Hot Topics: Hate Crimes
Every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood.
Genesis 8:21 (NIV)
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)
Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.
Psalm 51:5 (BSB)
(Please note King David wrote this Psalm)
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
Romans 7:18 (ESV)
(Please note this verse was written by Paul about himself,
even after he became a believer, as Paul struggled against
his own sinful inclinations, and knew he could not act righteously,
except through the supernatural strength of God.)
The best remedy for hate crimes is love: a seemingly impossible to-do, except through impossibility's King: God, Who seems to favor impossible odds!
Only God can move a mountain of hate, by a well-placed act of the purest love– like letting His Own Son die on a cross.
Regarding today’s key verses, please note: evil was planted in YOUNG human hearts... long before they committed their foul deeds. Therefore, Satan is most truly to blame
'For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places' (Ephesians 6:12).
ALSO NOTE: Studies show convicts with childhood trauma are 8 times more likely to commit crimes than adults who had more normal childhoods.
How can love rescue hate-crime committers?
It can stun them with undue compassion and revive their cold hearts with forgiveness.
In turn, our Father can open their eyes, rock them with remorse, and nurse their new lives.
It worked for Jesus, again and again, and He can (and will) work through you and me. Consider it as a love transfusion.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Hate crimes aren’t limited to lawbreakers, because hate speech can also ruin lives. It can spur evil deeds to match the talk.
Resolutions?
Don’t hang in the company of haters. God says bad company can corrupt us.
If a hater calls himself a Christian, then make it known you (and Christ!) disagree.
Defend the victims of ungodly hate when God gives you the opportunity.
You’re called to rise and shine courageously! (Never let the devil tell you otherwise.)
Hot Topics: Hate Crimes (Part 34)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!