The mass killing in Orlando Florida in 2016 was a grim reminder of the difference between love and hate. Omar Mateen murdered 49 innocent, unsuspecting people, the incident was immediately labeled a hate crime. There is also a reason to believe it was an act of terror motivated by the killer's background and self-confessed allegiance to the radical jihadist. Sadly, they are one and the same. In the Muslim community, you are considered infidel if you do not accept Allah, the god of Islam. Hatred of the infidel is commonly taught in Muslim Madrassas throughout the world where they are encouraged to destroy the unbeliever.
In the life of any toddler, love and hate are learned conditions and not emotional experiences. Every man and woman born to Adam's race has the right to accept or refuse to love or hate. It’s a decision based on imperfect judgment. As young children, we can learn to hate just by watching our parents or a friend or a neighbor. The hate is passed down from generation to generation becoming a justifiable way of life. The same can be said for love. We can choose to love one another regardless of how we feel. It's more than an emotion or sentiment it’s the universal law that governs the creation. In today's high definition culture; love is too often thought to be an erotic experience rather than a matter of the heart or used as a passing emotion instead of enduring character.
Hate is a product of man’s rebellious nature, love is the sum total of God's character. We can possess the character of God if we determine to love each other in spite of color or culture. Love can best be understood in God’s own words. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) For more about the nature of God and man read “Beam me up Commander” it's FREE!
