Oh, my community, the damage done to US when we harbor hatred!

Medical research reveals the damage done to our bodies when we cling to the negative or release bursts of anger. Our blood pressure rises. Our hearts pound. Our spirits sag. Our container’s corrode. Much damage is done to us spiritually and much damage is done physically to our bodies when we harbor hatred. It throws chemicals off balance.

Now I must say first thing this morning in this season of Christmas that it is un-Christian to harbor hate for anyone, especially a Christian brother. Depending on the degree of injury, I know it can leave wounds that takes time to heal.

Nevertheless we should not harbor (or hold on to) hatred toward anyone, especially a brother (or sister) in Christ.

The Bible says in 1 John 3:15 that anyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know no murderer has eternal life abiding in Him. And beside that, “love” and “hate” cannot live in the same heart.

Christians represent Christ, and Christ is Christmas; we should have a kingdom outlook on injuries — it takes prayer and the love of Jesus, but with God’s grace we can heal, for it is a terrible thing for any Christian to say, “I hate such and so!” or “I can’t stand such and so.” It demeans Christianity and puts it on the level with every other religion.

The Christian faith is founded on love; that’s our foundation (1 Cor. 13; John 13:35). It’s the glue that holds us together. And LOVE was born on that first Christmas morn.

Community, Christmas love is in the air. It affects the entire human race. Some people are nicer this time of year than any other time. They’ll smile, they’ll speak, they’ll hold the door open for you and some will even wait and let you pull out in front of them; It brings out the best in some people and, unfortunately, it brings out the worst in others.

What do I mean?

While some enjoy the season through songs, worship, giving, fellowship, shopping and being festive; others scheme, steal, scam, lie, rob and manipulate to get people’s money, especially senior citizens. So friends, don’t give out credit card numbers to people you don’t know, I don’t care how convincing they are; regardless to the threats they make claiming to be the IRS, Social Security, banks, etc. Don’t entertain telemarketers. And be careful especially at night when walking to and from parking lots. For this season brings out both the best and the worst!

In this season of Christmas, when we celebrate God’s love to the world, we are called to exemplify that love by not holding on to hatred for anybody. Let me define God’s love: It “draws a veil over, it covers, conceals, or forgives-all wrongs.” That doesn’t mean we overlook errors or enable a wrongdoer or go along with wrong. But we don’t nurse the wrong or hold on to the wrong to the extent that we don’t forgive when someone is remorseful and apologizes.

I hate to hear somebody (especially a Christian) say, “I won’t forgive such and so!” or “They hurt me and I won’t forgive” … some folk don’t want to let things go; they feel as if they are letting them off the hook and it eats them up inside. It takes the very life out of them; but it doesn’t represent Christianity.

Community, don’t let nobody cause you to get so low as to hate them. If you think that they are that bad that you must hate them, then that puts you on the level with them! Plus, it will kill you more than it will hurt them!

Solomon said, “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs (Pro. 10:12).” That’s it in a nutshell! And what he’s saying is hatred divides and destroys. (Love) does not dwell on others’ faults; it doesn’t hold it over somebody’s head. Love diffuses and it lives peaceably with all men as much as possible (Rom.12:18).

See, God loved us in our mess and He still does! He doesn’t hold over our head what we do wrong once we ask for forgiveness; we ought to show that same love to others. Love covers all sins!

Community, in this Christmas season, let us remember that God sees our hearts and he knows our motives. You would be surprised at the Christians who are dancing in church but are holding stuff in their hearts; praising the Lord but angry with a brother or sister.

My community friends, when a brother or sister falls, don’t broadcast it but cover them, because the Lord covers us! And aren’t you glad that the Lord doesn’t hold up our faults and sins for the world to see? That he doesn’t put it on social media? And aren’t you glad that there are some bad things you did, bad thoughts you had, some wrong motives, and some temperaments that only you and God know about? Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t put it on Facebook?

Community, when we love those that do us wrong, treat them nice when they treat us bad; when we don’t do “evil for evil” to any man; when we show love for hate; when we go out of our way just to be a blessing to somebody; smile at somebody who have a grumpy face … community, when we tell some lost soul about the love of Jesus, that’s the greatest Christmas gift that we can give them, and it’s Christmas love in action!

The Rev. George Ellis is pastor at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Rev. George Ellis Pastor’s Corner
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_RevGeorgeEllis-1.jpgRev. George Ellis Pastor’s Corner