How Do I Hate Thee?

How do I hate thee? 

Let me count the ways.

I hate thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach.

With apologies to Elizabeth Browning. 

If you are a Republican, is this how you feel about Obama?
If you are a Democrat, is this how you feel about Sarah Palin? 

Let's say you are right and these people are your enemies and worthy of your hate. 

What did Jesus say about your enemies? I bet you already know, but just in case, here is Jesus in Mathew 5:

43-47 “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

48 “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

Hmm.

Paul mentions those whose conscience has been seared with a hot iron. Did you blush when you read what Jesus said in the context I provided of politics? If so, then mediate on this. If not, then I am not speaking to you. Either you are not active in politics, or your conscience is already seared. 

Comments

[eric anderson]

I think there is a difference between being angry with someone and hating them. But expressing the anger might sound like hate. Or "racism." :P