Hatred
The term “hatred” found in Galatians 5:20 is also translated “enmity.” Being one of the “works of the flesh,” it is a sin that must be avoided if we are to sustain our hope of heaven. Sadly, Vine defines it as “the opposite of agape, love.”
So, to have a better idea of what “hatred” is simply look at the Bible’s definition of “agape, love” in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. When an individual acts in a way that is the polar opposite of that described in this passage they are acting with “hatred” not love.
The term “hatred” or “enmity” was also used in
Scripture to describe the relationship of Herod and Pilate (Luke 23:12),
our carnal desires and God’s holiness (Rom. 8:7), and the distant
relationship of Jews and Gentiles before Christ (Eph. 2:15-16).
Jesus Christ came to unite mankind, not separate and distance us. May we
always act with love towards one another and expel hatred before it
expels us from heaven.
January 2007