Why Such a Cycle of Hatred? -HOW IT SPREADS

A person can hate others without ever having had direct contact with them.  For example, an individual may  unconciously adopt the biased views of those whom he respects and feels close to. Thus, hatred can easily spread and become the shared view of an entire group. 

When we  understad the pervasive nature of hatred, we can see why it has a hold on so many people. However, to break the cycle of hatred that grips our world, we must get to the very roots of hatred.  These roots are exposed in the Bible. 

THE BIBLE REVEALS THE ROOTS OF HATRED

MALICIOUS HATRED DID NOT ORIGINATE WITH HUMANS.  It started when an angel in heaven, who came to be called Satan the Devil, rebelled against God.  The Devil "was a murderer when  he began" his rebellion.  As "a liar and the father of the lie," he has continued to instigate hatred and aggression. (John 8:44; 1 John 3:11, 12)  The Bible describes him as malicious, angry, and aggressive. - JOB 2:7; REVELATION 12:9, 12, 17. 

IMPERFECT HUMANS ARE INHERENTLY PRONE TO HATE. The first man, Adam, followed Satan's sinful curse. As a result, all humans have inherited sin and imperfection. (Romans 5:12) Adam's first son Cain,  hatefully murdered his own brother Abel.  (  1 John 3:12)  True, many humans display love and compassion. But because of inherited sin, multitudes are prone to use selfishness, envy, and pride-qualities that fuel hate. - 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5.

HATRED THRIVES THROUGH INTOLERANCE. The world we live in feeds hatred by promoting merciless and harmful attitudes and behavior. Intolerance, prejudice, insulting speech, bullying, and vandalism thrive because  "the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one," Satan the Devil. - 1 JOHN 5:19. 

However, the Bible does more than merely expose the roots of hatred. It also points to the solution.  

Next time: How to Break the Cycle of Hatred

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