Hatred deliberates wicked anger at any given time polluting whole atmosphere around it through those who harbor it. It causes heavy losses. It’s a poison that can easily pollute peoples’ minds to favor it. In almost all cases it finds people with like mind (supporters) that cheer the consequences it brings. It works against all morality, certainly against the heart of God. An example of it from the Scripture helps us understand the depth of its evil and the heinous work it can accomplish. “Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him [Stephen] to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1). So, what causes hatred and on what basis does it accomplish its work in men? How does it affect people that harbor it?
- Hatred appears from a rigid personality that follows a set of self-made rules or defined principles never meant to change. They are the power source for it.
- A personality that does not wish to accept other principles and better principles feels inferior producing an emotion of severe intolerance called hatred.
- Hatred’s initial form is jealousy, an attitude that cannot stand others’ greatness, development, victory or any good virtue.
- When a person reaches the stage of harboring hatred he or she has gone through severe mental alteration.
- Hatred always shows the opposite person in a bad taste.
- It always looks for a make shift reason to malign others.
- People with hatred do not value understanding and its need.
- Hatred always works further from the truth. Many times it does not wish to take truth into account and when it does take it, it makes sure it applies to all other areas it has been waging war.
- It leaves no room for forgiveness.
- Its tone and intent is unlike righteous anger.
- Its reasoning is totally of the world and for the world.
- People with hatred always live unsettled life. Fear constantly pursues them.
- Hence, there is hardly joy in their life and any joy is short-lived.
- Hatred causes division, distrust and vexation.
- It kills the quiet spirit in man and separates him from the Spirit that gives and makes peace.