Can you hate and go to heaven?

Can you hate and go to heaven?

There is an alarming segment of popular "Christianity" today, especially in Western countries, that teaches it is alright to hate. To hate someone because they are of a different faith- say Muslim. To hate someone because they have a different sexual orientation- ie, they're gay. To hate someone because they come from another country- such as an illegal immigrant

 in America. To hate someone because they are poor and need government help. To hate someone because they are of a different political party. We see this hate affirmed by pundits on television, politicians endorse it, and hate filled messages fly around on social networking sites such as facebook with alarming speeds.

But is it okay? I mean, did the God who loves "the world" (Jn 3:16) enough to die for everyone in it, really mean for His followers to justify hate in His name?

God gave His followers specific guidelines of what to believe, and how to live; but He never gave us the right to condemn anyone else, to take away their rights, to mock them or, heaven forbid, kill them. I know I have sinned in my life, so following Christ's teachings in Jn 8:7, I am not able to cast the first stone at anyone. I can decide, and need to decide, if my choices for my life are in line with the Bible's teachings, and I can in love share the Bible's teachings, but that is as far as I am allowed to go. I must not judge as in condemnation, for that right is not given to me. There is no Biblical statute that gives me the right to take another's rights from them. And I must not hate.

Hate is dangerous. For if God is love, as 1 John 4:8 teaches, then the defining trademark of a Christian should be love. Hate comes from somewhere else, and it is not godly, but of the enemy.

Hate keeps those who think they are believers out of eternal life with Christ. If you hate....you don't go to your eternal reward, but eternal punishment.

1 John 3:15
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

If you catch yourself thinking thoughts of hate and judgment, get into prayer immediately! Ask the Lord to forgive you, correct you and guide you. Your soul's destination is at stake. Let all you do be done in love. Yes, we all mess up sometimes, that is why we must keep vigilant watch upon ourselves. Think before you speak- am I speaking in love? Think before you act- am I acting in love? Think before you forward a news story- does this promote love or discord? Think before you post on facebook or twitter- does this further the kingdom of God, does this show my love? Or does it show that I am following God in name only but not love and deed?

-Beth Butler

What would Jesus see if He walked in?

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7

Do you find yourself overcome at times by worry over what the future brings, anger over what others have done to you or thoughts of envy/jealousy? When those thoughts occur, stop and realize they did not come from God. They are all snares set for you to fall into by the enemy. If we spend our time thinking thoughts of fear, hurt or envy then our minds and soul churns into a stormy mess, we have no peace and our contentment is destroyed. When we find ourselves going there (and we all do) we need to stop and say, "why am I concentrating on this?" God does not give us those things, but rather love, peace and joy.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8)

 God wants us to look for the beautiful in life, the lovely, the excellent and honorable. When we do so, we see the world in a brighter light, and contentment fills our souls. Look at your life, your hobbies and activities- are they things that promote wholesomeness, love, learning and self improvement? Or are they base, highlighting what is worldly and deplorable? What we fill our minds with is what shapes us. If the vessel that is our minds and souls are filthy from stains of the world's gutter, God's presence will not fill us. God will not use a base vessel.

In all aspects of your life look around. Would you be ashamed if Jesus walked in the door during your favorite television shows? What if He perused the books by your bedside? Would you invite Him to play your video games with you? Would your language be acceptable? Would He like your music playlist? Would you be comfortable in the clothing you had chosen for that day? Or would you be panicked and ashamed that God was looking on you, your entertainment, your attire, the way you've built your surroundings? God IS watching though...He knows what you read, what you watch, what you say, how you dress. He sees whether you are faithful not only physically but emotionally to your spouse. He sees how you treat your parents or children. He is with us always, all the time.

Whether you are comfortable contemplating that shows where the nature of your soul lies. If you mentally squirm and say, "Well really, Beth, who wants to think of God like that,".....do some housecleaning of your mind, your heart, your soul and your surroundings. Dust does not offend God- romance novels that glorify cheating do. Worn clothing does not offend God, nor old cars, but listening to worldly music and shows that glorify murder/sex/drugs do. Our daily struggles do not offend God, but treating our spouses, parents, friends and family poorly does.

We can do so much to better our relationship with God when we focus on the things in life that God wants us to- that which is good, and pure and wholesome. God wants you to have fun, to enjoy life, to have fulfilling relationships. He wants strong families, not broken relationships and one night stands. He wants us to enjoy the creation He has made, not ignore it except as a commodity to be exploited. He wants us to delight in the books and music that people have written that lift our spirits up, not drag us into the mire. He wants our minds filled with peace and contentment, not anxiety, strife and envy.

Are you ready for God to do an inspection on the state of your mind and life? If not, why not?

-Beth Butler