What people call “hate speech” because they are offended by divine truth, God calls perfect love.
– Clint Decker
Since the 1980s the word “hate” started to become a politically and culturally charged word in the United States and around the world. Today we have “hate crimes,” “hate speech”, “hate groups” that have had a dramatic impact on our speech both in public and private.
What exactly is “hate speech?” Many public universities define this for students and faculty. Kansas State University, which is close to where I live states that, “Hate speech is speech that attacks a person or group on the basis of attributes such as gender, ethnic origin, religion, race, disability or sexual orientation.” Definitions like this should be concerning regarding potential bias. Can a man ever be a victim of hate speech due to his gender or only a woman? Can a white person ever be a victim of hate speech due to their race or only a person of color? Can a heterosexual ever be a victim of hate speech or only a person who is from the LGTBQ community? These are legitimate questions.
Policies and laws that define hate speech have incredible influence, but does that mean they are correct? Just because someone accuses you of hate does that mean they are right? Who is the arbiter of truth on this? I tell my nine-year-old great-granddaughter, “Pursue truth. Ask questions. Do not always take a person’s word for it – even mine. Look things up.” And then I teach her what is the source of all truth, the Bible.
Jesus spoke, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies…” (Matthew 5:43-44) Hating means you detest or have a strong hostility toward someone, which is strongly condemned. Hate is also defined through contrast. Jesus says to love instead of hate. Love means having a longing in your heart for someone that is demonstrated through selfless sacrificial service, especially toward your opponents.
Can true love cause offense? The pastor of the church I preached at decried my message when he texted me, “God’s love is for all.” We are so grateful for the blessings of Christ like the gift of forgiveness, the hope of heaven, realizing there is no more condemnation, being a child of God and so much more. These evoke feelings of love, joy and peace among all. However, when pastors only speak of the blessings of Christ to the exclusion of the cross of Christ, they mislead their congregations.
The cross is ugly. Jesus’ death and resurrection revealed how sinful we are, and the divine sentence of judgement all mankind deserves. When we speak of these things it naturally causes offense. Jesus expected this resistance when He said, “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” (John 3:20)
What people call “hate speech” because they are offended by what heaven’s merciful light has exposed, Almighty God calls perfect love. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son…” He lovingly gave His unique Son for the ugliness of our sinful disobedience, that we might humble ourselves, turn from our ways, place our faith in Christ and be spared God’s eternal wrath. Then in response, the marvelous blessings of Christ are lavished upon us without measure.
Let people call it what they choose but understand this. When you speak accurately about the uncensored truth of God’s Word, and do so with the right spirit, it is the most beautiful and merciful act of love you could ever do for a precious soul.
A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will search our hearts for any hate toward others or even toward the hard truths of your holy Word. Then cleanse us from this darkness and fill us with your amazing love that we would believe your truth, and love and forgive our opponents. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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