In God’s kingdom, love reigns supreme. It is a place of unity, forgiveness, and compassion—where bitterness, hatred, and vitriol have no place. This foundation is clear throughout the teachings of scripture. God calls humanity to love one another. We are to reflect the divine grace that He freely offers us. Yet, it’s troubling to see that in certain corners of society, attitudes of intolerance, anger, and division are sometimes accepted. This includes among some professing Christians in America. These attitudes are sometimes even justified.
Jesus didn’t preach hatred. He preached love for your neighbor, forgiveness for your enemy, and service to the least among you. His life was a testament to kindness and humility, even toward those who persecuted Him. So why do some people claim to follow His example? Why do they choose to harbor bitterness and unkindness toward others?
This question demands self-reflection and a return to the heart of faith. To claim allegiance to God yet act contrary to the values of His kingdom is to miss the point entirely. Christianity is not, and never has been, about exclusion, judgment, or superiority. It is about love—plain and simple. The Apostle Paul famously wrote in 1 Corinthians 13: “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 is the kind of love God asks of us, one that leaves no room for bitterness or hatred.
It’s worth noting that bitterness often stems from fear or misunderstanding. When we choose to fear or reject others based on differences, we step away from unity. These differences could be political beliefs, cultural backgrounds, or any other dividing line. This separation opposes the unity that God desires for humanity. Instead, we cultivate division, creating barriers where bridges should be built.
For those professing Christians who have found themselves swept into attitudes of hostility, it’s time to pause and reflect. Ask yourself: Does this align with Christ’s message? Are my actions reflecting the love of God or are they rooted in worldly anger and pride? If the answer leads to discomfort, that’s okay—it’s an opportunity to grow.
America, as a society, has often dealt with polarization and conflict, especially in recent years. But for Christians, there’s a higher calling that transcends the world’s divisions. It’s not enough to simply profess faith; we must live it in a way that uplifts and unites. This doesn’t mean compromising on values or ignoring injustice, but it does mean addressing these issues with love, not hatred.
God forbid that His kingdom—a kingdom of eternal peace and love—be misrepresented by bitterness and vitriol here on earth. Let us strive to be ambassadors of His grace, spreading compassion instead of animosity, and seeking understanding instead of division.
In the end, the question isn’t just why hatred is accepted; it’s what we’re doing to change it. Every small act of kindness makes a difference. Every decision to forgive helps as well. Every moment spent listening instead of judging builds a world that better reflects God’s kingdom. And that is something worth striving for.
In His Service,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 