hate but because we love. It would be much easier and more convenient to remain silent on the issues and avoid the pushback. In love, we sacrifice such ease for the good of others.
Love doesn’t always mean agreement. It doesn’t always lead to acceptance of every idea. I love my kids greatly, but I don’t always agree with them. In fact, it’s my job to teach them when they are wrong and lead them down a better road. Do they always like or appreciate it? Not in the moment. Does it always feel good or loving to them? No, but it’s what’s best for them. I’d rather truly love them and do what’s best for them, even if it upsets them, than to agree with everything they think, give them everything they want, and lead them down a path of destruction.
In today’s culture, biblical teaching regarding biblical sexuality and gender is just one area the world finds extremely “hateful.” If Christians are faithful to proclaim God’s word in these areas, they will be dismissed as hateful and violent.
Speaking out in truth doesn’t mean Christians hate these groups of people, it means we love them and want them to know that God’s ways are always better. Going against God’s design will never make them happy, it will never give them satisfaction. Yes, they have the freedom to make their own choices, but we want them to know that certain roads lead to destruction.
The world will teach them that living their lifestyle will give them ultimate peace and make them “who they truly are,” but these promises will never come true and they will continue to be discontent. Like the proverbial donkey chasing the carrot, they will always be “almost there” while never arriving.
Christ Was Hated
Many think that if Christians were more Christ-like then they wouldn’t be so “hateful.” These people try to separate the teaching of Scripture with Christ, even though Christ affirmed the whole Bible as written by the Holy Spirit.
What happened to Christ when he came to earth? He was killed. The world didn’t like his ideas. When Christians are walking with Christ, our ideas will never be accepted by the world. We’ll be seen as hateful and the world will stop at nothing to silence us. We shouldn’t be surprised, they did the same to Christ. Even though he preached love, grace, and forgiveness, while never calling for violence, the world still hated him.
Jesus said: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.”
Keep Loving
The world has found different ways to find fault with the Christian message all throughout history. Today, we may be viewed as “hateful,” tomorrow it will be something else. Whatever the world says, the believer is called to continue to love others and speak the truth in love. We never call for violence for those we disagree with (though we are often called violent). We preach a message of love, grace, repentance, and forgiveness from sin. We desire the best for every single person for the glory of God. God’s ways will not always make sense to a rebellious world, but as we continue to speak the truth in love, some will hear and some will believe.
Christian, don’t compromise the word of God. There will be times where it’s tempting to do so out of a false sense of “love” or “compassion.” Speak the truth in love no matter the consequences. Out of love for God and love for neighbor continue in your faithfulness and let the Holy Spirit use you as he so desires.
thank you