Hatred and animosity can poison our hearts and relationships. The Bible provides essential teachings on love and forgiveness. Today, we’ll explore verses that address hatred towards others and guide us towards a more loving and forgiving perspective.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Prayer
Bible Verses About Hatred Towards Others
Matthew 5:44
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
This verse challenges us to love and demonstrate kindness towards our enemies. It teaches us that instead of harboring hatred towards those who hurt us, we should bless them, do good to them, and pray for them. By doing so, we reflect the love of Christ and break the cycle of hatred.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.”
This verse emphasizes that hatred only leads to conflict and strife, while love has the power to forgive and cover sins. When we choose to love others instead of dwelling in hatred, we promote peace and reconciliation.
1 John 3:15
“Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
This verse reveals the seriousness of harboring hatred in our hearts. It equates hatred with murder, highlighting that those who harbor hatred cannot have genuine eternal life in them. It challenges us to examine our hearts and seek reconciliation and forgiveness rather than allowing hatred to take root.
Leviticus 19:17
“You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor and not bear sin because of him.”
This verse instructs us not to allow hatred to reside in our hearts. Instead, it urges us to confront and rebuke our neighbor if needed, not to bear sin because of them. It encourages open communication and addressing issues rather than fostering hatred and bitterness.
Romans 12:19
“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
This verse reminds us that we should not seek revenge or take matters into our own hands. Instead, we should trust in God’s justice and leave room for His righteous wrath. By doing so, we let go of hatred and allow God to work in our lives and the lives of others.
1 Peter 4:8
“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.””
This verse encourages us to have a deep and sincere love for one another. When love guides our actions, it has the power to cover and forgive a multitude of sins. Hatred, on the other hand, magnifies sin and hinders reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”
This verse urges us to rid ourselves of negative emotions such as bitterness, wrath, anger, and evil speaking. Hatred often stems from these toxic emotions and can poison relationships. By letting go of these destructive tendencies, we create space for love and unity.
1 John 2:11
“But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”
This verse highlights that hatred leads to spiritual blindness and darkness. It warns us that when we harbor hatred towards others, we lose sight of God’s truth and righteousness. By embracing love instead of hatred, we walk in the light of Christ and experience His guidance.
Proverbs 15:17
“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred.”
This verse conveys the importance of love in our relationships. It illustrates that even a simple meal shared in love is more satisfying than an extravagant feast tarnished by hatred. It emphasizes that the presence of love enriches our lives more than material possessions.
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
This verse encourages us to be patient with and forgive one another, just as Christ forgave us. By embracing forgiveness, we let go of resentment and create an environment of love and reconciliation.
James 1:19-20
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
This verse reminds us to listen carefully, be slow to speak, and slow to become angry. It teaches us that acting out of wrath and anger does not align with God’s righteousness. By choosing patience and understanding, we can diffuse situations filled with hatred and promote peace.
Luke 6:27
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
This verse reinforces the command to love and show kindness even to those who hate us. It challenges us to go beyond our natural inclinations and extend compassion and grace, just as Christ has shown us.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law.”
This verse reminds us of the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, kindness, and peace. Hatred goes against the nature of the Holy Spirit and contradicts His work in our lives. By allowing the Spirit to guide us, we can manifest love and overcome hatred.
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’”
This verse shows the importance of limitless forgiveness. Even when others repeatedly hurt us, Jesus commands us to forgive them endlessly. Forgiveness breaks the chains of hatred and allows us to experience the transformative power of love.
Proverbs 17:9
“He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of covering transgressions with love. When we choose not to bring up past offenses repeatedly, we foster love and preserve friendships. Hatred thrives on rehearsing old wounds, but love leads to healing and reconciliation.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”
This verse affirms that love is the ultimate fulfillment of the law. When we choose love, we do no harm to our neighbors, freeing ourselves from acts of hatred. Love encompasses all the commandments and leads us to live in harmony with one another.
James 2:8
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well.”
By loving our neighbors as ourselves, we fulfill the royal law described in Scripture. Hatred towards others does not align with this royal law, but love brings fulfillment and blessings. Loving our neighbors means treating them with kindness, respect, and empathy.
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
This verse encourages us to seize every opportunity to do good to all people, including fellow believers. As followers of Christ, we are called to show love and kindness to everyone, counteracting any inclinations towards hatred and division.
Proverbs 14:21
“He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.”
This verse reveals that despising our neighbors is a sin. Hatred towards others, including our neighbors, goes against God’s commandment to love one another. Instead, by showing mercy and compassion to those in need, we experience true happiness that hatred can never provide.
John 13:34-35
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.”
This verse encapsulates Jesus’ commandment to love one another. Our love for others should mirror the love that Christ has shown us, serving as a testimony of our discipleship. When we love one another authentically, we bear witness to the transformative power of Christ’s love.
Proverbs 25:21
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”
This verse encourages acts of kindness towards our enemies. Choosing to bless our enemies with provisions rather than harbor hatred brings healing and can break down barriers. It reflects the sacrificial love of Christ and opens doors for reconciliation.
Matthew 18:15
“Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”
This verse highlights the importance of addressing conflicts and offenses directly and privately with others. By doing so, we prevent the growth of bitterness and hatred. It provides an opportunity for understanding, forgiveness, and restoration.
Luke 6:31
“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
This verse encapsulates the Golden Rule of treating others as we would like to be treated. Hatred stems from an absence of empathy and kindness. By extending love, mercy, and grace to others, we establish a foundation of respect, understanding, and unity.
Romans 12:17-18
“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
This verse advises against seeking retaliation for evil deeds. Instead, it encourages us to esteem what is good in the eyes of all people. We are to strive for peace and reconciliation, doing all that is within our control to live harmoniously with others.
What Does the Bible Say About Hatred Towards Others?
In the Bible, hatred towards others is strongly condemned. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). The apostle John also emphasized the importance of loving others, stating that anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and does not have eternal life within them (1 John 2:9-11).
Hatred is seen as being in direct opposition to the love and grace that God has shown us. It goes against the very nature of God, who is love (1 John 4:8). The book of Proverbs also warns us that hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs (Proverbs 10:12).
In summary, the Bible teaches us to love and show grace to others, regardless of their actions or beliefs. Our response to those who may offend or hurt us should be rooted in love, forgiveness, and a desire for reconciliation, following the example of Jesus Christ.