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Top 10 Ways Not to Hate Your Neighbor

Updated: 2 days ago



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Remember that Beatles song, “All You Need Is… Hate”? Maybe not. But doesn’t it feel like that when you look at the news these days? And the worst part? The more you take in, the more upset you become at “them”—whoever that happens to be for you.

 

Well, maybe the Bible can help. Here are ten practical things you can put off and put on (Ephesians 4:22–24) to avoid hating your neighbor. Go ahead—give it a try!

 

Put Off

  1. Put off…over-consuming the news—the outrage cycle is designed to disciple you into fear and suspicion. “Above all else, guard your heart.” — Proverbs 4:23

  2. Put off…voices of anger and hate, no matter how entertaining or persuasive they seem. “Bad company corrupts good character.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33

  3. Put off…posting or sharing snarky or combative comments, even when it gets applause from your side. “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.” — Ephesians 4:29

  4. Put off…the instinct to see “the other side” as all bad. Don’t distrust someone the moment you learn where they stand. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” — Matthew 7:1

  5. Put off…the need to react to every offensive comment—many things can simply be released. “It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” — Proverbs 19:11

 

Put On

  1. Put on…discernment before reacting. Ask, “How would Jesus respond to this person or post?” before you hit send. “Let the mind of Christ be in you.” — Philippians 2:5

  2. Put on…prayer for those you disagree with—pray for their good and their spiritual transformation. “Pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44

  3. Put on…courage to break the ice—have coffee with someone who offended you and seek understanding. “If your brother or sister sins against you, go to them.” — Matthew 18:15

  4. Put on…a different attitude when your side starts trash-talking—model another way. “Blessed are the peacemakers.” — Matthew 5:9

  5. Put on…strategic hospitality—invite believers with different perspectives over for a meal. See what God does. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:3

 

Your Turn Now

So that’s my list—I’ve got a lot of work to do to live it out! What are your Top 10 ways not to hate your neighbor? The truth is, you can’t make hate extinct with a quick list, but you can refuse to “let the world around you squeeze you into its mold” (Romans 12:2, PHILLIPS). And we can do that one small interaction at a time.

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