THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
God has made a commitment to oppose those who oppose Him and stand against His adversaries; this declaration of enmity serves as a significant testament to His friendship. He acknowledges both sides, having previously stated, “I am greatly honoured by thy friends, O God,” and advocates, “Have I not hated them that hate thee?” Moreover, He emphasizes this sentiment intensely, noting that not only does He “hate” but He also “crushed” them.
Read more (939 words)
The essence of love is such that it cannot cohabitate with hatred, regardless of circumstances: this reflects the profound nature of love. Paul exemplified this truth, expressing, “Shall I not stir up jealousy in my kinsmen according to the flesh?” (Rom. 11:14), while maintaining steadfast hope. He encouraged Timothy in this manner: “But the servant of the Lord ought not to quarrel, but to be friendly to all, teachable, not unkind, teaching his adversaries with meekness, whether God will not give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 2:24-25). You may wonder how we can refrain from hating even our enemies and the Gentiles. It is proper to hate their erroneous beliefs, not the individuals themselves, nor their flawed existence or intentions. Humanity is God's creation; however, falsehood is a product of evil.
It is crucial to separate God's truths from the deceptions of evil. The Jews blasphemed, persecuted, and spoke ill of Christ, yet Paul, who loved Christ deeply, did not harbor hatred for them. Instead, he cared for them genuinely, stating, “my heart's desire and prayer to God” for them “is for salvation” (Rom. 10:1), even wishing, “I wish I myself were excommunicated from Christ for their sake” (Rom. 9:3). Likewise, Ezekiel, witnessing their downfall, lamented, “O Lord God, wilt Thou destroy the whole remnant of Israel?” (Ezek. 9:8), just as Moses interceded, “forgive them their sin” (Exodus 32:32). Meanwhile, David proclaimed, “Shall I not hate those who hate You, O Lord, and abhor those who rebel against You? With full hatred I hate them: they are my enemies” (Psalm 138:21-22). However, not all expressions in David's Psalms originate solely from him; for instance, he did not literally dwell among the tents of Kidar (Ps. 119:5) nor did he personally experience Babylon (Ps. 136:1).
As Christians, we are called to exhibit exceptional vigilance. When the disciples asked Jesus to bring down fire as Elijah did, He responded, “ye know not what spirit ye are” (Luke 9:55). The Jews were directed to reject not just wickedness but wicked individuals to prevent any association that could foster sin. Thus, they were prohibited from mingling with Gentiles and were kept apart for their protection. However, God has now elevated our understanding and instructed us to engage in fellowship with others, as we are not negatively influenced, but they may benefit from our presence. Our response should not be hatred, but mercy; for if we harbor hate, how can we guide the wayward, or intercede on behalf of the unfaithful? Paul instructs, “I ask you therefore first of all to make prayers, supplications, thanksgivings for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1), acknowledging that not all were faithful. He extends this to petitioning “for kings, and for all rulers” (1 Tim. 2:2), though many were unjust and wicked. He further notes, “for it is good and pleasing to our Saviour God, who desires that all men should be saved and attain to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:3-4).
In instances where a non-believing spouse is wed to a believer, dissolution of the marriage is not warranted; there exists a profound bond rooted in Scripture that states, “They shall be one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). Consequently, if we deem it necessary to hate the ungodly, we risk extending that hatred toward sinners, gradually isolating ourselves from the majority of believers since none are without fault. Should we detest God's adversaries, it would require us to despise not only the wicked but also those who stumble in sin. Such an attitude renders us worse than beasts, leading to separation from all, filled with pride reminiscent of the Pharisee.
Paul, however, instructed us differently: “Reason with the disorderly, comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering to all” (1 Thess. 5:14). You may ask about his caution: “if any man will not hearken to our word in this epistle, let him be admonished, and have no fellowship with him” (2 Thess. 3:14). Indeed, this admonition is directed towards brethren, yet it must be approached with gentleness. Following his counsel to avoid close association, he adds, “but do not count him for an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (2 Thess. 3:15). Such instruction indicates that we must detest sin while still loving the individual.
The work of the adversary is to disrupt our unity; he tirelessly seeks to eradicate love, ensuring that the paths to correction are obstructed and that animosity prevails, thereby hindering salvation. If a physician were to recoil from a patient, and the patient were to avoid the physician, how can healing be accomplished if neither reaches out? Why then do you distance yourself from the sinner? Is it due to their wickedness? This is precisely why engagement is necessary; healing must come forth to mend the afflicted. Even Judas was ensnared with treachery, yet God persisted in His attempts to heal him; hence, you also must not despair. Although you may not succeed in drawing him away from his evil, you will be rewarded as if you have done so. Your meekness may well astonish him, thereby glorifying God in myriad ways.
Performing miracles or raising the dead will never evoke as much wonder as your ability to embody kindness, compassion, and gentleness. Such characteristics have immense value, potentially leading many to turn away from vice. Love is the most compelling attraction; while signs and wonders may ignite envy, love inspires admiration and acceptance of truth over time. Should a heathen not convert immediately, remain patient; do not rush or demand instant changes. Allow them to experience love and appreciation, enabling them to gradually journey toward faith.