I Hate...

I had an interesting discussion with a friend tonight that inspired me.

I hate people that are liars, fakes, thieves, prideful, arrogant and selfish.

Is it true that: the character traits we hate most in others are the very things that we fail to resolve in our own hearts? I mean, is that a fair question to ask? I'm constantly reminded of this upon casting my own judgements everyday. You see, my opinion is of so much importance to ME that I can't imagine seeing others through the lens of Christ. It's much easier to do a critical analysis of the people I come in contact with everyday. It gives me a sense of security and reminds me of why I am better than them. It helps me build a sense of righteousness for myself. It reminds me of how great I am.

Then, I'm hit face to face with the things that I hate- coming out of my own life. Like when I withhold encouragement from someone because I know they're more talented, intelligent or attractive than me. Or maybe when I don't expose the whole truth on the grounds that I'm trying to save face with someone. Maybe it happens when I want to belittle someone who deserves to be cutdown. Wow. Shocking reality- I, too inherit most of these horrific attitudes and traits at some point. This idea levels the playing field for us all. We can no longer hold sin against others because we share the same problem.

Yet, as long as we are holding to our preconceived ideas of what people should be like, we will contine to pursue righteousness apart from our Creator and find fault in everyone but ourselves. This goes against God's grace, and we can't live under the banner of grace if we are unwilling to give or receive it. Grace sees us as we really are and speaks to us in truth, demanding repentance to God and forgiveness for others.

That is what makes love real...


Anybody who has once been horrified by the dreadfulness of his own sin that nailed Jesus to the Cross will no longer be horrified by even the rankest sins of a brother.- Dietrich Bonhoeffer