Two things:
- If you are the one doing the hating then it is time to forgive. Hatred towards another only puts you in captivity. As a believer we are called to love unconditionally, period. "But you don't know how bad they betrayed me." You are right, I don't. But Jesus was rejected by those He loved, yet He gave His life that they/we might have redemption. If anyone had a reason to hold a grudge I believe it would have been Him. It's time. Forgive and be forgiven. Don't waste your time with hatred.
- If you are the one being hated then get on your face before God and clear the air with Him first. If you need to ask someone for forgiveness then trust God for boldness to be courageous and then take a step of faith. It is right and good and you will be blessed! If you simply need to pray for that other person then start interceding. Then do good to them.
Proverbs 25:21-22 instructs, "If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you."
OK, so our motive shouldn't be fire on our enemy's head, but kindness and love does melt a hard heart.
Jesus also says, "love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." (Luke 6:35-36, emphasis mine)
Then this world will know that we are His disciples. Pray for opportunities. Pray that God would show you how to be kind to those who persecute you. The point is God's glory--that many would come to know our Awesome Lord!
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