How can you reason with someone that has hate in their heart? Can you appeal to their conscience or moral sense, to convince them to face their hate?
Interestingly, the Apostle Paul once had murderous hate in his heart:
“Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.” – Acts 9:1a (NLT)
Could you have reasoned with the hate-filled Saul? Could you have appealed to his conscience or moral sense, to convince him to face his hate?
Clearly, a miraculous transformation occurred in the life of Saul. After being touched by God, he went on to write at least 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament, as the Apostle Paul.
How did this happen? As Christians, we have civic responsibilities and should exercise our rights and freedoms. But first, remember that hate is a spiritual problem. We cannot legislate the heart of a man or resolve a spiritual problem with natural means.
With that being said, as we engage and put forth truth in the marketplace of ideas, pray and watch God do all that He has promised. Reason with those that have hate-filled hearts, if that’s what the Spirit of God is leading you to do.
Look at the examples of Stephen and Ananias. Their prayers over the heart of Saul and others with hate-filled hearts, are moving and powerful. Their intercession is an example of the way that we should be praying.
“Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.” – Acts 7:57-60 (NLT)
“So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.” – Acts 9:17-18 (NLT)
Times are indeed tough, but remember:
- Our God is taking into account all records of men’s doings (Romans 2:5-6)
- Our God never sleeps or slumbers (Psalm 121:4)
- Our Redeemer draweth nigh (Luke 21:28)
- And even so, “Come Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20)
But don’t despair; prayer works! I mean, look at what Saul, who used to have a hate-filled heart, became!
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.”
– I Corinthians 13:1-3 (NLT)
Love is superior!
…and life is for loving others!
Enjoy the journey!