THE POWER OF DIVINE LOVE OVER HATRED By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: John 13:34-35
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
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INTRODUCTION
The world today is engulfed in hatred, violence, and division. Wars rage on, innocent lives are lost, and societies are crumbling under the weight of animosity. People wake up with bitterness in their hearts, go to sleep with grudges, and act with cruelty towards one another. However, God never intended for His creation to live in such conditions. From the beginning, He designed humanity to walk in His divine love, living in harmony and unity.
Despite the increase in hatred, God has given us an alternative—the power of divine love through Jesus Christ. This love is not just a feeling but a transforming force that overcomes the darkness of hatred and destruction. As believers, we are called to be the light in a dark world, demonstrating the love of Christ through our words, actions, and attitudes. This teaching explores how we can live in God’s divine love and reject the spirit of hatred that pervades our world.
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THE WORLD OVERRUN BY HATRED
1 John 2:11
"But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes."
Hatred is a dominant force in the world today. Nations fight against nations, individuals despise one another, and society is increasingly divided. This rampant hate is fueled by pride, selfishness, and demonic influences. Those who are consumed by hatred find themselves unable to experience true peace and joy. Instead, they live in turmoil, continuously seeking vengeance and destruction.
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GOD’S LOVE AS THE ANTIDOTE TO HATRED
Romans 5:8
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
God’s love is the only solution to the problem of hatred. Through Jesus Christ, we have received a love that is pure, unconditional, and life-transforming. This divine love is far greater than the powers of hatred because it is rooted in the very nature of God Himself. His love calls us to forgive, to extend grace, and to seek reconciliation rather than retaliation.
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THE CALL TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER
1 John 4:7-8
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
As followers of Christ, we are commanded to love one another. This love should not be selective but should extend to all people, regardless of background, race, or status. Jesus Himself demonstrated this love by laying down His life for the very people who rejected Him. When we choose love over hatred, we reflect the character of God and become His true disciples.
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REJECTING THE SPIRIT OF DIVISION AND BITTERNESS
Ephesians 4:31-32
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Hatred thrives where there is division and bitterness. The enemy seeks to divide families, churches, and nations by planting seeds of resentment. However, God calls us to unity through love. Forgiveness is key to overcoming bitterness. When we let go of past hurts and choose to love, we break the chains of hatred and walk in freedom.
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THE DANGERS OF HATRED AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
Proverbs 10:12
"Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins."
Those who harbor hatred in their hearts are in danger of destruction. Hatred leads to violence, broken relationships, and ultimately eternal separation from God. Many people today are enslaved by hatred, causing pain to themselves and others. We must be vigilant not to allow the spirit of hate to take root in our hearts.
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SUMMARY
The world is drowning in hatred, but God’s divine love is the answer. As believers, we are called to reject the spirit of hatred and embrace the love of Christ. This love is not weak; it is powerful enough to transform hearts and heal broken relationships.
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CONCLUSION
We must choose to live in love daily. It is not always easy, but through Christ, it is possible. By keeping our focus on God and His love, we can resist the pressures of hatred and be true representatives of His kingdom.
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CALL TO ACTION
If you have been struggling with hatred, bitterness, or unforgiveness, surrender it to God today. Ask Him to fill you with His divine love and help you walk in forgiveness and unity. Choose today to love rather than hate, to build rather than destroy, and to spread light rather than darkness.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Romans 12:21
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
No matter how much hatred surrounds you, remember that love is stronger. Continue to walk in love, trust in God’s justice, and be a vessel of His divine love in this world.
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SALVATION PRAYER
If you have not yet given your life to Christ, pray this prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You today, acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I repent of all my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again on the third day. I accept Him as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to walk in Your love each day. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
