How do I let go of hatred?

Proverbs 15:1A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Cultivating a gentle spirit will help us manage our anger. Anger leads to bitterness, which leads to hatred.

Micah 6:8The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Mercy and humility are powerful weapons against hatred.

Ephesians 4:31-32Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

The more we work at being tenderhearted, the easier forgiving others will be. It is difficult to continue hating someone we have decided to forgive.

1 John 4:20If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?

Genuinely nurturing our love for God will increase our love for others, and that love will conquer hatred.