Changing Attitudes

"True change can come only from the volition of the peoples involved," observed McGeary. And how can people's volition be changed?  Experience has shown that the most powerful, most motivating, and most enduring influence comes from God's Word, the Bible. This is because "the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two--edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12. 

Admittedly, the uprooting of prejudice and hatred does not occur automatically, nor does it happen overnight. But it can be done.  Jesus Christ, the great motivator of hearts and  sensitizer of consciences, was able to move people to change. Millions have succeeded in following Jesus Christ's wise counsel:  "Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you." -Matthew 5:44. 

True to his teachings, Jesus included in the group of his most trusted friends Matthew, a former tax collector, one who had been a hated outcast in Jewish society.  (Matthew 9:9; 11:19)  Furthermore, Jesus instituted a way of pure worship that would eventually embrace thousands of the previously excluded and hated Gentiles.  (Galatians 3:28) People from all around the then known world became followers of Jesus Christ.  (Acts 10:34, 35) These individuals became known for their surpassing love. (John 13:35) When hate-filled men stoned to death Jesus' disciples Stephen, his final words were:  "Jehovah do not charge this sin against them."  Stephen wanted the best for those who hated him. -Acts 6:8-14; 7:54-60. 

Modern-day true Christians have similarly responded to Jesus' counsel to do good, not just to their Christian brothers, but even to those who hate them.  (Galatians 6:10)  They are working hard to eliminate malicious hatred from their lives. Recognizing the powerful forces that can engender hatred within them, they can take positive action and replace hatred with love. Yes, as an ancient wise man said, "hatred is what stirs up contentions, but love covers over even all transgressions." -Proverbs 10:12. 

The apostle John stated: "Everyone who hates his brother is a manslayer, and you know that no manslayer has everlasting life remaining in him." (1 John 3:15) Jehovah's Witnesses believe that. As a result, they are now being integrated-from all ethnic, cultural, religious, and political backgrounds -into one united hate-free community, a genuine global brotherhood. 

Next time: Animosity Turned Into Friendship

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000