Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all sins.
Love and hate are very powerful emotions. They can make or break a person – mentally, physically and spiritually. The Bible talks about Love in such thorough totality that even people who do not embrace the Christian faith are affected by it.
Mahatma Gandhi was a classic example of a person who was touched by the Love that Jesus preached during His time on Earth. In fact, it was this Love that taught Mahatma Gandhi to abandon violence, which was the motor that propelled our nation to freedom.
During Jesus’ life on Earth, He spent equal time with all His disciples and taught them the same values. 2 amongst them hurt Jesus during His last few hours on Earth. One betrayed Him, the other disowned Him.
Judas Iscariot was filled with the spirit of criticism and hatred. This was very evident in the way he mocked the woman who anointed Jesus with the perfume in the alabaster jar. Hatred fermented his soul, which led him to betray Jesus and eventually hang himself.
Peter on the other hand, was full of Love for Jesus and the people around him. Though he had a quick temper, he was always willing to apologise and nurture Love. When he realised that he had disowned Jesus, he wept bitterly and prayed for forgiveness.
Over time he realised the power of love, which compelled him to write, “And above all things have fervent Love for one another, for Love will cover a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8. He flourished into one, on whom Jesus could build His church and thus fulfil His promise.
Such is the power of Love and hate!
Let’s choose to Love, as Jesus did, even when circumstances induce hate. Remember, hate affects us more than the person against whom it is directed.
Love, on the other hand, will have a positive effect on others and bring them to Jesus.
