Hatred Is A Blind Force

Good morning my friends,

Did you know that hatred causes blindness? It is true! Hatred will make us completely blind to the truth and allow us to do things we would never think of doing in our proper frame of mind. Hatred has been know to provoke people to murder. This is the reason Jesus taught that we should never allow ourselves to be provoked to anger. He taught us that if we have anything against a brother or we know that a brother has anything against us we must deal with it quickly.

Hatred led king Saul to become a mass murderer. Sure, he was not the one who used the sword but he was the one who give the order. He ordered the wrongful death of 85 unarmed men and then it spilled over into the death and destruction of an entire town.

It all happened because priest had given David some supplies when David had come by to inquire of the Lord. The priest was not involved in the politics of the day so he had no idea that there had been a falling out between the king and David. All he knew was that David was highly favoured of the king, the Captain of his body guard. It was normal for David to drop in and inquire of the Lord. It was Saul's hatred that blinded him to this simple fact. It was logical. How would a priest know of the sudden demise of David?

Put it in perspective. There are 85 men on trial in Montreal for treason and terrorism. The judge who is also the mayor has taken their supposed actions personally. He completely ignores the clear facts that these men are innocent of the charges and orders their immediate death. How do you think that would look in the news headlines? "Mayor Kills 85 Clergy As Pleas Of Innocence Fall On Death Ears".

This act of Saul's makes no sense except in the context of his hatred of David. In his inability to lash out at the one he hates he lashes out at anyone who appears to support him. We can hear the anger of Saul toward his son Jonathan. I am surprised that Jonathan survived with his life. Of Course Saul would not even notice that Jonathan had chosen to stay with his father instead of standing by David's side. Hatred never allows us to see the good things, only the bad.

Remember the moments of anger you have experienced. Were you able to take everything into consideration or did you focus on that one single act that caused you to be angry? Were you able to take into consideration your entire relationship with that person or did everything get forgotten except for that one single act? Hatred blinds us to all the facts except for the perceived offense against us. All other things are set aside and forgotten so that we can put all our energy into that one thing; hatred.

Jesus told us not to allow it to get to the point of anger. Deal with it before it gets there:

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. (Mathhew 5:21-26)

Hatred should never be found in a child of God. Deal with it before it destroys someone.