The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world......he didn't exist.*

Where do you stand on hate? Yes, an odd question. But are you sure you understand what hate is? Jesus said we will account for every careless word we have spoken (Matthew 12:36). Perhaps we should know what we're talking about.

Hate is not merely "disliking" or "standing against". Many misuse the word, often to promote their own agenda. This is more than people disagreeing. Hate has an intensity that leads to hostility.

The world claims hate is a feeling--an emotion resulting in undesirable consequences--all created and controlled by personal choice. Its simple solution? Just stop. But it doesn't work that way.

Hate is not mere emotion, but a sickness of the heart. Personal choices may open the door, yet this disease is created by evil. Hate eats away at our soul, preventing us from being who God has called us to be. Anyone can fall victim to this spiritual cancer...anyone.

In Psalm 139 (what I call "The Buttering Up Psalm") David greatly praised God's power, authority, and knowledge. Then he shifted gears. God, you're great, wonderful, super cool, the best. If only... (v. 19). What did David desire? Not much, only for God to kill those he deemed worthless.

At that moment David was filled with hate. Do I not hate those who hate you...? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. (vv. 21-22) He said this as though his hate was a good thing. It's all for you God. Just looking out for you. But David was wrong.

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Romans 12:17 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious...hatred... Galatians 5:19-20 Anyone who hates another is a murderer. 1 John 3:15

Jesus taught about hate, once using words translated in Greek as raca and moros. Both mean worthless but in different ways. Raca refers to the mind, the seat of intelligence. To utter raca would be similar to calling someone incompetent--worthless for the task at hand.

But moros goes to the heart, the essence of a life. Saying moros charged a person as having no value, meaning, or purpose--forever worthless as a human being. For moros (translated "You fool!" in English), Jesus gave an especially stern warning.

Anyone who says, "You fool!", will be in danger of the fire of hell. Matthew 5:22b

A heart burns with anger. Anger festers into judgment. Judgment bleeds condemnation. And a life is deemed utterly worthless. God's sovereignty is set aside. Evil takes hold. Hate is born. The world, convinced that satan does not exist, sits blindly as hearts grow cold and lives are destroyed.

As long as he roams the earth, hate will not just stop. For only God can heal an angry heart. But what of you? What will you do when all "seek justice" as anger freely flows...when leaders incite violence and masses follow...when compassion and understanding are words no one hears?

Follow God. Love your enemies, neighbors, one another. Live in the peace. And when evil seeks to overcome, stand against him and, when all is done, remain standing. (see Ephesians 6:13)