The Joy of the Journey
Christ’s Love Defeats Hatred
In a world increasingly defined by conflict and anger, it is easy to become cynical or even hopeless about the future. Hatred seems to spread with alarming speed, whether through cultural divisions, political strife, or personal grievances. The tragedy at Apalachee High School is a painful reminder of the evil that would love to dominate our world. Yet, there is a powerful truth that stands resilient in the face of all this: hatred will never win when we show the love of Christ.
The Nature of Christ’s love is radical, unconditional, and transformative. It is a love that defies human expectations, reaching out even to enemies and strangers. This love is beautifully captured in Jesus’ words from Matthew 5:44: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” These words not only challenge the natural human tendency to retaliate or harbor resentment but also reveal the depth and power of divine love. This love is not dependent on someone’s merit or actions. It is not transactional. It is the kind of love that can only come from God—that is freely given to all, regardless of their past mistakes, affiliations, or status. By showing this love, Christians are called to transcend the pettiness and divisiveness that often fuel hatred.
We must remember that hatred thrives in environments of fear, anger, and ignorance. Christ’s love disarms hatred. It bridges divides and heals wounds, making it impossible for hatred to flourish where love reigns. As believers in Christ, we must strive to create an environment of genuine love.
We rob it of its power when we respond to hatred with love. Hatred seeks to create separation and division butlove forges connection. Love sees the image of God in every person, recognizing that all are worthy of dignity, compassion, and grace. In Romans 12:21, Paul writes, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This is a reminder that the only way to defeat hatred is not by meeting it with more hatred or violence but by rising above it through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and grace. Evil begets more evil, but good multiplies and transforms. The love of Christ canchange not only individuals but entire communities and nations.
When lived out by His followers, the love of Christ becomes a testimony to the world. In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” In a society often marked by division, Christians are called to be set apart by their love. This love is not just for those who are easy to love but for the marginalized, the oppressed, the difficult, and even those who actively oppose us.
The world notices when Christians embody Christ’s sacrificial and unconditional love. Acts of love in the face of hatred become beacons of hope, offering a glimpse of the Kingdom of God. This kind of love is contagious and transformative, breaking down barriers and changing hearts.
Hatred may seem powerful, but it is ultimately hollow and self-destructive. It cannot stand in the face of actual, Christlike love. The love of Christ transcends human divisions, forgives offenses, and brings healing where hatred once reigned. As followers of Christ, we are called to live out this love daily—not only for our friends and family but even those who seek to harm us. This is challenging but necessary if we are to see true change in the hearts of people and our world.
