The prophet Isaiah had this to say about the hatred nations show:
He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Isaiah 2:4
Protests in Germany. Screenshot from presstv.com
The words of Isaiah are a promise for the future. But today, we live in a world that is rampant with conflict, and violence. Our news outlets remind us of it every day. The power of the media is so strong that people get sucked into taking sides. They spew hateful accusations and judgements before they know the actual truth of a situation. Then a charismatic leader arises to lead the masses down a path of anger and vengeance and violence. Hatred is such a powerful emotion that it can overcome the entire fiber of a nation. Hatred breeds violence and violence leads to more violence. But the raw truth is that neither hatred nor violence can stand up to the test of time. Eventually, the haters lose out, but the recovery from the aftermath is grueling for the survivors.
Nations have risen up against nations throughout the ages. We have evidence of wars gone by and wars prophesied to be fought in the future. But even with that knowledge, King David was inspired to write these words, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Psalm 133:1. Oh how wonderful it would be to experience unity in this broken world! The place to start, though, is in the heart of each and every one of us. At the end of the day, nations are made up of people. So it is people who need to be refined in order for world unity to be obtained. It is people who need to be willing to go through a change of heart and attain the wisdom and understanding it takes to live and think differently. It is not a false utopia that we should strive for, but honest relationships founded on truth and humility.
Let’s define some of the reasons that people allow hatred to build in their hearts and see what the Bible says that can help us re-direct our thoughts and actions. The following principles apply to every person everywhere and in all facets of one’s life. If people will rise up and take responsibility for themselves and their actions, we could very well find a fix to our national problems.
“Jealousy” TV Show, MBC Korea.
Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16
For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. Proverbs 6:34
Jealousy is the foundation stone for discord, strife and hatred. How many times have we seen children fight over a toy that one has and the other one wants? Human nature seems to dictate this kind of behavior. If gone unchecked the actions of a jealous person will ruin family relationships, friendships and will spill over into every practice in one’s life. Jealousy is ugly to the core and breeds terrible results.
A word to the Jealous…A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. Proverbs 14:30
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Proverbs 16:18-19
“Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. Proverbs 21:24
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. Proverbs 8:13
We’ve all heard the expression “pride goes before the fall.” Well, yes this is a warning of biblical proportions. There is no worse feeling than when someone is puffing themselves up and then saying all kinds of terrible things to tear you down, whether in front of you or, worse yet, behind your back. From grade school bullies to national leaders, we have all dealt with and heard arrogant people. There is usually no truth to their accusations, but the sting and embarrassment are hard to take. There is almost nothing one can do to prevent a conflict with arrogance. Walk away before it gets unbearable.
A word to the arrogant…“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this that your passions are at war within you? James 4:1
Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. Proverbs 3:29
Offense is the prelude to terrible conflict. When we get offended we tend to react in the most unbecoming ways. Offense leads to arguments that leads to harsh words and eventually leads to war. Whether between siblings or strangers, when offense happens wrath usually comes bearing down. When fighting begins there is rarely a way out. Emotions are too high and passions are unyielding. We often forget what we are fighting about but the damage has been done and there seems to be no turning back.
A word to the Offender…A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
(lifehack.org)
The best relationships in the world can be challenging, frustrating and sometimes disappointing. But there is no greater relationship than when we can be an instrument of encouragement and hope to one another. With this said there is no room for envy, pride or offense. They are destroyers. Instead, let the words of Solomon become the reality we live, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
