The news is replete with stories of hate, terrorism and crime these days. There are clashes between different groups, deadly arguments and debates over the removal of statues and confederate flags in public places. Even as these stories escalate, we already know that hate will not win.
A right understanding of the Christian Bible portrays a God of love, mercy, justice and forgiveness. These attributes are not unrelated: The God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament. God is love; His attributes are all about love and He created us to be creatures that love, but we have fallen from that image. It may be easier to hurt someone who has hurt us, but we are called to a higher calling. Although there is a lot of debate on how to combat hate, we are told out of scripture that we must “overcome evil with good“. We cannot change others, but we can change our actions and our reactions. Hate will not win this battle, love wins in the end. Let us come together, pray for the nation, get involved in community strengthening programs and activities, and seek ways to unite and not divide.
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” Romans 12:21