Hebrews 12:15, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”
If we learn anything from the memory of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, it is that hate is a horrible thing. None of us will soon forget the horror we felt as we watched people jumping out of the windows of the World Trade Center, or the heart wrenching pictures of loved ones who wandered the streets of New York City for days carrying pictures of a dad, sister, mom, or friend whom they hoped might still be alive. The temperatures of the fires in the Trade towers rose to well over 1000 degrees, and as the jet fuel melted the steel of those twin towers, they became a massive crematorium, a holocaust of a different kind. The human pain and tragedy was immeasurable. If you went to three funerals a day of those who lost their lives, it would take you nearly six years to attend them all. It seems beyond comprehension that anyone could be capable of such an evil act. Yet there is an explanation, and it isn’t that the terrorists wanted to rule our land or possess our natural resources. Simply put, they hated us. Hatred is a horrible thing, and we saw it in all of its ghastly potential on that memorable day. Any of us who harbor hate in our hearts need to take note. This is a wakeup call. Hate is a terrorist emotion. It deludes our minds, and unless we deal with it, hate will do irreparable damage to our homes, churches, businesses, and, of course, our own souls. Hate is an emotional “luxury” no one can afford. Now is the time to learn the freedom of forgiveness and the overriding benefit of living to love. If the terror of hate lurks in your life, declare war until grace and love have been victorious.