Devotionals

THE ANTIDOTE IS LOVE

by Evelyn Alexander 
03/29/26
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We know that “love is blind.” But as a society, we seem to ignore that hatred blinds too. The more intense the hatred, the less we see clearly. It seems to have today’s world in its grip too, for never have we seen so much hatred openly expressed.

Something seems to have triggered an idea that anger and hatred are "righteous". But are they? Unchecked anger too often leads to hatred, then worse. Science has shown that hatred against anyone (justified or not) generally poisons the life of the hater much more than the one hated.

The Bible makes it clear how God sees it too. “Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” 1 John 3:14b-15 ESV.

Even the world knows it’s destructive. An internet query tells us, "Hatred can have severe negative effects on both mental and physical health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and even chronic illnesses. It often creates a cycle of negative emotions and can result in aggressive behavior, impacting relationships and overall well-being." (psychmatters.co.za; Wikipedia)

That’s sobering. It's plain why God does not want us to harbor or nurture hatred. It creates a cycle of hopelessness, anger and fear that's hard to break out of. A cycle one wouldn’t knowingly choose, yet we're increasingly witnessing its poisoning at one stage or another.

The good news is there's hope.

I’m also reminded of the verse where God tells His people, I have put before you both life and death. Then I can almost hear Him pleading, “Choose life.” (Deuteronomy 30:19b) Life and death seem comparable to love and hate. The Bible shows the antidote for hate (death and destruction) is love (life). The more our heart is filled with love of God and others, hatred is starved out and dies.

We need to feed on God’s Word more, for when put into practice, it truly is "good for the soul, and healing to our bones." It brings life.