At the outset of creation, God built humans as caring, helpful,
relational beings—to God, each other, and the earth (Gen. 1:26, 27;
Ps. 8:5, 6). But after sin entered the heart, relationships became
broken, and jealousy, animosity, and hatred became normal. Hate
isn’t disagreement with others but a sinful, emotional desire for harm
to come to those we deem worthy of it. Hate can also be apathy, as
we are too self-focused to care about others. Apathy is indifferent,
emotionless hate. Apathy occurs when we have passive carelessness
for those God has called us to care about (Prov. 24:11, 12; 28:27). If
love is proactive sacrificial caring for others, hate is both a proactive
and passive hurt to others. Hate leads to resentment and bitterness
which will destroy your life. Hating others is like drinking poison
hoping it kills the other person! The only thing believers are to hate
is evil—in ourselves and others (Ps. 97:10; Prov. 8:13; Rom. 12:9).