This is a strongly worded, interesting Bible verse that is worthy of discussion. It is mentioned occasionally in daily life and some wonder how to interpret it.
Some questions come to mind, such as
- What do you mean by hate?
- Can't I still love God if I have issues with my brothers?
- What does seeing them have to do with it?
1. What do you mean by hate?
This is an opinion, but when the word "hate" is used in the Bible it usually refers to someone who has done something they know is wrong or something a person perceives as unjust. The word is mostly used in the Old Testament, since the New Testament emphasizes love.
One interesting theory that has been proposed equates hate with selfishness. You were created with the intention of more than your own survival.
Just as a note, hate is used in a context that is different than someone irritating you. It someone irritates you it is more correct to say you dislike the action more than you dislike the person. If it is persistent this outlook can change.
2. Can't I still love God if I have issues with my brothers?
God created your brothers and intended you to live in harmony. If you love God you look for the good that is in them. No human is ALL good or ALL bad.
One theory of why people were created with different abilities is that it gets people to help one another. This was God's intention.
Your relationship with God effects your relationship with others.
3. What does seeing them have to do with it?
The Gospel Of John 20:29 reads,
Blessed are they that have not seen and yet still believe. In the context of the passage it seems to infer you can see how people are responding to you in life. If you treat others poorly they might treat you poorly. However, with God it is not as obvious. It takes faith to believe that God is working behind the scenes, without seeing.
The Bible character Doubting Thomas reflects that part of all of us deep down that wants to see things before believing them. It is arguably programmed into humans. It takes some measure of faith to look beyond that and trust that God is working.
Author's Commentary
1. It is easy to like someone who treats you well. The spiritual perspective involves going further and faith.
2. The quote above reflects things like the facts that God created your brothers (in Christ) and the fact that it is hard sometimes to see how God is working in your life.
3. If you " hate" your brother it is a reflection on who created your brother. Your brother was made in the image of God.
4. If you " hate" your brother it could be your own misinterpretation. In this case you should put your faith in God.
The belief that God can resolve the issue without your help is, indeed, the best vantage point.
Have you loved your brother today?
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