The eternal purpose of God is that man should represent Him on earth and exercise dominion over His creation. This is why He created man in His own image and likeness, as mentioned in Gen 1:26–27 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion… So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” One of the unique attributes God wants man to exhibit is love, because God is Love. However, man finds it difficult to practice true love due to the fall in the Garden of Eden, as illustrated in Gen 3

Love is of God, and whoever loves is born of God and knows God because love reflects His nature. Conversely, hatred is of Satan. Whoever hates mirrors the nature of the Devil, for hatred is his character. At the fall, man lost the nature of God and took on the nature of Satan because he yielded himself to Satan’s influence, as mentioned in Rom 6:16 “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey…?”

To understand the true value of love, we must first understand what hate is.

Hate is a strong feeling of intense dislike. Man is naturally more prone to hate due to his Adamic nature. Aggravated hate produces negative expressions such as anger, violence, deceit, greed, wickedness and other social ills. Many do not grasp the weight of hatred and therefore take pleasure in hating others. Hate opposes God, and whoever lives in hatred is God’s enemy. Scripture teaches the seriousness of hatred, as mentioned in 1 John 3:15 “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” We are further commanded, as mentioned in Lev 19:17 “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart…”

The world is collapsing morally and socially due to a lack of love. If homes, societies, and nations are to experience peace and unity, love must be restored. Christ established the Church to model this life of love and demonstrate the lifestyle of God’s Kingdom.

The Adamic nature is potent in every man though it requires triggers. Children begin innocent, but as they grow, the fallen nature appears. Jesus used a child’s innocence as a reference for Kingdom qualification, as mentioned in Luke 18:2–3 “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

Below are factors that often trigger hatred:

1. Environment

Hostile upbringing, bad peer influence, oppression, injustice, wickedness, poor governance, poverty, and insincerity can cultivate hatred. Such environments encourage vengeance and misdirected aggression.
A child of God must heed the teachings of Scripture:

• 1 Cor 15:33 “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

• Heb 12:14 “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

• Rom 13:1–2 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers… Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God.”

2. Disappointment

When expectations fail, bitterness can arise, leading to resentment and hatred.
A believer must forgive and hold fast to Scripture:

• Rom 12:17–19 “Recompense to no man evil for evil… avenge not yourselves…”

• Matt 6:14–15 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

• Jer 17:5 “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man…”

3. Envy

This arises when one desires another’s advantage but cannot attain it. It often results in resentment.
Scripture warns against such attitudes:

• Psalm 37:1 “Fret not thyself because of evildoers…”

• Exod 20:17 “Thou shalt not covet…”

4. Jealousy

Jealousy develops when someone becomes unhappy because another person receives attention or affection. This easily breeds hatred.

5. Ungodliness

A person who does not know God will naturally display the traits of the Devil. Such a person delights in evil rather than good. The fear and love of God restrain ungodly behaviour.

• 1 Tim 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

• Matt 22:37 “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…”

6. Biological Influence

Human nature includes genetic tendencies. A child raised by wicked parents may adopt similar traits.
Yet Scripture commands:

• Matt 22:39 “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

• Lev 19:18 “Thou shalt not avenge… but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

7. Sadism

A sadist finds pleasure in making others suffer. Such a person is filled with hate and wickedness.
The antidote is a joyful spirit:

• Phil 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord alway…”

• Phil 3:1 “Rejoice in the Lord.”

8. Lack of Contentment

Discontent leads people into desperate actions, with hatred often accompanying such vices.
A believer must learn from Paul’s example:

• Phil 4:11 “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

9. Cheating and Oppression

When people experience or witness oppression or injustice, hatred can grow.
Believers are guided by Scripture:

• Matt 5:10–12 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…”

• Matt 5:38–42 “Resist not evil… turn to him the other cheek also.”

Hatred may be directed toward:

• Self: due to guilt or inability to forgive oneself, sometimes leading to suicide.
• Friends: betrayal or disappointment.
• Spouses: infidelity or betrayal in marriage.
• Parents: cruelty, poor parenting, or irresponsibility.
• Siblings: rivalry arising from favouritism or giftedness.
• Guardians: maltreatment or betrayal.
• Occupations/Professions: dissatisfaction or negative experiences.
• Government: poor leadership or injustice.
• God: frustration in times of hardship.
• Servants of God: when they are perceived as deceitful.
• Employers/Employees: exploitation or poor performance.
• Religion: when doctrines contradict personal expectations.
• Tribes/Ethnic groups: cultural clashes or prejudice.
• Organizations: when values differ.
• Habits/Traits: behaviours like drunkenness or immorality that contradict one’s values.

May the Lord help His Church to cleanse herself and retrace her steps. Amen. To be continued in the subsequent posts…..

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