Why do we hate them?

😠 Is it okay for me to hate them?

Have you ever caught yourself feeling sudden anger—or even hatred—when a certain political leader appears on your screen? Maybe it’s someone who you deeply disagree with, or someone the media constantly criticizes. Before you know it, you’re filled with frustration… maybe even rage. But where does that hatred really come from? Why do we hate them? And what does the Bible have to say about it?

The truth is, much of our hatred is learned—fed by what we hear, see, and consume. News outlets, social media, and even conversations with friends or co-workers often highlight the worst in our leaders. Over time, that negativity builds up, shaping our thoughts and attitudes. If people we trust show anger or hatred, it’s easy to pick up the same attitude without even realizing it.

God takes hatred seriously…

But here’s where Scripture challenges us. Most of us know Jesus’ command: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). But Jesus takes it even deeper. In Matthew 5:21-22, He says, “You have heard it was said… ‘You shall not murder…’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” That’s intense. Jesus puts unchecked anger on the same level as murder. The Apostle John echoes this: “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him” (1 John 3:15).

So, yes—God takes hatred seriously. But what about when our anger feels justified? What about leaders who promote evil or create suffering? Jesus didn’t leave any gray area. He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44).

That’s tough. Pray for those we disagree with? Even those we feel have caused harm? Absolutely. That is the heart of God. Pray for their repentance. Intercede for their salvation. And ask God that they would lead with wisdom and righteousness.

His Kingdom calls us higher…

As citizens of God’s Kingdom, our response should look different. Are we praying for our leaders—or just cursing them under our breath? Are we speaking life, or just adding to the noise of criticism? 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us of God’s heart: “He is patient… not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

One thing is certain—spending hours soaking in negative media will make it harder to walk in love and humility. It doesn’t mean we should ignore what’s happening in the world, but we need to stay grounded in God’s truth. His Kingdom calls us higher.

The Heart of the King

So, next time that familiar anger rises up—pause. Pray. And ask yourself, what response reflects the heart of Christ?

Monday Encouragement provides powerful, thought-provoking video content designed to inspire and uplift. Led by Paztuh Mike, each episode draws from his own personal struggles and real-life victories, creating a relatable and authentic teaching experience. Through a combination of Scripture, relevant discussions on current events, and heartfelt testimonies, viewers are invited to encounter transformative truths that speak directly to their own lives.

Whether you’re facing challenges, seeking guidance, or simply in need of spiritual encouragement, this series provides the tools and insights to help you navigate your journey with renewed strength and purpose. New episodes are released every month so don’t miss out—subscribe below to receive your dose of encouragement!

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What is dishonor?

😮 Honoring our leaders…

Let’s be real—dishonor is everywhere, even in Christian circles. Whether it’s the “Let’s Go Brandon” chant or making fun of the assassination attempt of President Donald Trump, it’s clear that disrespect toward government leaders has become normal. Some might say, “Come on, it’s just a joke!” And I’ll be honest—I’ve laughed at some of this stuff before too. But let’s take a step back and really think about it.

What Does Dishonor Actually Mean?

The Oxford Dictionary defines dishonor as bringing shame, disgrace, disrespect, or discredit. Now, let’s go back to those examples. Does chanting “Let’s Go Brandon” fall into any of those categories? What about making fun of an attempted assassination? If we’re being honest, yeah, they do.

But dishonor isn’t just a modern issue. It’s been part of American culture for a long time—whether through public criticism, political leaders tearing each other down, or how the media portrays them. Did you know that four U.S. presidents have been assassinated? Abraham Lincoln (1865), James A. Garfield (1881), William McKinley (1901), and John F. Kennedy (1963). And the Bible already told us this would happen: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

How Should We Respond?

As Christians, how should we treat government leaders—even the ones we don’t agree with? Let’s look at what Peter said:

“Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good.” (1 Peter 2:13)

Now, here’s the crazy part—Peter was talking about Nero. This guy was no friend to Christians. Historical accounts say that after the Great Fire of Rome, Nero blamed Christians for it and used that as an excuse to have them killed—fed to lions and worse. Yet Peter still told believers to submit to authority. Why?

Peter wasn’t saying, “Agree with everything your leaders do.” He wasn’t saying, “Obey them even when they go against God.” But he was making a point—respect the position, even if you can’t respect the person. That doesn’t mean we stay silent about corruption or evil. But it does mean we handle it in a way that reflects Christ.

Honoring God While Resisting Evil

Martin Luther King Jr. said it well:

    “One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.”

This principle is all over Scripture. Take Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—they refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue, even though it meant getting thrown into a fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:16-28) But notice how they did it. They didn’t curse him out, mock him, or start a rebellion. They stood firm, but they did it with honor.

How Do We Look Different?

Dishonor is everywhere. It’s in the news, on social media, in memes, and even in conversations with friends. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to be different. Peter’s words and these Bible stories give us a picture of what the Kingdom looks like when it comes to honoring leaders.

So let’s choose to be set apart. Let’s stand against corruption, but let’s do it in a way that still reflects honor. It won’t always be easy, but if we’re serious about living for Christ, it’s worth it.

Monday Encouragement provides powerful, thought-provoking video content designed to inspire and uplift. Led by Paztuh Mike, each episode draws from his own personal struggles and real-life victories, creating a relatable and authentic teaching experience. Through a combination of Scripture, relevant discussions on current events, and heartfelt testimonies, viewers are invited to encounter transformative truths that speak directly to their own lives.

Whether you’re facing challenges, seeking guidance, or simply in need of spiritual encouragement, this series provides the tools and insights to help you navigate your journey with renewed strength and purpose. New episodes are released every month so don’t miss out—subscribe below to receive your dose of encouragement!

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Thank you for visiting Paztuh Mike’s website! We’d love for you to become a part of our growing community by signing up for the newsletter below. You will receive weekly doses of encouragement through thought-provoking content, as well as updates on the latest music, speaking engagements, and community outreach efforts. This isn’t just a newsletter; it’s a community where we grow together. We hope you’ll join us by subscribing below!

Leave this field empty if you're human: