How to end hatred by seeking God's help

It is possible ending hatred by seeking God's help? Keep in mind that "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22, 23).

It is possible to break the circle of hatred with God's help. His holy spirit can produce qualities in us that we could not otherwise possess. So instead of trying to overcome our hatred in our own strength, let's rely on the help that God provides. Notice the same as the apostle Paul, who wrote, "In all things I have strength in Him who gives me power" (Philippians 4:13). And we can say, "My help comes from Jehovah" (Psalm 121:2).

How to end hatred by seeking God's help

Pray earnestly to Jehovah to give you holy spirit (Luke 11:13). Ask him to help you imitate his qualities in your daily life. Study what the Bible says about the qualities that counteract hatred: love, peace, patience, and self-control. 

Look for ways to manifest these qualities daily. Surround yourself with people who strive to cultivate them and who will therefore be able to "stir you up to love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24).

What does God think about violence?

Many, including believers, believe that violence is a legitimate response to provocation. And millions of people regard violent programs on television or in the movies as acceptable entertainment.

Near Mosul, a city in northern Iraq, lie the ruins of what was once the great Nineveh, capital of the Assyrian Empire. When this metropolis was thriving, the Bible foretold that God would make it "a desolate solitude" (Zephaniah 2:13). He declared that He would "put on a show." 

But why? Nineveh was a "murderous city" (Nahum 1:1; 3:1,6) . Yet, according to Psalm 11:5 , God "hates those who love violence." As the ruins of Nineveh testify today, God kept His word.

It is Satan the Devil, the chief enemy of God and man, who is at the root of violence. Jesus called him a "murderer" (John 8:44). Furthermore, "the whole world is in the power of the wicked one," or Satan. 

Satan's personality, therefore, shines through in the way people view violence. For example, many are fascinated by violent spectacles on television and in movies (John 5:19). To please God, we must learn to hate violence and love what God loves. Is this possible?

Can violent people change?

Violence is nothing more than a reflection of human nature, which does not change.

"Reject [...] anger, rage, malice, insult, obscene words [...]. Put off the old personality with its practices and put on the new personality" (Colossians 3:8-10). Is God asking too much? No. Someone violent can change.

The first step is to obtain "accurate knowledge" of God (Colossians 3:10). When a person whose heart is receptive discovers the captivating qualities of the Creator and his principles, he approaches him out of love and wants to please him (John 5:3).

The second step concerns the choice of our friends. "Do not go with the angry man, do not go with the violent man! You can get used to their ways, and they will become a trap for you" (Proverbs 22:24, 25).

The third step requires discernment. Consider the tendency to violence for what it really is: a serious weakness that indicates a lack of self-control. But to promote peace, you need moral strength. "The slow to anger is better than the strong man," says Proverbs 16:32.

Will hatred and violence ever end?

Violence has always existed and will always exist.

"A little while longer, and the wicked will be no more [...]. But the meek will possess the earth and truly delight in the abundance of peace" (Psalm 37:10). To save the humble and the peaceful, God will treat those who love violence as He treated Nineveh. And violence will never again stain life on earth! (Psalm 72:7).