Hate is a strong emotion.
It can take root in the heart and grow into bitterness, resentment, and even destruction.
For some, hate might feel justified—perhaps because of betrayal, pain, or injustice.
But does the Bible allow room for hate in the life of a believer?
God’s Word speaks clearly about love, forgiveness, and how people should treat one another, even in difficult relationships.
While human nature often leans toward holding onto anger, the Bible calls for something higher—a life shaped by love and grace rather than hatred.
Hate and the Human Heart
Hate is not just an external action; it begins in the heart.
Jesus addressed this issue in Matthew 5:21-22, saying, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
This passage shows that hatred is not just about physical violence—it is also about the thoughts and emotions that dwell within.
Hatred in the heart can be just as harmful as an outward action.
It can lead to broken relationships, poisoned thoughts, and a life consumed by negativity.
The Bible warns against allowing hatred to take root because it distances people from God and leads to sin.
God’s Command to Love Instead of Hate
Jesus gave a clear command about how believers should treat one another.
In Matthew 22:37-39, He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Hatred stands in direct opposition to this command.
If God calls people to love others, then harboring hatred is not just unhealthy—it is disobedience to His Word.
First John 4:20 puts it even more plainly: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.
For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
Hatred and love cannot exist together in the same heart.
If someone truly loves God, they will seek to love others as well.
The Dangers of Holding Onto Hate
Hatred does not just affect the person it is directed toward; it also harms the person who carries it.
Bitterness and anger can consume a person’s thoughts, making them restless, unhappy, and disconnected from peace.
Proverbs 10:12 warns, “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
Hatred creates division, but love brings healing.
When people refuse to let go of hatred, they allow it to control their emotions, decisions, and relationships.
Ephesians 4:26-27 gives an important warning: “In your anger do not sin.
Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Holding onto hate gives the enemy a chance to create further destruction in a person’s life.
God calls people to let go of hate before it takes deeper root.
Forgiveness as an Alternative to Hate
One of the hardest things for many people to do is forgive those who have hurt them.
Yet, forgiveness is at the heart of what God asks of His people.
Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Forgiveness does not mean pretending the hurt never happened.
It does not mean excusing someone’s wrong actions.
But it does mean choosing to release bitterness and entrusting the situation to God.
Jesus set the ultimate example of forgiveness when He was on the cross.
In Luke 23:34, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Even in His suffering, He chose love over hatred.
If Jesus could forgive those who nailed Him to a cross, how much more should people strive to forgive those who have wronged them?
Overcoming Hate Through Prayer
When hate takes hold of a heart, it can feel impossible to let go.
However, one of the most powerful ways to overcome hatred is through prayer.
Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Praying for someone who has caused pain might not come naturally, but it shifts the focus from anger to God’s grace.
Prayer allows God to soften the heart, heal wounds, and bring a new perspective.
It is difficult to keep hating someone when lifting them up in prayer.
Through prayer, God can replace hatred with compassion, understanding, and peace.
Hate and Justice: What About Righteous Anger?
Some may wonder if all hate is wrong, especially when facing injustice or evil.
The Bible does mention “righteous anger”—anger that is justified when faced with wrongdoing.
Jesus Himself showed anger when He saw corruption in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13).
God hates sin and injustice, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-19, where it lists things that are detestable to Him.
However, there is a difference between hating sin and hating people.
God’s anger is always rooted in justice, love, and truth.
Human anger, on the other hand, can easily become destructive.
James 1:19-20 warns, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Hating evil is not the same as hating individuals.
God calls people to seek justice but to do so with a heart that desires reconciliation, not revenge.
Letting God Handle Wrongs
When someone is deeply hurt, the desire for justice—or even revenge—can be strong.
But the Bible teaches that justice belongs to God.
Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
God sees every wrong and promises to deal with injustice in His perfect way and time.
Letting go of hate does not mean ignoring injustice.
It means trusting that God is in control.
It means believing that His judgment is better than human anger.
Instead of holding onto hatred, believers are called to release their pain to God and trust Him to handle it.
Living in Love Instead of Hate
Hate is exhausting.
It drains joy, consumes thoughts, and keeps people from experiencing the fullness of life that God intends.
Instead of hate, the Bible calls believers to a life of love.
Romans 13:8 says, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
Love is not always a feeling—it is a choice.
It is a decision to treat others with kindness, even when they do not deserve it.
It is a commitment to reflect God’s love in every interaction.
First Corinthians 13:4-7 describes what love looks like: “Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
This kind of love is not weak; it is powerful.
It has the strength to break cycles of hatred, heal broken relationships, and change lives.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear that hatred has no place in the life of a believer.
While anger and hurt are natural emotions, holding onto hate leads to destruction, not healing.
God calls people to a higher standard—to love even when it is difficult, to forgive even when it seems impossible, and to trust Him to bring justice.
Overcoming hate is not easy, but with prayer, faith, and obedience to God’s Word, it is possible.
Love is stronger than hate, and those who choose to live in God’s love will experience a peace and freedom that hatred can never provide.