In our minds there is a BIG difference between “fornication” and “hatred.” But look! Both sins made this “list,” this “works of the flesh” catalogue.

One is a blatant “sexual” sin, so to speak … the other, merely a “social” sin. Located quite near everyday “strife” in Paul’s compilation, really.

Yet today “hatred” must be considered, in our Lesson.

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, HATRED ….” Galatians 5:19-20

The Greek is “echthra,” and is closely related to the noun “enemy.” In the New Testament “echthra” is used only six times, total. And five of those times the King James translators opted for the word “enmity” as its meaning!

This hatred can be either passive or active. If passive, it is a seething “repulsiveness” toward a person. If active, downright “hostility!”

And of course these outward attitudes (then actions) flow from a heart that is filled with anything but love! So taught Jesus: “For out of the HEART proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man.” Matthew 15:19-20

We Christians are never to pursue such a lifestyle. That of being a “hateful” man or woman.

This is a short Lesson!

But what more can I say?

Let’s examine our hearts, looking for any (even slight) vestiges of “hatred.”

Then let’s confess and forsake such … and ask God to so fill us with His Love that these old rotten “resentments” will never return!

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso CONFESSETH and FORSAKETH them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell