Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. — Proverbs 10:12 KJV
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. — Proverbs 10:12 NIV
Thought and Reflection
Our worst tendencies are to seek revenge for evil, spite for spite and pettiness with pettiness and hatefulness for hatefulness. God wants His people to be a redemptive influence in the world, society and relationships. Romans 12:17 reminded Rome’s Christians to not “repay evil with evil.”
Jesus taught that “love your enemies” and that it was important to pray for those who persecuted you so that you can be children of your Father. This is the same truth that God’s wise man teaches. The truth is that love can take the teeth out of difficult situations while hatefulness only makes the situation worse.
We are called to be different people, Jesus-shaped people who leave the world a better and more beautiful place than it was when we found it. Although it’s not always easy, it is always possible.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am sorry to admit that I get angry when wronged. I have a tendency to try and strike back. Your Holy Spirit can cleanse me of the sinful side of my character and inspire love. In Jesus name that I pray. Amen.
