I Hate Them

Apparently, it’s ok to hate our enemies. At least that’s what I’m getting from reading a lot of the commentary online.

As long as we can agree that “they” are the bad guys, we can all agree that we hate them. It’s pretty simple, actually.

It doesn’t matter if we did the exact same things that we are hating on right now. “We” are the good guys, and we know that in our hearts, so we were justified in our behavior.  “We” were wronged. “We” were threatened. Our way of life was at stake.

We are naturally attached to being “right.” After all, who would knowingly be “wrong”? Only the bad guys are “wrong.” And we are the good guys.

Tell me, do good guys ever make mistakes? Do good guys ever get out of control?  Do good guys know how to apologize when they do?

Is everybody on “my side” always a good guy?

If we are unable to step back and take an unbiased view of both sides (of ANYTHING) we will never move beyond this. And by this, I mean the US vs. THEM mentality that is so pervasive.

The only way to solve the problem of hatred, is to start by ABANDONING the US vs THEM mindset.

 

Romans 12:14-21 Wish only good for those who treat you badly. Ask God to bless them, not curse them. When others are happy, you should be happy with them. And when others are sad, you should be sad too. Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else. If someone does you wrong, don’t try to pay them back by hurting them. Try to do what everyone thinks is right. Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone. My friends, don’t try to punish anyone who does wrong to you. Wait for God to punish them with his anger. In the Scriptures the Lord says, “I am the one who punishes; I will pay people back.” But you should do this: “If you have enemies who are hungry, give them something to eat. If you have enemies who are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this you will make them feel ashamed.” Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good.

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